Salida - The Little Known Glider Flying Paradise

Salida Colorado is one of the best kept secrets in the gliding world featuring easy access to all of the major mountain ranges in Colorado, powerful mountain thermals, endless ridge lines, reliable wave soaring, and frequent convergence lines... Salida is an attractive mountain town with hiking, climbing, white water rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, trail running, etc. And it has a great glider-friendly airport with a long and wide runway and little air traffic. The only thing missing are regular tow operations so you have to bring a motor glider or a tow plane and a tow pilot. It's not a site for beginners but anyone who is serious about mountain soaring will be hard pressed to find a more attractive place to fly.
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This video provides a brief introduction to the site based on my first flight from Salida where I followed the Sangre de Cristo Range, flew above the San Luis Valley, crossed over to the Wet Mountains, the Pikes Peak Massif, overflew South Park, and crossed the Sawatch Range with its famous Collegiate Peaks. Soaring flights can take you anywhere in Colorado and into neighboring states such as New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming.
My flight was part of a Soaring Camp organized by my club, the Soaring Society of Boulder. Many thanks to Elliot Dickerson who was the main organizer for the event, and to all club members who made it possible, including Erik Rasmussen who came to tow with our club's Pawnee.
A trace of my flight on this particular day can be found here: www.weglide.or... or here: www.onlinecont...
The Salida airport is known as KANK - Harriet Alexander Field at Salida. More information can be found here: www.cityofsali...
My glider is a Ventus 2cxT high-performance sailplane from Schempp-Hirth.
Music is from Epidemic Sound and features tracks from Biddy Sullivan (Haystack, Out the Back) and Mid Knight (Come With Me Tonight). I know music isn't for everyone but I thought these tracks fit the scenery and the western vibe of the site. Hope you like it!