A note from the editors:
Got comments, feedback, suggestions, experiences? Post in the comments and we will add your perspectives here. This site is intended to provide a basis for individuals researching paragliding schools in Utah, and we hope to keep adding valuable information for those seeking to get into this amazing sport.
Utah is a premier location to learn to fly.
Draper specifically, is host to at least five individual paragliding schools, ranging from the large schools with multiple locations and local stores (inventory, yea!) to small one-man operations.
Many prospective students come from other states to learn to fly here, as this area offers some uniquely ideal sites for instruction. The ‘point of the mountain’ in Draper Utah is host to hundreds of students every year, with the ‘south side’, a non-threatening training site (mornings) and the ‘north side’, the larger site for advanced students (evenings). Predictable winds make learning easy, with many mornings being ideal for beginners to practice small flights and kiting on the perfectly suited south side. Once graduated from small flights and practicing landings, the student can continue at the afternoon larger site just two miles away. This site features a great grassy flight park, easy take-off conditions, and thermal activity to allow for practice of intermediate student skill.
With such a great selection of flying sites, schools abound. It’s almost impossible to make a good decision from afar just based on the individual school Websites and telephone interviews.
For that purpose we put together this review of local schools. Please keep in mind that your experience may vary, and we in no way offer guarantees or promises of accuracy – this is merely a guiding point to help you in your own research for your perfect school.
Learning to fly is NOT cheap! Contrary to what some schools may tell you, with deceptive ‘package’ deals, you should be prepared to spend between $5,000 and $7,500 in gear and lessons (and you’ll want the gear, trust us).
