The Willi XC Challenge (2018)  is getting ready to host more than 100 pilots from across Canada, the US, Europe and Australia. Held annually at the Mount 7 flying site, the competition challenges free flying pilots, para gliders and hang gliders, to beat their personal bests on cross country distance, out-and-return flights and other categories.

A Look Backward

Last year (2017) was bigger and better! We celebrated the 21st Willi, the 26th year of paragliding competition, and 40+ years of hang gliding in the Columbia Valley. Nearly 100 Paragliders and almost 20 Hanggliders flew 17,000+ kms of cross country, and mostly had a great time doing it. Each year, there are winners for great XC flying, and others who win for other exploits. The big winners though are all the pilots who attend due to the great contributions from our sponsors and others. Thanks to all!

The event promises to be loads of fun and the safest big distance flying event in the mountains. Even though the challenge is technically a competition, and the pilots, especially the veterans at the sport, always want to best each other, the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and fun!

For all you seasoned flyers, this is a chance to gain some experience in mountain conditions. Beginners and low airtime pilots, this is your opportunity to get some cross-country experience and learn from the more seasoned ones.

So far this year

Although the 2018 Willi XC Challenge is still in the planning stages, we already know the following:

Dates are: July 27 to August 6 (Flying Days: July 28 to Aug 5)

Meet Headquarters: Golden Eco-Adventure Ranch (GEAR)

Pre-registration: On-line at http://thewillixc.com/event-details/willi-registration/ and at the meet. After we receive your pre-registration information, we will send you instructions for paying the meet entry fee.

Meet Director: Stewart Midwinter

All pilots will require…

• HPAC membership for Canadian pilots or Out of country temporary insurance for visiting pilots (purchase on site)
• Willi and GEAR Waiver signed

SPOT, inREach or equivalent with tracking enabled

Reminder: We use GPS scoring for XC flights (Novices claiming only flights to the LZ are excluded). You will need a GPS to log your XC flights, and to be registered with the XC Canada On-line Contest (http://xcontest.org/canada/en/).

Back at the base camp at the Golden Eco Adventure Ranch, there will be, over the week, a full schedule of learning opportunities and social activities for pilots, drivers and families.

Because Mount 7 and the Columbia Valley enjoy amazing thermal conditions, they are known around the world in the free flight community as a prime site and the Willi XC Challenge is one of the premier events of its kind each summer.

For more details, and to keep up to date on the event: