Note: Fly Yukon is presently working on an MOU with Mount Sima. Some details on this page may change. The official page will be listed on the Sima page, but the bulk of information will be from here (currently undergoing revisions).
Mount Sima is open for paragliding during the ski season and occasionally in the summer. The chairlift provides easy access to the north and south launch sites conveniently located within a few minutes from each other. The wind station, located at the top of the chair lift, monitors wind-speed and direction and is posted on our website to let you know when it’s flyable. If the wind is not favourable, pilots can enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding or take the chairlift back down and relax in the lounge. All pilots wishing to fly at Sima, need to be insured, complete an orientation, and sign the paragliding policy (see PDF download below). Details about the launches is provided below.
- Purchase a season pass for unlimited access to skiing and flying.
- Purchase a day-pass for skiing and flying.
- Purchase a single lift-pass. If it’s not flyable, pilots can download and come back to fly another day.
Launches:
North Launch: N/NE (Novice)
Turn left at the top of the chair lift and you are there. The top of Dan’s Descent provides a nice smooth launch on a gradual slope suitable for all levels or pilots as well as tandem launches. Be sure to leave enough room when setting up your wing to allow skiers to pass by. This launch is closer to the landing zone, but if launching in stronger winds, be prepared to use your speed bar to ensure you reach the landing zone with adequate height. You can sometimes catch lift on one of the lower two benches or possibly along the west side of the launch. It is possible to launch with northwest wind, but it will be crossed making launch conditions more advanced (Intermediate or Advanced rating is advised). This is also a descent launch for no-wind forward launches . There is no speed-flying permitted at Sima… only paragliding. Sima management asks that once clear of the first knoll, pilots do not swoop below tree level and ensure at least 100’ is maintained above chair lift at all times. Landing is only permitted in the designated landing zone along the Copper Trail.
Upper South Launch: S/SE (Intermediate)
This is the newest launch at Sima. The launch is located directly below the look-out tower and boasts a beautiful view for pilots or spectators. There is often lift in the basin directly below the launch. If you have adequate height, the dog-leg to the landing zone can be skipped, but be sure to give sufficient height and distance to the lower knob to avoid rotor. Lift can also be caught at the lower knoll if heading around the dog-leg. The LZ is not visible from this launch and pilots should have at least an intermediate rating or higher to launch here or be under supervision of an instructor.
Lower South Launch: S/SW (Advanced)
Landing Zone:
Site Regulations:
- Proof of current HPAC Membership when purchasing a day-pass or season pass.
- Only HPAC insurance is accepted due to insurance requirements.
- Waiver signed (Season Pass)
- Paragliding policy signed
- DO NOT fly below tree top elevation over runs (Pilot not below tree line)
- Land only at the (new) landing zone beside the Copper Trail and parking lot.
- Under no circumstances are landings to be near the lifts.
- Safe altitude at at least 100′ maintained above lifts and lines and buildings when flying.
- No speed-flying or speed-riding.
- Have a local pilot give a site orientation.
- Ensure your wing is secure before going on chair-lift. Be careful of straps. Be ready to exit chairlift quickly. Lift operators will slow it down for you to disembark.
- If using the lounge afterwards, please sign in upon arrival.
Airspace
- The area around the park below 700 AGL is class G airspace and open to all
- Above 700 AGL is class E airspace and pilots require HGAR
- Small aircraft, helicopters and float planes arriving/departing CYXY and Schwatka Lake often overfly the airspace around Mt Sima
Communications
- It is MANDATORY to contact the airport control tower/FSS prior to launching and when finished.
- Whitehorse Tower: 867-667-8426
- Airband Frequency: 118.3
- Local Search and Rescue can be reached by calling 911.
- On hill emergency can be reported to Guest Services: 867-668-4557 ext 221
Sima Contact Information:
mountsima.com