Jackson Hole Paragliding - Go Along For the Ride or Learn How to Fly Solo!

Jackson Hole Paragliding offers tandem flights for those who have never done this and don't want to have the responsibility of piloting anyway (non-flyers). Your hands will be free to take photographs and you can just rely on the expertise of your pilot to handle it all. All Jackson Hole Paragliding pilots are U.S. Hang Gliding Association Certified instructors, with years of experience.

Be sure to wear good shoes for the landing. Good ankle support isn't a bad idea. Also, wear long pants and a warm sweater or a windbreaker. JH Paragliding will supply the rest, including a safety helmet. Call (800) 329-9205 for more information.

Tandem paragliding is offered at three locations, and at three times (8:00,9:00 or 10:00 AM). Morning is best because the air is calmer. The sun can cause thermal conditions that can make a flight too unsettling for the non-flyer. Obviously, wind and weather will play a role in whether or not you can fly. Weight is a consideration for passengers and the range is from 50 to 250 pounds. Jackson Hole Paragliding pilots are very experienced and have an excellent safety record. They don't fool around with the safety of their passengers.

At Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, they take flight from the top of the Bridger Gondola. Once the new tram is operational (summer of 2009) I would assume they will again be flying tandem from the top of Rendezvous Mountain. But for now it's the gondola. When the tram was running, sometimes they would stop at Tower 3 and let the flyers off there..not sure if that will be the case with the new tram. Flights can last up to an hour, depending on thermals and winds. Cost at JHMR is $225, including the gondola.

Grand Targhee Ski Resort (across Teton Pass to the western slope of the Teton Range) flights are from the Dream Catcher lift for $175. You will find yourself flying on the less-famous side of the Grand Teton and, trust me, the view will be amazing!

Boat tows at Palisades Reservoir are $150. Palisades Reservoir is part of the Snake River system as it flows south from Jackson Hole and then turns west into Idaho. This 10 minute video shows what it looks like from up there.