Before you know it you have been through a briefing and are in special paragliding harness. Adrenaline is being pumped through your body, the excitement level high. Looking down the slope and connected securely to your instructor and the tandem glider, you realize you are about to run off the side of a mountain!
Q: How does Tandem Paragliding work?
A: After a scenic ride up the Aerial Tramway at Alyeska Resort, and a short briefing including an introduction to paragliding basics, and getting outfitted in a helmet and harness, you can enjoy the experience of a lifetime. You and your instructor pilot will fly from the mountainside like a bird from a point near the top Tramway terminal. Flights can be a radical adrenalin buzz or a mellow sight seeing sensation just ask your pilot. Together we will glide down the valley floor to Moose Meadows for a landing on soft Alaskan muskeg.
Q: How long does it take?
A: The whole activity requires about 1 hour, however, certain portions of the activity may be expedited when more than one guest is taken through the orientation process at one time.
Q: How much flight time can I expect?
A: We can guarantee, with any body weight, a 10 to 15 minute flight. However, given with certain air currents (thermal or "ridge lift") it is possible to stay aloft for extended periods.
Q: What if I am an adrenaline junkie?
A: Please ask about ?the roller coaster version.?
Q: Is the Tram ticket cost included with the $165?
A: Yes, one Tram pass is included for the participant. Spectators, moms, long lost cousins, moral support groups, etc. need a separate tram pass.
Q: Is it better for family members (spectators) to watch from the top or the bottom?
A: All spectators are encouraged to watch and the view is better from the top. If our ?in-flight photo option? or ?in-flight video option? has been selected, watching from the landing area might be suitable. Your decision may depend on if the spectator plans on taking pictures or, and whether you want to spend the extra dollars to get up there. We do a really cool in-flight video product, so you can leave that up to us!
Q: After my friend flies off, where should we meet up again?
A: If you cannot fly down after him or her, then plan to meet at the base of the stairs at the base Tramway station, or other location as discussed with your instructor pilot.
Q: Do you fly over mountains or glaciers or all meadows?
A: We do not get over a glacier, but they are right there in view as we float effortlessly around the valley unless someone wants to go really big (expensive) and rent the helicopter to access a higher glaciated takeoff
Q: What if I am not that coordinated or do not follow directions well or do not know my left from right? Or what if my young child is 12 but is not real quick to move or terribly coordinated (yet)?
A: We can still operate the paraglider successfully . It will be lots easier on the pilot if you at least try to cooperate though! To most guests the take-off hill does seem quite steep and perhaps they only half-believe that the thing is actually going to work, and their heart is beating and the adrenaline flowing...you would be surprised how cooperative people become if they think their life depends on it!
Q: What if I am afraid of heights?
A: Clinically described, acrophobia (fear of heights) is only in effect when looking over the side of a tall building. If you are afraid when you look out the window of a 747, you probably have a fear of flying and need tandem paragliding therapy anyway. Paragliding is like sitting in a giant comfortable swing set, except with a better view. Even you can handle it. The glider has an ?open cockpit? feel, breeze in your face and wildlife running around below. If we know of wildlife in the area, we will fly over for a peek!
Q: Is paragliding scary?
A: No. Half of tandem paragliding is psychology. If you were to research the subject of adventure activities what the customer/participant is up against is called "perceived risk." Sure there is some residual risk. Statistically, risk is low in a tandem paraglider with a professional pilot. It is our job to instill confidence and get the job done. You, the guest, come away feeling good about themselves having accomplished something. Consequently, you may also have perma-grin for the rest of the day.
Q: Do you offer any specials?
A: Combo packages include Tandem Paragliding and a Jet boat River Safari Tour for your whole group or family!
Q: Any scheduling advice?
A: Do not leave tandem paragliding to the last day of your trip. We recommend making reservation to fly or checking availability as early as possible after you arrive to the area or during your stay if the weather is conducive. If you have a reservation for say, Tuesday, and you arrive Monday afternoon and it is nice out and there are a bunch of colorful paragliders floating around in the sky over Girdwood, get out there with us while the getting is good! We realize that regarding travel and travel planning there is in many cases a daily fun requirement that is directly tied to time and financial budgets, but the weather does not care about such things and will change as it pleases. If it is nice out now, go now. Conversely, if you are not able to participate at your scheduled time due to weather, please reschedule for later in the day or the following morning, but do not miss this, because it is the chance of a lifetime!
