This is a MUST try while in truckee! Prices seem a bit steep but trust me it is so worth it! The staff (like all the reviews say) are so incredibly hospitable! The ground crew is so helpful and nice! Would 10/10 recommend for anyone, especially aviation enthusiasts or avgeeks! read more

Truckee Tahoe Soaring Association - Lake Tahoe is in the background! - Flight Instruction Near Me - Truckee, California

This is such a good place to go might be a little pricey but it's totally worth it for a glider ride read more

Truckee Tahoe Soaring Association - Green tow plane doing its work in the feild - Flight Instruction Near Me - Truckee, California

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We had a fantastic time gliding with the team TTSA. Everyone was incredibly passionate and eager to educate. Highly recommend this once in a lifetime experience gliding over Lake Tahoe! read more

Truckee Tahoe Soaring Association - Flight Instruction Near Me - Truckee, California

For flying enthusiasts, this location is gorgeous! Mountains, the Truckee river and Lake Tahoe! We got our son a GC for an introductory flight lesson and he loved it- wanted to return asap. Our advice is to get their advice on best time of day to schedule an appointment for best thermals.. read more

If you can take advantage of this adventure, do it! We were lucky enough to catch Karen still at work on a week day evening. Discussed the options of "weight restrictions" that are listed on the website and booked a flight for the next morning. The drive takes you near but on the other side of the Truckee airport. Scheduled for 9am we arrived a little early and chatted with Karen in the main office. She was funny and answered all our questions while the pilots prepared. We laughed at the awesome shirts they had hanging in the office. "Get high, Stay high" glider shirts. Karen had some awesome help driving around. There were at least three younger people running around. One was her 8 year old daughter who drove golf carts and helped prep the glider. She explained a couple years back they became non profit and supported younger generations in flying and gliding. It's a great sounding program. When the pilots were ready I made my husband go first . You sit inside the glider behind the pilot. He closes the hatch and then a plane tows the glider into the sky! Once your up to a certain altitude the tow is released and then it's just you in the glider and the air! The view above Lake Tahoe is amazing. We were there in the summer and could see people on the lake and mountains forever! So smooth, we drifted back to earth very slowly. The pilot pointed out points of interest and explained how the heat pockets can lift the glider for miles and miles. If you can schedule a flight, do it! It's a unforgettable experience. read more

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IF YOU ARE EVER IN LAKE TAHOE THIS PLACE IS A MUST!!! First time gliding. We were greeted with the most welcome. Very hospitable and epic view of Tahoe. Preston, our pilot, made us feel at ease with his knowledge and presence. Couldn't have asked for better person to guide us. read more

Truckee Tahoe Soaring Association - After landing - Flight Instruction Near Me - Truckee, California

Highly recommend this activity if you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience you can't get anywhere else. Took my friend for her birthday, and we had a blast! The crew, especially Katherine (the general manager) and Shifty (our pilot) were excellent. We went in the morning, and it was a smooth ride. You tow for about 10 minutes and then spend the rest of the 20-25 minute flight soaring over Tahoe, with picturesque, panoramic views of the Lake, mountains, and surrounding areas. Recommend going in the afternoon when the wind picks up a bit if you prefer a bit more turbulence and lift during the ride. Thanks for a great flight! read more

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Amazing! I really am not a fan of commercial flying, but when the suggestion of gliding in a plane with no engine came up, surprisingly I was game. The whole experience was exhilarating and to be honest I was white knuckling it and almost wanted to wet my pants on a few occasions, but to no fault of our experienced and friendly pilot. I am burdened with motion sickness, so no hurling all over my hottie and Don the pilot was a small victory! The view was breathtaking at 10,000 feet! We did a few sharp turns and had great photo ops of the lake and surrounding areas. The 30-40 minute ride isn't cheap for 2 people - about $265, but well worth it! Once you get back on solid ground you'll be glad you did it. read more

We had a great time gliding over Tahoe this memorial day weekend. If you are looking for a bit of adventure, great views, and some beautiful pictures this is worth the tip. Pablo was our pilot and he showed us a good time and good conversation as we flew. read more

