Summer Flights

Summer Flight times: 7am, 9am, 11am & 6pm

During your tandem flight, you are seated comfortably in your harness and securely connected to your pilot and paraglider. This glider is specifically designed to accommodate two people. Striding a short distance on a gentle slope (approx.5-20 ft.) the glider smoothly lifts you from the ground. There is no “jumping off” any mountain cliffs. Landings are slow and effortless, similar to exiting a chair lift. In flight, your hands are free to operate any type of camera you may wish to bring. It’s recommended that there is a lanyard/leash connected to the camera so it can be securely attached in flight.

FSV tandem pilots also offer an in-flight photography/video service. You may inquire about this service with your pilot.

Flights are conducted from the summit of Bald Mountain. Favorable lift conditions may make it possible to maneuver the glider and utilize air currents to extend the flight time or gain altitude. While it is not possible for Fly Sun Valley to guarantee a time aloft, flights vary from approximately 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the conditions of each day. However, it is the policy of all tandem pilots to keep you aloft as long as possible. (With client approval of course!)

Wind chill protection and proper footwear are the highest priorities to enhance the enjoyment and comfort of your tandem flight. Participants should be prepared for temperatures significantly cooler than what may be found in downtown Sun Valley/Ketchum. A thermal layer with a wind proof outer shell is most desirable. Sunglasses are normally recommended. Light weight gloves may also be beneficial, but are not required. Ankle support/hiking boots are also highly recommended. Teva’s, sandals, clogs, etc. are unacceptable.

While aerial discomfort is highly unlikely, if a participant is susceptible to motion sickness, we recommend taking the appropriate precautions and notifying the pilot prior to departure. Our staff pilots are the finest and most experienced in the country, committed to make your flight an exciting, comfortable, secure and unforgettable experience. Fly Sun Valley’s professional tandem pilots are certified by the United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association as Tandem III Instructors. We have safely soared the skies with thousands of happy clients. Ages so far have ranged between 3 and 93…..virtually anyone can fly.

Before your flight, we usually meet at our landing zone or the River Run Lodge. The landing zone is the field located at the north end of the River Run parking area at the base of Bald Mountain. There are several windsocks located in the field.

Access to our launch sites on Bald Mountain is either in the comfort of our 4x4-company vehicle, (7am & 6pm) or the Sun Valley Company mountain chair lifts, (9am & 11am). Fly Sun Valley does not supply lift passes. Lift passes are available from the Sun Valley Company at the desk in the River Run Lodge.

As with all forms of aviation, flights are weather dependent. Constant monitoring of meteorological conditions is standard procedure and all flights are conducted at the discretion of the pilot. A credit card number or cash deposit is required to guarantee all reservations. Due to the limited space available, the client will be charged in full for cancellations within 24 hours of a scheduled flight, if Fly Sun Valley is unable fill the reserved space. Should unsuitable flying conditions force a flight cancellation or necessitate a schedule change, guests are not charged and rescheduling is attempted for a future date and time. We recommend scheduling a flight early during one's visit, as this allows more flexibility for weather related delays.