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Sugarbush Lincoln Peak Launch

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Sugarbush Lincoln Peak Launch

Spot Info

Spot Details

PPG friendly
Not marked
Authorization
Not marked
Club / contract
Required
Launch faces
ENE
Forecast point
Ready
Access notes
Sugarbush is a VHPA-managed, hike-only resort site and is absolutely closed to free flight throughout ski season and whenever lift or grooming operations are active. Current USHPA/VHPA membership, annual state waiver, current site introduction, XC skill, and Restricted Landing skill are required. Meet at the Lincoln Peak parking lot and hike the Mountain Ops route via Spring Fling and Snowball for roughly 90-120 minutes. The top or Organgrinder takeoff is one-at-a-time.
Site rules
  • Do not fly during ski season or whenever lifts or grooming operations are active; verify current Sugarbush operating dates before travel.
  • Maintain current USHPA/VHPA membership and annual state waiver. P2 is not allowed; P3 flies only under approved observation; first-time P4 requires an on-site introduction; XC and RF skills are mandatory.
  • Hike only from the current Lincoln Peak parking/operations route. No vehicle access, tree trimming, camping, or off-route shortcuts.
  • Use the primary LZ at 44.136292,-72.888013. The golf course is prohibited unless Sugarbush obtains explicit same-day approval; never treat it as a routine LZ.
  • Maintain at least 75 feet over lift cables, push toward the LZ early whenever not climbing, and use the current member channel to coordinate plans.
  • Do not infer PPG permission. This row documents foot-launched PG only.
Launch directions
ENE
Direction notes
Official ideal sector is approximately 40-65 degrees, with about 5 mph minimum, 7 mph ideal, and 12 mph maximum.
Safety notes
  • The exposed alpine summit sits in compression. Wrap can make the Organgrinder takeoff appear straight while remaining crosswind; fully pressurize the wing, and if rising vertically, move outward to avoid blowback.
  • Trees, lift hardware, and snowmaking equipment bound launch. Fly straight away until clear and do not repeatedly cross lift lines.
  • The primary LZ requires about a 4.4:1 glide and is a narrow, downhill, terraced gravel parking area with drainage ditches, trees, and thermal triggers. Restricted-field skill is essential.
  • A headwind can make the LZ unreachable. The Easy Rider trail is the published last-resort uphill/downwind option; leave the hill early and maintain energy on final.
  • Active glider towing occurs at Warren-Sugarbush Airport in the valley. Maintain situational awareness and current airspace/traffic procedures even though the retained launch and LZ clear the fixed facility buffer.
  • Spring instability, strong cycles, thunderstorms, cloud suck, rotor, and limited landing options make this an advanced mountain/XC site.
Additional notes
Current exact Sugarbush summit launch omitted by the automated manifest. It is distinct from North Lynx and Stein's through its coordinate, ENE aspect, long hike, exposed alpine geometry, and operating envelope.
Map pin (exact launch)
Exact Lincoln Peak Launch coordinate published in the current VHPA Sugarbush guide.
Official website
https://vhga.aero/flying-sites/sugarbush/

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