Paragliding above ski hill

Photo: Mount Baldy

There will soon be a new way to descend Mount Baldy.

The ski hill outside Oliver has partnered with the Hang Gliding Paragliding Association of Canada to allow certified level-two HPAC members to launch off the mountain in-bounds.

“They will launch off skis and we’ll have designated, safely cordoned off launch and landing areas,” said Baldy general manager Andy Foster, explaining the pilots will have multiple launch and landing options at the top and bottom of the hill.

While a few resorts in the Kootenays and Rockies allow pilots to launch in-bounds, Baldy will be the first in the Thompson-Okanagan to do so.

“The goal here is as we move into summer is we will be able to launch off of Baldy and get down all the way to the Okanagan Valley,” Foster said.

The mountain is in talks with local pilots to hopefully offer tandem flights to regular guests at some point down the road.

To kick off the partnership, HPAC is holding an event at Baldy January 19 and 20, where members will be mini-wing skiing on a designated run and launching from the alpine if weather permits.

“We are excited. It’s not going to be big revenue, but something a bit extra to do up here,” Foster said.

Certified level-two HPAC members that are interested in launching off Baldy can reach out to the resort’s glider liaison online.