The Ozone Chelan Open is a paragliding competition for EN-C and lower gliders, held in the iconic Chelan region of Washington state, USA. Designed for cross-country pilots who are new to competitions, the event offers a unique opportunity to race alongside, and learn from, some of the world’s top pilots.

The 2025 edition kicked off with three days of variable, challenging, and fun conditions.

Day One saw 70+ pilots leave the start cylinder uncharacteristically low to make the first crossing over the Columbia River. Normally, this move is rewarded with a strong climb in the flats—but instead, they were met with sink. A hungry sky gobbled most of the field, while a lucky few clawed their way up in light lift. A more patient group topped out and left higher, using the south wind to ping-pong down the Route 97 valley to goal in Okanogan.

Day Two began under a thin veneer of smoke from a local wildfire to the southwest. This turned out to be the defining characteristic of the day, with skies shading over 30 minutes before the start. The wisest pilots frisbeed up to 9,000 ft—pushing them outside the cylinder—then tagged it before heading to the flats. Many once again left low and bombed out in shaded terrain, while those who stayed high found convergence lines that delivered them to goal with 7,000–9,000 ft to spare.

After two tough days, with 30–40 pilots making goal per task, the task committee tried something new on Day Three: a start cylinder in the flats. This gave pilots the best chance to leave launch at proper altitude, cross the Columbia, and get established. With improving southwesterly and westerly winds, it proved to be a smart call. A growing gaggle formed before the start opened, and pilots were in much better position than on previous days, flying downwind along the course line to the Grand Coulee corridor.

The day resembled a classic Chelan day, with strong climbs, sink, and blue skies. Over 70 happy pilots made goal and enjoyed a relatively short one-hour retrieve back to home base.

Day Four was canceled due to strong westerlies, giving pilots time to rest, recharge, and learn from the mentorship talks at the Riverwalk.

With everyone recharged, the final day brought lighter winds and excellent racing conditions. The task committee kept the race local, crafting a “lakeside tour” above the scenic apple orchards and vineyards surrounding Lake Chelan.

Everyone launched together and crossed over town to the north side of the lake, where conditions started strong. Pilots quickly had to choose between a higher, safer line in the mountains or a faster, riskier one closer to the lake. The direct route offered more sink than lift, catching out some early leaders. Those who stayed high found convergence and more reliable climbs—but at the cost of a longer route to turn point 2.

The day evolved into a dynamic race along the sunlit, south-facing ridges. With multiple route options and pilots fanned out across the terrain, it was a true test of decision-making and patience.

First arrivals hit goal just 90 minutes after the start, and more than 70 pilots enjoyed a smooth final glide above the lake to the grassy ball field on the shoreline.

Congratulations to the overall winners:

1. Chaeden Luebberke
2. Bill Belcourt
3. Brian Fletcher

And the women’s podium:

1. Summer Barham
2. Lindsey Haynes
3. Chloe Fafournoux

Four varied tasks and plenty of unforgettable flying.

See you all next year!

Report courtesy of Alex Berry

Photos: Ozone Paragliders / Jorge Atramiz