solairus aviation blog

Ride the wave of paddling’s fastest growing sport by giving stand up paddleboarding, or SUP, a try. Once you do, you won’t find it surprising that SUP has won the battle of paddlesports. People of all ages and levels are standing tall and cruising waterways. While the sport first came into its own in Hawaii, mountain towns have successfully adopted SUP because of its fun application on the calm, clear waters found in alpine environments. Here’s some advice on top private jet mountain vacation destinations to SUP.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is to stand up paddleboarding like surfing is to Hawaii; it’s just a natural fit. And Lake Tahoe offers every level of paddleboarder, from newbie to expert paddler, an experience that is memorable. Not only for the mountain views but the scene below the board: Tahoe’s water clarity is one of the best in the world. Plus, the north end of the lake delivers one sandy beach after another. Nearby Kings Beach is a perfect launch site – shallow, warm waters and easy access to Crystal Bay Point State Beach, a half hour paddle away. A Drift Tahoe offers rentals and the convenience of a nearby launch zone. (www.standuppaddletahoe.com/contact-us.html)

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Spectacular Jackson Lake inside Grand Teton National Park is the place to paddle in Wyoming. When you not staring at the granite faces of the Park’s storied peaks, look to the calm waters. Wilds and wildlife abound, from beaver lodges and sunken remains of a forest to osprey and bald eagle nests, and whatever else is lining up at the water’s edge (think moose and bear). Rendezvous River Sports in Jackson rents SUPs. (http://www.jacksonholekayak.com/)

Steamboat Springs

At 8,100 feet above sea level, Steamboat Lake soars almost as high as region mountaintops. Take in the continental divide during an early morning paddle. Late summer water temps crest at a perfectly refreshing 70 degrees and provide a cool catch as you dive from your board. Ski Haus in downtown rents paddleboards. (http://skihaussteamboat.com/paddle-boards/)

Telluride

Under the shadow of Colorado’s fourteen thousand foot peaks Telluride probably offers the most scenic options. Trout Lake, just 15 minutes from down town, and Woods Lake, 20 minutes from town, supply calm waters, quiet shoreline, and alpine splendor. Both sit at the center of captivating valleys making stand up paddle boarding as much about the activity as it is about the views. Jagged Edge on Main Street offers paddleboard rentals and guided tours. (http://www.jagged-edge-telluride.com/contact/)

Park City

While Park City is known for arts, culture and forested slopes, the region is also becoming a haven for private jet travelers to test their SUPprowess at Jordanelle State Park. Jordanelle Reservoir is a scenic 15-minute drive east of Park City and delivers a myriad of options, from paddling shoreline marshes looking for wildlife to striking out in open water with stunning views of the Wasatch Range. Jordanelle Rentals has paddleboards for rent. (http://www.jordanellerentals.com/paddle-board-rentals)

Sun Valley

If your desire is to see less people and more wildlife, Sun Valley, Idaho might have the answer. While cold, calm waters come with altitude so do views of the Sawtooth Mountains. Sun Valley’s nearby alpine lakes, Redfish, Alturas and Pettit, deliver in spades. For a warmer paddle head south of town to Magic Reservoir; water temps here hover in the 60s. Remember, warm water in the mountains is relative. Rent paddleboards at Idaho River Sports in Ketchum. (http://www.idahoriversports.com/)

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.

There are hundreds of reasons to take a private jet trip to Telluride in the summer, but topping the list — especially for those who want big adventure — is heading into the beautiful backcountry that surrounds this southwest Colorado town. Here are three of the marquee ways to experience the raw nature of Telluride’s mountains.

Climb Wilson Peak, Lizard Head Wilderness

Colorado stands taller than any other place in the Americas. Literally. With 54 peaks that exceed 14,000 feet above sea level, this is where the continent crests.

Of these “fourteeners,” Wilson Peak is one of the most recognizable (just don’t confuse it with its neighbor, 14,246-foot Mount Wilson). For years, this hulking pyramid with an apron of aspens at its base has crowned several Coors commercials. Hearty, acclimated and aerobically fit hikers can reach its 14,017-foot summit in four strenuous miles, beginning in the gorgeous Silver Pick Basin on the northern slope of the Lizard Head Wilderness. As for the views? A handful of other “fourteeners” and the La Sal Mountains in Utah.

Sneffels High Line Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness

If summit fever is not your thing — but strenuous hiking in the wilderness is — try the northern side of town and the 13-mile Sneffels Highline Loop Trail. Strolling through aspen groves covered in a carpet of wild strawberries, the trail rises into two alpine basins where elk raise their young in early summer. The ragged and colorful peaks that crown these valleys are among the most spectacular in Colorado.

Drive over Imogene Pass to Ouray

Not into the marathon endurance required of strenuous backcountry hiking? Well, you can still gain access to the beautiful remote places above Telluride via four-wheel drive vehicle. The most famous route is the rugged road over Imogene Pass (which crests at 13,114 feet), which leads experienced drivers through tundra and forest to the charming town of Ouray. Stop by the ghost town of Tomboy, where millions of dollars in gold ore was mined from the adjacent mine. Add chills to the journey by reading the memoir “Tomboy Bride” ahead of time. You won’t believe what residents of this town endured to stake out a living in the high-altitudes of the San Juan Mountains.

Note: Only experienced backcountry private jet travelers should try these adventures. For hiking, bring at least 64 fluid ounces of water, clothing for all seasons and plenty of food. Inspirato’s destination concierge can help make travel and transport arrangements for you to these trailheads and backcountry tours.

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.