Great experience yesterday at Truckee Glider Rides- staff was very professional and responsive and our pilot was FANTASTIC! Beautiful and exciting glider ride with views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas- a truly great and memorable experience. Would HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS adventure ! read more

When I saw an article about Soaring Truckee I knew I had to try it. Seeing the lake and mountains from a glider plane is an unparalleled experience. They offer piloted rides for up to 2 people as well as lessons. The staff and people in general were so nice it made we want to take this up as my next hobby. If you decide to take flight ask for Pablo. He was great! read more

I had always considered soaring to be one of the most elegant, beautiful and adventurous sports. What better place for an introduction than one of the most picturesque lakes on the globe. My perception of soaring as a "privileged sport" quickly faded when I met the staff at Soar Truckee; they are (pardon the pun) down-to-earth friendly, real people who are most concerned with your having a safe, enjoyable experience. My first flight was on a beautiful summer morning with crisp, pine-scented air. The takeoff and tow to release altitude were so beautiful and exhilarating that I couldn't stop smiling. We released from the tow plane and my instructor (Jan) asked me if I wanted to try flying the ship. The Walter Mitty in me felt like I was in the soaring scene from the movie The Thomas Crowne Affair. It was an unforgettable experience. I wanted to be up there for hours. Too soon, my instructor took the "stick" and we were landing back at the Soar Truckee Airport. My instructor's skill and competence (from thousands of flights) were clearly demonstrated by the soft kiss of the wheel on the runway. We rolled out to the end of the taxiway and stopped to an eerie silence. I was sad to be back on the ground. Opening the cockpit window, Jan asked me, "Is that just a ride, or your first lesson?" At that moment, I understood Da Vinci's quote; "When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." I've now flown at 5 different glider ports in 2 states. I can tell you with confidence that this is a first-rate, extremely professional operation that boasts the best scenery for flying in the United States. If you are looking for a safe, pleasurable and exhilarating experience...without question, Soar Truckee is my top recommendation. read more

Flying in a glider was on my bucket list so I decided to give it a try while on holiday in July at Soar Truckee. The facility is great, the staff was very nice, and I since then joined the NCSA and am on my way to becoming a glider pilot. The staff let me tape a small camera to the wing tip which I thought was intrusive but they were all delighted. Sadly, the camera files went corrupt and I have no footage of the flight. Thanks to the staff at Soaring Truckee for a great introductory flight. Soaring is very addicting. read more

Wonderful location to learn soaring... I'll be back there shortly to continue my lessons. Oh, by the way I'm over 70 yrs old and still at it! read more

My sister and I took a flight with this organization and absolutely loved it! Not only was the staff exceedingly friendly and helpful, our pilot, Pablo, was hands down the most amazing pilot and guide giving us one of the most memorable experiences of Our Lives! Pablo adjusted the flight plan according to our interests and gave us an exhilarating and thoroughly entertaining flight. I cannot endorse this organization enough! If you get the opportunity, ask for Pablo! read more

Air Gliding anyone? I went to Lake Tahoe last summer and my boyfriend and I decided to go Air Gliding instead of going out on a boat. It was less expensive and well worth the experience. About a 20-30 min drive from where we stayed and located out on a field. I wasn't nervous til I found out there was no engine and 3 people (us and the pilot) were going to fit in the incredibly small plane. So, another plane (attached by a rope) escalated us into the air for about 5 mins soaring in circles and then the latch let go. For about 30 mins the pilot was flying the glider over Lake Tahoe. It was a great experience with unbelievable views of the lake. I believe it was about $180 and the set time was initially for 15 mins. The pilot decided to give us an extra 15. We tipped him well and appreciated him putting up w/ my screaming in his ear while my boyfriend was chanting to make turns upside-down. A memorable ride for couples or friends. Staff was friendly and I felt safe. read more

I wish I could do more than 5 stars. The whole staff were incredible including our pilot Rick. The views of the Truckee Valley and Lake Tahoe were breathtaking from above. This is not scary at all so don't let that stop you. I look forward to going again. read more

Truckee Tahoe Soaring Association - Flight Instruction Near Me - Truckee, California

