Frequently Asked Questions


Why should I skydive at Skydive The Rockies instead of another dropzone?

What about that $99 dollar first jump that the other place advertises?

How should I dress?

What about group discounts?

How long are gift certificates good for?

How Long does the training take?

Is there a weight limit for Tandem Skydives?

Is there an AGE limit to Skydives?

 


Why should I skydive at Skydive The Rockies instead of another dropzone?

Several reasons:

First, we are a United States Parachute Association (USPA) Group member dropzone and have pledged to follow the Basic Safety Recommendations provided by that organization. ALL of our instructors are currently and properly rated through the USPA to teach skydiving.  Dropzones that will NOT make this commitment should be researched THOROUGHLY prior to scheduling a skydive with them. 

Second, we offer some of the BEST trained instructors in the world. Some are from the Air Force Academy Parachute Team, where they teach parachuting full time.  To them parachute training is a full time job and not just a weekend activity.  Many of the instructors have well over 5000 jumps, some have over 11000 total jumps!  When searching for a dropzone you should determine that your instructors are current and properly rated and qualified by the USPA. 

Third, the Fremont County Airport offers excellent facilities which include a mile long, hard surfaced runway and a large  student landing area which gives a learning skydiver plenty of room to land without fear of obstacles. In addition, we have an awesome spectator area that doesn't require a trailer ride to get to. 

Finally, Skydive The Rockies is  the most scenic and reasonably priced dropzone in the state of Colorado.  On the way to altitude you will be treated to a spectacular aerial tour of the Royal Gorge Bridge and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and Sangre De Cristos adding even More Value to an already great deal!

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What about that $99 dollar first jump that the other place advertises?

We often get questions from people calling around to check prices in the local area and normally they ask how another operation can offer a $99 dollar skydive while our price for a tandem skydive is almost $180 dollars.

 The answer is quite simple.  First of all the $99 dollar offer is not for a tandem skydive but is for a static line parachute ride.  In addition you must first purchase a tandem with another business to get the $99 dollar price. Keep in mind that with a tandem there is one on one instruction and a freefall from 10,000 ft.  With a Static Line jump one instructor “dispatches” several students from 3500 ft. and there is NO FREEFALL.

 Rest assured, we could offer a $99 dollar special, but we would have to cut corners  and reduce our high standards down to that of our competition to do so.  Basically, the “clubs” that make such offers will normally make up the difference by skimping on maintenance on both aircraft and student equipment.  The rules are simple, aircraft used for commercial skydiving are required to have both annual inspections and 100 hour inspections. Equipment used for skydiving that is equipped with an Automatic Activation Device is required to have an Inspection and Repack (I&R) each 180 days and the AAD must be maintained to manufacture specifications.

 These so-called clubs will also cut costs by allowing individuals who are not rated to through the United States Parachute Association (USPA) to instruct and jumpmaster students.  Keep in mind that these individuals have not gone through the expensive and rigorous training necessary to properly teach students and normally work for free or for the promise of free jumps.

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How should I dress?

You should wear casual clothes and sneakers. Sweats are acceptable, but try to avoid clothing that is bulky. You will be
provided with a jumpsuit, gloves, and goggles for the jump.

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What about group discounts?

For Tandem skydives there is a $5 discount per person when you have a group of at least 10 jumpers.  Call for discounts on Accelerated Freefall courses.

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How long are gift certificates good for?

Gift certificates are good for one year from date of purchase and may be transferred but are non-refundable.

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How Long does the training take?

The training for a Tandem Orientation Jump (which includes filling out the necessary mandatory paperwork) takes approximately 15 minutes. You will then go on a 20-30 minute plane ride to reach altitude. You will then freefall for a mile or so and the parachute will deploy at 4500 feet. From there you will have an approximately five minute canopy ride where you and your instructor will both control the steering to a landing. The entire experience normally takes an hour or so.

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Is there a weight limit for Tandem Skydives?

Yes. In the interest of safety, comfort, and equipment limitations, the maximum weight limit is 225 pounds for males and 200 for females. There is also an additional charge of $2 per pound for every pound over 200.

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Is there an AGE limit to Skydives?

Yes. The minimum age is 18.  This is due to Colorado Law which does not allow minors to enter into a contract.  The waiver that students are asked to sign is effectively a contract between them and the dropzone.

CONSUMER ALERT>>>  Any dropzone in Colorado that will allow a minor to jump should be avoided! 

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