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New To Paramotoring? We Can Help!
This Video Outline's Everything You Need To Know:
Are you Prepared For The Most Fun 10-Days Of Your Entire Life?
Learning to fly a paramotor will be one of the most exciting and life changing experiences you'll ever have. Be warned, the moment your feet leave the ground you'll forever be hooked. Are you ready to smile until your face hurts, laugh until you cry, and create memories that will last the rest of your life? Great, let's do it!
What Is PPG (Paramotoring)?
PPG, also known as paramotoring or powered paragliding, is a form of ultralight aviation that doesn't require a license, aircraft annuals, or yearly medicals to own and operate.
A paramotor is a lightweight backpack aircraft that weighs no more than 60 pounds before fuel. They may be small, but they're incredibly capable, and can launch and land comfortably in as little as 150-200 feet. They're also considered the most affordable form of aviation, costing under $10 per hour to own and operate. Parmaotors are also quite compact, and can fit in the back seat of a small car (even a prius). They're capable of flying at speeds up to 50 mph and can reach a freezing altitude of 18,000 feet. They're small but mighty, and will provide some of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime.
3-4 hours of flight time
25-35 mph cruising speed
40-50 mph max speed
60-80 pound aircraft
300 pound pilots can easily fly them
17,999 feet max altitude
No truck or trailer is needed for transport
Paramotors are the most simple & affordable aircraft there is
How Training At Backcountry PPG Works:
We've spent over a decade (2012-2026) developing a step by step "building block" approach that takes you from zero to hero in the smoothest and safest way possible. We've spent years refining our syllabus and in that process we've learned what really makes a difference in creating safe & successful pilots. Our structure is polished, refined, and designed to glide students through our curriculum smoothly.
Our training program is well strucutred to ensure no steps are skipped and information is missed. We're long past "winging it" and have hand crafted a step by step apporoach that leans into students natural learning style, regardless of what that is. The entire training is one on one despite being in a group enviroment. Meaning, each student will progresses at their own rate, and we cater every lesson toward what the student needs, in the style the student needs/wants it.
We start slow, only add one step at a time to not overwhelm you with information. Every step is clearly laid out so you never wonder what's next. As we build your skills and improve your technique, we continue adding more information and before long, you're ready to take your first flight.
We take safety very serious and understand the importance of outlining what makes a safe pilot and an unsafe pilot. We work very hard to ensure students not only have the physical skills to keep themselves safe, but the correct mindset to approach situations with safety in mind. We help outline where the edges are, what get's pilots in trouble, and how you can avoid those same situations. Our goal is that our students know how to safely navigate flying paramotors in a variaty of environments and conditions safely. Our students are held to a high standard, and we never let a student slip up on our safety cutoffs. We as instructors take our role very serious as we know that our students are trusting us with their lives.
A clearly laid out step-by-step process from A-Z
Building block approach
Videos and visuals to help solidify what you're learning
Visually focused ground school that's detailed and easy to remember
Individual instruction that is at your own pace
A variety of instructors are there to help the entire time
Year round training with full time instructors
60+ hours of personal hands on in the field instruction
20+ hours of in person ground school instruction
And more
We currently train over 100 students every year
Training Details:
10 days
6 students (strict)
Up to 3 instructors
Year round training
Full time instructors
$500 Upfront discount towards equipment
*We sell every make, model, & brand of equipment. Anything you're interested in, we can help you get. :)*
87% of our students are out of state
No equipment purchase is required
Equipment use is provided in the training
Our instructors are certified USPPA instructors
Receive official USPPA PPG ratings (if requested)
Located in Salt Lake City, Utah (April-October)
Located in southern California (November-March)
Training Dates:
2026Salt Lake City, Utah April 25-4 (FULL) May 16-25 (FULL) June 6-15 (FULL) August 29-7 (FULL) October 10-19 (FULL)
2027 Salton Sea, California January 16-25 (5 spots left)*new* March 6-15 *new*
Space is limited and fills up fast!
