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Vermont skydiving sky. Backdrop for the Skydiving Hubs Vermont drop zone directory

Skydiving · Vermont

Skydiving in Vermont

Jump 2 drop zones across Vermont. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Green Mountains, the Northeast Kingdom, and Lake Champlain.

About Vermont

From jump altitude over Vermont, the Green Mountains run north to south in a single unbroken ridge, and Lake Champlain widens out along the western edge like a sheet of hammered pewter. The land below is mostly farms and small towns (Middlebury, Milton), the kind of tidy rural grid that makes a freefall feel like it's happening over a model railroad. What changes most is the color. A jump in July drops you over deep summer green; the same exit in early October drops you over a valley on fire with foliage.

Tandem is how nearly everyone starts here. You're harnessed to an instructor who has done this thousands of times, the ground briefing is short, and there's no coursework standing between you and the door of the plane. Drop zones in the Champlain Valley make the most of the clear air and open sightlines, on a good day you can pick out the Adirondacks across the lake in New York while the canopy carries you down. For a first jump, the combination of low commitment and big scenery is hard to beat.

If you want to keep going, Accelerated Freefall is the path to your own license. The program walks you through a sequence of jumps, each one handing you a little more control, until you're exiting and flying solo. Vermont's drop zones tend to be small and community-run, which works in a student's favor: instructors know your name, and the pace of learning is personal rather than industrial. Getting to an A-license takes commitment, but at the end of it the state's skies are yours to explore.

Best time to go

When to jump in Vermont

Full seasonality
Peak season Jun–Aug
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May through October. Peak fall color late September.

  • June–September: the heart of the season, most events and loads
  • Spring and fall jump well on clear, calm days
  • Winter: many DZs limited, so call ahead

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Quick facts

Drop zones listed
2
Best season
May through October

Plan your trip

Plan your trip to Vermont

Jumping Season and Weather

Skydiving in Vermont is primarily seasonal, typically running from late spring (May) through early fall (October). All jumps are highly weather-dependent, requiring clear skies, minimal wind, and no precipitation for safe operation. Always confirm your jump status with the drop zone on the day of your reservation.

Tandem vs. AFF vs. Licensed Jumper Options

Tandem skydiving is ideal for beginners, requiring minimal training and allowing you to experience freefall with an instructor. Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is a comprehensive training program for those aiming to become licensed skydivers. Licensed jumpers with current ratings can perform fun jumps, provided they meet drop zone specific requirements and FAA regulations.

Age and Weight Requirements

All skydivers, including tandem students, must be at least 18 years old on the day of the jump, as mandated by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). Most drop zones also have weight restrictions, typically ranging from 220 to 250 pounds, with some variations or additional fees for heavier individuals. Verify specific limits with your chosen drop zone.

What a First Jump Involves

A tandem first jump typically begins with a ground briefing covering safety procedures and jump specifics. You'll be fitted with a harness and securely attached to your instructor. After a scenic plane ride, you'll exit the aircraft for a thrilling freefall, followed by a serene canopy ride to a soft landing. The entire experience from arrival to departure can take several hours.

AFF Licensing Progression

The Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program involves a series of seven or more levels, each building on the previous one. Students learn body position, altitude awareness, canopy control, and landing techniques. Upon successful completion of the AFF levels and subsequent coached jumps, students can apply for their A-license through the USPA, allowing them to jump solo.

Confirm current requirements with the state agency before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

  • Minimum Age Requirement

    All individuals participating in skydiving activities in Vermont, including tandem jumps and AFF training, must be at least 18 years of age. This is a USPA Basic Safety Requirement, an industry safety standard applied at USPA-affiliated drop zones nationwide, not a federal law (FAA Part 105 sets no minimum age).

  • Medical Fitness and Waivers

    While there isn't a specific state-mandated medical exam for skydiving, participants are required to sign a comprehensive waiver acknowledging the inherent risks and certifying their physical and mental fitness to jump. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should consult a physician before participating and inform the drop zone.

  • FAA Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs)

    Licensed skydivers operating in Vermont must comply with the FAA's parachute-operation rules in FAR Part 105 and, at USPA-affiliated drop zones, the USPA Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs). These regulations cover equipment standards, jump altitudes, landing areas, and other operational procedures crucial for safe skydiving. Drop zones ensure compliance for all jumpers on their premises.

  • Equipment Standards

    All skydiving equipment used in Vermont, including parachutes, harnesses, and automatic activation devices (AADs), must meet strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) technical standard order (TSO) requirements. Equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained by FAA-certified riggers to ensure safety and functionality for both students and licensed jumpers.

  1. 01

    1. Research Vermont Drop Zones

    Start by finding USPA-affiliated drop zones operating in Vermont. Match them to the jump you want (tandem or AFF) and the drive you're willing to make, and read up on their safety record and customer reviews.

  2. 02

    2. Choose Your Skydiving Experience

    Decide between a one-and-done tandem or committing to the Accelerated Freefall program toward a license. The two paths differ sharply in time, cost, and training.

  3. 03

    3. Book Your Reservation

    Call your chosen drop zone to check availability, pricing, and requirements. Book ahead, weekend slots in summer and fall fill fast, so reserving early is how you lock in your date.

  4. 04

    4. Prepare for Your Jump Day

    Confirm you clear the age and weight limits. Wear comfortable athletic clothes and closed-toe shoes, skip alcohol beforehand, bring ID, and plan to spend several hours on site, weather delays are part of the deal.

  5. 05

    5. Enjoy the Experience and Plan Next Steps

    Soak up the jump and the views. Afterward, a photo or video package is worth grabbing, and if the tandem hooked you, talk to the staff about AFF and where to go from here.

01What is the best time of year to skydive in Vermont?
The season generally runs from late May through October. Summer brings the warmest weather and longest days; early to mid-fall trades some of that for foliage that turns the whole valley to color. Check your specific drop zone's operating dates before you plan around them.
02Are there age or weight restrictions for skydiving in Vermont?
Yes. Every jumper must be at least 18 on the day of the jump, a USPA standard. Most drop zones also cap weight, usually somewhere between 220 and 250 pounds, for safety. Confirm the exact numbers with the drop zone directly before you book.
03What should I wear for my skydive?
Comfortable athletic clothing suited to the day's weather, a t-shirt and shorts, or light long sleeves if it's cool. Closed-toe sneakers are a must. Skip sandals, hooked boots, or anything that could shake loose in freefall. Some drop zones hand you a jumpsuit.
04How long does the entire skydiving experience take?
The freefall and canopy ride are over in minutes, but the whole visit runs 2 to 4 hours or more. That covers check-in, training, gearing up, waiting out weather, and lining up for the aircraft.
05Can I get photos or videos of my skydive?
Most Vermont drop zones sell photo and video packages for tandem jumps, shot either by a separate camera flyer or off a wrist-mounted camera on your instructor. It's an add-on cost, so arrange it when you book.
06Is skydiving safe?
It's an adventure sport with real risk, but a strong safety record backs it up: rigorous training, strict FAA rules, and gear that's routinely inspected. Tandem in particular is built around safety, pairing you with a seasoned instructor after a thorough briefing.

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