Skydive Chelan

# Skydive Chelan Description

Skydive Chelan operates from Lake Chelan Airport in Chelan, Washington, offering skydiving experiences in the heart of the North Cascades region. Located 40 miles north of Wenatchee, the dropzone sits just three miles from the nearest hotel, making it accessible for visitors traveling to central Washington.

The dropzone specializes in first-time tandem skydives and advanced flying skills training. Skydive Chelan operates a C182 and C206 dropzone with occasional helicopter and turbine aircraft support, providing flexibility for different jump profiles and group sizes. On-site Instructor Examiners are available for tandem rating, coach rating, and static line rating certifications, with current USPA membership required.

What distinguishes Skydive Chelan is its focus on both newcomers and experienced jumpers. The facility caters to first-time tandem skydivers seeking their introductory jump experience, while also supporting advanced training through its AFF (Accelerated Freefall), IAD (Integrated Assisted Deployment), SL (Static Line), and Tandem instruction programs. This dual focus makes it a destination for skill progression as well as recreational jumping.

Operationally, Skydive Chelan maintains seasonal availability that reflects the Pacific Northwest climate. The dropzone opens March through October, operating five days a week and closing Tuesdays and Wednesdays. During fall and spring, weekend-only operations extend the jumping season. This schedule accommodates the region's weather patterns while maintaining consistent access for committed jumpers and tourists.

The facility includes amenities designed for full-day visits: a snack bar, refreshments, indoor packing area, and outdoor lawn space. The scenic Lake Chelan setting—with snow-capped peaks, golden fall views, and calm skies celebrated in the dropzone's marketing—provides a memorable backdrop for the jump experience. The landscape around Chelan Airport offers the kind of postcard-worthy scenery that makes autumn skydiving particularly appealing.

The dropzone's emphasis on the tandem experience and skill development is reinforced by its participation in regional skydiving events like the annual Skyfest, where the dropzone's "one-of-a-kind Chelan vibe" draws jumpers from across the country. This event positioning underscores Skydive Chelan's role as a community-oriented jumping destination rather than a high-volume commercial operation.

For skydivers traveling to Washington's interior, Skydive Chelan in Chelan offers a welcoming entry point for first-time jumpers, a training pipeline for students pursuing certifications, and a scenic destination for experienced skydivers seeking advanced instruction or recreational jumping in the Pacific Northwest.