Wave, Rotor, Convergence, and Thermals: Glider Flies 580 km In All Forms Of Lift In A Single Flight

In early spring, glider pilots face magical soaring conditions along the Colorado Front Range: Chinook winds have created mountain wave while an easterly wind across the prairie causes air masses to converge over the foothills. Intense sunshine warms the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, giving rise to intensifying thermals, while rotor turbulence below the wave adds even more complexity. What plays out is a fascinating interplay of different forms of lift that glider pilots are rarely able to use in a single flight.
The video provides a cockpit view on my 580 km cross-country flight on April 5, 2021. It also illustrates and explains the conditions that make such amazing motor-less flights possible.
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My glider is a Ventus 2cxT 18m high-performance sailplane from Schempp-Hirth. The flight originated and ended at Boulder Municipal Airport (KBDU) - an ideal soaring location for exploring the sky along Colorado's Front Range.
All music is from Epidemic Sound.
The full flight trace can be found here: weglide.org/fl...