If you want to try paragliding for the first time, one of the most scenic spots to give it a go is in Teton Village, just outside of Jackson, Wyoming. The take-off point, partway up Rendezvous Mountain, is accessed by riding the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tramway to the top. The site is one of the top rated foot-launched paragliding locations in the United States.

During the short ride to the top, the majestic Teton Valley unfolds beneath you, the incredible scenery helping to ease the pre-gliding butterflies. At the summit, the elevation is 10,450 feet, over 4000 feet above the valley below.

Each tandem student has an assigned guide who does a great job explaining the entire gliding process and further calming any first time jitters. A tandem parasail means the guide is hooked to your back with a very secure harness setup. The guide controls the parasail at all times so all you have to do is hang securely from the harness and look out over the incredible scenery. Our guide had experienced over one thousand flights.

The most difficult part is calling up the courage to run helter skelter towards a cliff, dragging a huge parasail behind you. As the guide and student reach the edge, their feet are suddenly lifted by the parasail and you are airborne. Depending on wind currents, you can soar over the valley for ten to fifteen minutes, twisting and turning in all directions to give you 360 degree views into Wyoming and Idaho. On a clear day, visibility is as much as sixty miles.

The flight ends in a grassy field next to the Teton Village Parking lot.

All ages are welcome. The day that gowestusa flew, an entire family was signed up to fly, including a ten year old girl. Flights take place every morning when wind conditions are right.

The original Jackson Hole Aerial Tramway was torn down in 2006, and just reopened in December of 2008 as a faster version of its old self. It takes just nine minutes to climb to 10,450 foot Rendezvous Mountain.

Teton Village is located about ten miles west of Jackson, on the edge of Grand Teton National Park.