Training Logistics:
The training will run for about 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the evening with a break in the middle of the day. Usually, the morning training starts around 7:00 am and ends around 11:00 am. The evening session starts around 4:00 pm and ends around 8:00 pm.
Over the years of teaching paramotoring, 87% of our students come in from out of state. This includes a bunch of students who travel from out of country to visit our trianing with the furthest being Iceland, Switzerland, UK, Australia, and more! We are grateful to host and teach incredible students from around the world! For those who are traveling from further away, there are lots of local lodging options from Airbnb's to Hotel's to camping on site. Please feel free to reach out if you've got any additional questions.
Struggling with the 10-days commitment? We totally understand how hard it can be to free up your work schedule, personal schedule, and just life in general for 10 straight days. If you are unable to join us for all 10-days, we are OK with you breaking that up into multiple classes. Meaning, if you can only make 5 days of one class and 5 days of another class - that is OK and we will work with you to make that happen! Maybe you need to break it up into weekends - that is also OK! Again, we understand how hard getting that much time free in a row can be. Please reach out and we would be happy to help work something out that will it possible for you to join us!
If you are someone who needs to do some work during the training day, we also understand and there is time built into the day for that. We will realistically only be training for about 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the evening. The middle of the day is open for you to take care of anything that you need to take care of. And if you're someone who has a meeting here and there that you cannot miss during the class, it is also ok to step away from a session to take the meeting.
Again, we understand how hard it can be to get that much time off in the busy of day to day life. We structure our training to be a "one and done" / 10 day program because we've tested and seen that it delivers the highest level of success in our students. Having one main objective day in and day out for 10 straight days makes it easier to stay focus and make progress. We've tested the weekend "here and there" class structure, and for some that's what they need and we understand. However if we had a choice, we would choose to get it done in one straight shot.
7:00-11:00am morning training sessions
4:00-8:00pm evening training sessions
What You'll Learn During The Training:
FAA rules & regulations (FAR 103)
Understanding of airspace
Weather & forecasting
Risk management
Detailed engine maintenance
Extensive ground handling (kiting)
Forward & Reverse launching techniques
Simulator practice
Power taxi
Solo flights
In-flight emergency practice
Understanding of reserve parachutes
And loads more
Training Equipment (it's provided):
Included in the class, we provide all the equipment needed to complete the course. Students do not need to worry about bringing or buying anything before the class. We have a fleet of 8 state-of-the-art paramotors and a dozen wings for our students to choose from. Everything from helmets, radios, paramotors, wings, reserves, radios, and even the paramotor fuel is provided.
Paramotors
Paragliders
Kiting harnesses
Kiting helmets
Flying helmets
Radios
Paramotor fuel
Paramotor oil
And more
We provide it all so you don't have to stress! Just sign up, show up and let's fly!
Training Location:
Salt Lake City, Utah: During the spring summer and fall (April-October) our training is located just west of Salt Lake City, Utah. Our training facility is located in the town of Tooele, Utah and there are lots of options of places to stay from Airbnb's to hotels. The training field is about 20 minutes from downtown Tooele and offers fantstic flying morning and evening. There is no camping on site but there are campgrounds nearby. You are responsible for transportation to and from class on a day to day basis. Ground school will be held daily at our location in Tooele, Utah.
We do have a list of recommended places to stay, things to bring, what to expect, etc, that will be sent upon registration or request.
Driving Warning: We firmly believe in full transperency and want to make sure expectations are properly set prior to the training. Please come to training prepared to drive from time to time during the training.
Salton Sea, California: During the winter (November-March) our training is located in southern California located at the Salton Sea. This training is held at a small RV park with a built in paramotor runway, called west shores marina. This RV park is located on the shoreline of the Salton Sea which offers incredible all day flying. This location is also within a 10 minute flight of some incredible canyons and terrain to explore. There are local airbnb's and hotels that students commonly stay in. Camping is also welcome, both RV camping or tent camping. The RV park has a lot of space. We do have a list of recommended places to stay, things to bring, what to expect, etc, that will be sent upon registration or request.
