Glider Scales 14ers of the Colorado Elk Mountains - Spectacular and Intimidating!

Soaring's biggest challenge in Colorado is to fly above all 58 mountains that are more than 14,000 ft tall, and this flight takes us into the Elk Mountains - some of the highest, most beautiful, and most intimidating mountains in North America. To get there from Boulder you have to cross three major mountain ranges: the Colorado Front Range, the Mosquito Range, and the Sawatch Range - each of them more than 14,000 ft tall as well. Only four pilots have completed the 14er challenge since it's inception more than 12 years ago.
This flight took place on September 5, 2020 - in the shoulder season when the days are quickly getting shorter. Nevertheless, the conditions were close to perfect for this endeavor with strong thermals, modest winds, good cumulus clouds, and no risk of thunderstorms.
The glider is a Ventus 2cxT high performance sailplane from Schempp-Hirth with 18 meter wingspan. The flight originated and terminated at KBDU (Boulder Municipal Airport) in Boulder, Colorado. The flight track can be found here: www.onlinecont...
The video contains original footage from the flight as well as graphic displays of the route and detailed explanations of key decisions, closest landable airports, and other risk mitigation considerations. The 14er challenge is open to any soaring pilot and rumors are that the end date of Sep 2021 will be extended. So come to Colorado and fly with us! More details can be found here: www.soarboulder...
Watch my other videos: / chessintheair
Check out my Website: chessintheair....
Follow me on Facebook: / chessintheair