Look high in the sky to see paragliders and hang gliders trying to win the Lumby Air Races, a week-long event where pilots must score at least 3 days to be eligible for prizes. The pilots from across the country travel to Lumby in hopes of soarable weather that will see some of them climb up to 4000-7000 feet for hours each time attempting to complete 10, 25, 50 and 100 kilometer triangles in the air that include touch points above Saddle Mountain, Satellite Mountain, Gallon’s Corner, Lumby Ridge, Camels Hump and points beyond.
Most of the time they are launching from Cooper’s mountain north of the Village. The launch site is prepared and maintained by the Lumby Air Force, a non-profit group that was formed in 1976. This year, the society is marking its 50 year anniversary with a homecoming event in July for former and current hang gliding pilots. The Lumby Air Races is the society’s largest fund-raising event of the year which includes support from Lumby Days and RDNO to attract pilots from around the province and beyond for the week-long event.
The air races wrap up on Saturday June13 after the triangles are scored and the winners announced. More information on the sport is available online at https://lumbyairforce.weebly.com/
Lumby is renowned for its quality flying and friendly landing areas and the Lumby Air Force appreciates the community’s ongoing support. Like sledding, hiking,and fishing, flying is a unique attraction that provides a seasonal boost to our local economy.
