Paraglider Makes Emergency Landing on Sea to Sky Highway Near Squamish

A paraglider was forced to make an emergency landing on the northbound shoulder of Highway 99 Sunday afternoon, causing traffic delays for Whistler-bound drivers near the Stawamus Chief.

Drivers heading north to Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway encountered an unusual obstacle Sunday afternoon when a paraglider made an emergency landing directly alongside the active northbound lanes near Squamish.

The incident occurred just before 4:00 PM on January 18, approximately at the base of the Stawamus Chief climbing area. Witnesses reported the pilot was caught by strong inflow winds common to the Squamish corridor during late afternoon conditions.

What Happened

The pilot, unable to maintain sufficient lift to reach standard landing zones west of the highway, executed a controlled emergency landing on the northbound shoulder of Highway 99.

Pilot Status: The paraglider pilot landed safely without injury and was observed clearing equipment from the roadway immediately after landing.

Traffic Impact: No collisions occurred, but northbound traffic experienced minor delays as drivers slowed to observe the unusual scene. RCMP were not called to the incident as the pilot cleared the shoulder quickly and no traffic hazard remained.

Weather Conditions: Sunday afternoon saw strong southerly winds in the Squamish area, creating challenging flying conditions near the granite face of the Chief.

Why Paragliders Land on the Highway

Emergency landings near Highway 99 are rare but not unheard of in the Squamish paragliding community. The Sea to Sky corridor is one of British Columbia's premier paragliding locations, with pilots regularly launching from sites near the Stawamus Chief.

The Wind Factor

When strong winds blow from the south, they create what paragliding pilots call a "sink hole" or rotor effect near the rockface of the Chief. This turbulent air can cause rapid altitude loss, leaving pilots with limited options for safe landing zones.

The standard landing fields used by Squamish paragliders are located west of Highway 99. When conditions prevent pilots from crossing the highway safely, the northbound shoulder becomes one of the few available emergency landing sites. Pilots experiencing sudden altitude loss near the Chief often cannot safely cross the highway to reach designated landing zones.

The northbound shoulder provides relatively flat, clear ground, space to manage the paraglider canopy during landing, and quick access to the roadside for clearing equipment.

What Drivers Should Know

If you encounter a paraglider landing near the Sea to Sky Highway, your response can affect both the pilot's safety and traffic flow.

Maintain steady speed. Sudden braking creates rear-end collision risk, especially on curves where following drivers may not see the hazard immediately. Move to the left lane if it's safe to do so, which gives the pilot space to manage their canopy and clear equipment. Stay focused on the road, as secondary accidents from distracted driving are more dangerous than the landing itself. Continue driving once you're past the scene, as the pilot is trained to clear the roadway quickly.

What Not to Do

Don't slam on your brakes. This creates collision risk for vehicles behind you. Don't stop to film or photograph the incident, as parking on the shoulder creates additional hazards. Don't assume the pilot needs help, as paragliding pilots are trained in emergency landing procedures and equipment management.

Paragliding Safety in Squamish

The Squamish area is internationally recognised for paragliding, with the Stawamus Chief serving as a popular launch site for experienced pilots. The West Coast Soaring Club maintains launch and landing zones in the corridor and provides training and safety resources for pilots.

Emergency landings on Highway 99 remain uncommon. Most pilots successfully navigate challenging wind conditions and land at designated zones. When landings do occur near the highway, trained pilots prioritise clearing the roadway quickly to minimise traffic impact.

Squamish Wind Patterns

Late afternoon southerly winds are a known challenge in the Squamish corridor. These conditions can create rapid altitude loss near the Chief's granite face, generate turbulent rotor effects, make crossing

Highway 99 unsafe for pilots at low altitude, and force experienced pilots to choose highway shoulder landings over riskier alternatives.

Pilots flying in Squamish are trained to recognise these conditions and plan accordingly, but sudden wind shifts can still create emergency situations requiring immediate landing decisions.

Driving the Sea to Sky Corridor

The Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler sees heavy traffic year-round, with particularly high volumes during ski season weekends. Drivers should expect variable conditions, as weather and visibility can change rapidly, especially near Squamish.

Unexpected hazards like wildlife, rockfall, and occasional unusual events like paraglider landings can occur. Maintaining focus and steady speed helps keep traffic flowing safely even when unexpected events occur alongside the highway.

Stay Informed

For real-time highway conditions, check DriveBC.ca before travelling the Sea to Sky corridor. Traffic cameras and incident reports help drivers plan routes and departure times, especially during peak Whistler travel periods.

Emergency landings like Sunday's incident are rare but serve as reminders that the Sea to Sky corridor is home to diverse recreational activities, from rock climbing on the Chief to paragliding above the highway.