Physical Requirements:
Our training program is a very physical and hands-on 10 days. You do not need to be in incredible shape to complete this training, but we do encourage our students to exercise leading up to the class. We have had 300+ pound pilots and 70+ year old pilots successfully complete our training!
12 years old minimum age
70 years old maximum age
100 LBS minimum weight
295 LBS maximum weight
Our Unique Building Block Approach:
Over the last decade of teaching paramotoring we've worked hard to develop what we call a "building block" approach to learning to fly. The basics of this is simple, only add one piece at a time and slowly add more and more as students are ready. What we've seen is that this does two main things: one it relaxes students minds and two it gives students time to work on each individual skill seprate from each other. As a result of this approach, which we continue to improve on each and every class, we have seen an increase in success with our students. It's not that our process today is crazy different from 5 years ago, but the difference makes a big difference with the success of our students. Small things we've seen change is that we no longer deal with students jumping into their seat, which is a very common mistake. We've learned a process to essentially working that out of students. Another thing we see is that students mentally are far less overwhelmed, which makes a huge difference once it's time to fly. Learning to fly is not just a physical thing, there is a lot of mental challenges we face in the process too. By in some way slowing the pace, and walking one step at a time with students everything feels more "bite sized" which makes them far more relaxed and as a result of that, they perform better. The building block approach is rooted in "how can we make our students do better, take less risk, and have more fun." With that in mind, we've devloped a process that works wonders in teaching people how to safely fly paramotors.
CONSTANT Improvements:
One of the things we are very serious about is continuing to work on improving our training structure, system, and how we ourselves teach. During class, our team is constantly taking notes on things we feel we did well, things we think we can improve, things we should remove, add, etc. After class, these notes are reviewed as a team in a no-BS, no-feelings, no-ego, no-emotion way to see how we can improve. This approach is very important to us because no matter how good you think you are, there is always room for improvement. But if you don't actively seek it out, take notes, and review the notes, you'll never make any improvements.
These improvements are rooted in student SAFETY and student SUCCESS, not in our ego or financial gain. That’s a key point—it's all about how we can offer a better training experience and make better students by the end of the 10 days. What we've seen over the last handful of years is that the core of how we run our classes is very similar, but there are dozens of small things that have changed—some things added, some things removed, some sentences said differently, some lessons taught sooner, some later, etc.
As a result of this, we've seen the percentage of students who fly within our 10 days increase, their success rate at launching and landing improve, the number of props/gear damaged decrease, and the amount of information retained in ground school increase. Data is key here, and that’s where notes come in to try and track this as best as possible.
Our team is very serious about improvements, and we actively put energy, time, and money into making our training the best possible training we can.
Visually Focused Ground School:
Ground school is equally as important as hands-on instruction because it's what provides our students with the information they will use to make life-or-death decisions while flying. We've spent years working on our ground school to ensure students learn the information and most importantly retain that information when they need it most. Our ground school is very visually focused, meaning, we prioritize having photos and videos to support the ideas we are discussing. We've learned that this helps students retain the information presented far better than memorizing or sitting through long power points. Our in-person ground school is followed up with a 100+ page ground school book, a study guide reviewing the key information, and a copy of every ground school presentation we did during the class. We don't want to just tell you the information, we want you to learn it and remember it.
Here are some of the topics we will discuss during the ground school:
Weather - understanding what we are looking for and how to find it
FAR 103 - the rules we are required to follow
Airspace - how to understand sectional maps & where we're allowed to be
Risk management - understanding of major risk points & how to avoid them
Reserves - How to use them & when to use them
And more
Firm Cutoffs:
Another main focus of our ground school that has made a huge difference for our students, is our very firm cutoffs for them to follow. When a student goes to make a choice while flying in the real world, they will lean into the information that their instructors have provided them to make that decision. It is important for instructors to draw very clear "lines in the sand" as to what is ok and not ok so there are no grey areas. In aviation, grey areas are where pilots make mistakes and can get hurt. We understand this and have worked hard to "draw those lines in the sand" for our students so they are never left guessing or wondering whether they're making a good choice or a bad choice. We take this very seriously because we know it can make a life-or-death difference for our students.