WooHoo! What a great time we had at Soar Truckee! Myself and two colleagues decided to go out to the Truckee airport and take individual glider lessons. I have a private pilot glider license, but haven't flown in them for years. One of my colleagues is a professional pilot, but not glider rated, and the other colleague is a flight attendant with zero piloting experience. We all had a blast! First, leaving Truckee drive by the airport's main entrance and look for the tiny sign about a mile down the road for Soar Truckee on the right. Follow the little road to a small campground and behind it you'll find a small office building and a team of friendly, experienced pilots and a four glider trainers, Schweizers. After being checked in by your warm hosts you'll be taken out to the sailplanes, get a short pre-flight briefing, get hooked up to a Pawnee tow plane, and then off you go! It's been a long time since I piloted a glider, and my instructor, Don, showed great patience as he talked me through my takeoff. If you're not a pilot he'll do all the work with you. Either way, what a thrill. After being towed to 3700' above the airport we're cut loose for a glorious view of beautiful Lake Tahoe and the panorama of mountains ranges in every direction. Even a beginning glider pilot like my colleagues can easily fly the sailplane, searching for thermals, rising currents of air that lift you higher and higher. Find great thermals, or lift, and you could stay up all day!!! We go up an additional 3500' this day, and if we didn't have a time limit we could have soared quietly, almost effortlessly, among the hawks, enjoying the peace and beauty of Northern California all day long. We head back to the airport, though. So we worked hard to fight the lift in order to descend and enter the runway's traffic pattern for a soft landing back at Truckee-Tahoe airport. Wow. That was that fun. Hang around with the staff afterwards, have a soda, and enjoy the hangar talk, watching the airplanes and sailplanes taking off and landing. This is kinda like the way it was 30+ years ago at many local airports. Whether for a special date, an adventurous afternoon, or a sailplane lesson as you work towards your rating, Soar Truckee is about as good as it gets. read more

My dad celebrated his 92 birthday by taking a flight. He flew with Jan who was wonderful. He was patient and friendly his professionalism was amazing. The whole staff was wonderful we all sat around and talked while dad soared over head and beyond. Everyone made us feel right at home and were so willing to teach us and share their extensive knowledge. If you ever had the slightest desire to fly in a glider I would recommend Soar Truckee. You wont beat the wonderful people and the views are pretty good too. read more

First time soaring. Second time in air without an engine! Flying with 9,000 hour experienced glider pilot and instructor, Jan, on Friday, August 6 was a pure delight. Took my digital camera. Rode in the front seat of an older glider with Jan in the back looking over my shoulder at the "dashboard." Not up long enough, but great for my first flight. Soared over northern end of Lake Tahoe and circled twice a new fire ranger station in the Sierras. Brilliant day. Severe clear (my term, not theirs). Got to push the big button that disconnected the glider from the powerful all green tow plane. Wore huge ear phones so I could hear Jan's questions (good ones) and what the tower was saying. Lizard brain slithered away way ahead of take off. Can't wait to soar again especially with the first rate people of Soar Truckee, Inc., and veteran pilot Jan whose mantra is, "If you are not Dutch, you are not worth much." Hilarious and memorable tag for my first flight. See you there again soon! read more

5 Star Experience! Friendly staff with decades of flying and soaring experience. Young Guns as well who are learning and gaining their flight hours. I opted for a soaring lesson, rather than a ride. The flight instructor helped me feel welcome and talked me through the pre-flight. Down the runway we went in toe. We climbed to 11,000 feet and he turned the controls over to me and said "pull that big red ball in front of you". The tow plane was quickly out of sight and I was flying (soaring) a two person glider (soar plane) for the first time. We flew over Tahoe Vista, Sqaw Valley, Mount Rose, and the Truckee Valley. It is so quiet and peaceful up there! Eventually it was time to land and I flew the 45 degree to mid field, turned downwind, and then turned base and final. I lined her up to the runway and my flight instructor Jon took over and landed. Jon is a fellow Dutch, and he has a saying that goes like this, "if you are not Dutch, you are not much". One of the instructors is a retired Air force General, at least that is what Jon told me. The General remarked, "two Dutchman in a sail plane, that is scary". Well it wasn't scary at all, and I would soar again with Jon anytime. read more