The Rocky Mountain region is actually the foothill region of the Rocky
Mountains and extends from Golden to the Canada-USA border. The mountain range varies in
high between 6000 - 12000 ft (1800m to 3650m), follows the Columbia River (one of the
world's great migratory bird sanctuaries) from Golden to it's headwater at Columbia Lake
and continues south following the Kootenay river to the border. The only major break in
this mountain chain runs from Cranbrook to Sparwood.
Geographically (Map) separating
the Purcell Range (Columbia Mountains) to the west and the Stanford Range (Rocky
Mountains) to the east.
The east side is developing almost continues thermals and perfect for
long distance flights.
The weather here is relatively dry in summer and with cloud bases in
the 3700 m - 4500 m range, this area offers some of the best Cross Country potential in
the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Hang Gliding Records
 | 1986 - The American Cup of Hang Gliding took place at Mt. Swansea
(covered by TV). Six Teams, Britain, US, Canada, Australia, Germany & Brazil. US team
won. Individual winner was Canadian Randy Haney.
|
| In 1986 Randy Haney set a world open distance record flying his hang
glider from lower launch at Golden past Invermere to Trego Montana - 9.5 hours for 321.45
km.
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| A world speed record was set in July 20th 1990 when J.C. Hauchcrone
flew 215 km from Golden circling over Mt. Swansea and returning to Golden at an average
speed of 35.5 kph. (J. C. Hauchcorne's record still stands)
|
| The next day, July 21. the Canadian distance to goal record was set,
172km.
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