para pro

If you have been looking to explore a new fly site in North America you may have heard of this hidden gem. Girdwood, Alaska in the summer has everything the adventurous pilot is looking for and more.
The Arctic Air Walkers host the 5th annual "Ten Days of Solstice" Fly-in scheduled June 16-25th at Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood. The event is always scheduled on the two weekends surrounding the summer solstice on June 21st. Ready for some 24-hour daylight?
Alyeska is a P-2 site and requires 75 logged flights and a site orientation. It is serviced by a tram from the Prince Hotel. The launch sits about 2,000 feet over the LZ which is a huge open meadow. The mountain features several lee side house thermals that offer extended scenic flights over snow capped mountain peaks. The hotel tram zips you right back up so its about 20-30 minutes from LZ to launch.
The drool worthy view is rated among the top 10 in U.S. ski resorts and is only topped by the same view from 6,000 feet over. Girdwood sits at about 250 feet above sea level. The Turnagain Arm features Beluga whales and the second strongest boretide on the continent. Dress for between 55-80 degree weather. It is usually hot and sunny but bring warm clothes if you plan to do the glacier flight or if it rains.
The glacier flight is a 5,000 foot vertical glide from the highest peak over Girdwood. The 30 minute glide features midnight sun and glass smooth air. Yes, around solstice those pilots in northern latitudes can fly after midnight as civil twilight lasts until dawn. The days are very long. Fly for four hours, then go do something fun like a hike or wildlife viewing, then come back and fly four more hours.
The food and drink are top notch no matter where you are if it is good Alaskan salmon or halibut and a keg or three of Midnight Sun beer. A BBQ is included on the second weekend to hand out door prizes for the many contests and to review the overall fun everyone had.
Chris Santacroce hosts an awesome 3 day towing clinic for pilots of all skill levels. It features camping, and at least 3 tows a day. Spots are limited and must me reserved in advance through Midnight Sun Paragliding.