Extensive Kiting/Ground Handling:
Kiting, also referred to as ground handling is the single most important foundational skill of flying paragliders and paramotors. In the most basic sense, kiting is your ability to keep control of the glider no matter what the wing or wind is doing. This skill set is far more important than most people think, which is why we dedicate extensive amounts of time and energy to helping build your kiting skills. This skill set is often overlooked in paramotoring and seen as simply a means to the end. However, that is far from the truth. Over the last decade, we've learned that the better you are at controlling your glider on the ground, the easier flying will be and the safer flying will be.
Life Time Help, Guaranteed:
Our commitment to our students doesn't end on day 10. Our team of instructors is dedicated to continuing to instruct in person, over the phone, or via text until the end of time. Our instructors are to this day still helping students from nearly 10 years ago anytime they have questions. Once we're your instructor, we're always your instructor.
Radical Independence:
One of the biggest priorities of our training school is to ensure our students are independent paramotor pilots. It's our goal that by the end of the class, you don't need our help with hooking in, laying your wing out, starting your motor, launching, landing, and flying. We work hard to instill independence and confidence into our students starting on day 1.
Commitment to safety:
Our commitment to safety is above anything else, including money. Our job as instructors is to make sure that you have a safe learning environment. During this class, you will be relying on our team to make decisions on things that can put your life in danger. We take this very seriously and we refuse to ever put you in situations you shouldn't be, even if that means you never fly during the class. If we don't think it's safe for you to be in the sky, we will not do it, no matter what.
As a commitment to you we will always be your instructor first and friend second. Meaning we will have those hard conversations, we will keep you ground, and we will absoluelty not put you into a situation that you are not prepared for. This also means if we do not think it's safe for you to fly during the 10-days, whether that's because you were not ready or because the weather was bad, we will not fly you. We have a huge commitment to you to keep you safe and ensure you go home to your family after the training is completed.
Training Experience:
Over the last 12 years (2012) we've been fortunate enough to dedicate our lives to this incredible sport. We've been honored to teach over 621 students and look forward to training 621 more! Our team of instructors has decades of combined experience with a wide range of backgrounds. Our passion for this incredible sport runs through our blood, and our team has all dedicated their life to this.
Started flying in 2012
Started teaching in 2014
Went full-time in 2018
Over 582 students and counting
USPPA certified
Why Your School Over Others?
This is a question we occasionally get asked, and let's be honest here, how do we answer this without just bragging about ourselves the whole time OR without putting down other schools? One thing we value as a team is not putting down other schools or instructors. We don't think that does anyone any good, and it never reflects well on yourself. What we've seen in our years is that the schools and instructors who do that are oftentimes very insecure/nervous because they know, on a level playing field, they never win the student because ultimately they don't do as good of a job. So if you find yourself looking at a school or an instructor who feels the need to put others down to make themselves look good— that's a red flag.
Here's the deal: there are some fantastic instructors across the country that do a fantastic job teaching you to fly. Ultimately, when you choose a school/instructor, you are choosing to learn their way, from their structure, with their approach so keep that in mind. What we've seen is the core of paramotor training is very consistent across the board, it's only the little things that change from one school to another and just remember, it's the little things that make a big difference.
So why us: We want you to choose us because you like the approach we take. We want you to choose us because you like our team of instructors. We want you to choose us because you think you will learn best from the way we do things. We want you to choose us because you feel you can trust us to do a good job. We want you to choose us because you appreciate the fact that we constantly work on improving our training. We want you to choose us because you appreciate that we are fully transparent with our approach and training. We want you to choose us because you like our instructor-first, friend-second approach. And so on, and so forth.
Choosing a school/instructor is a choice you get to make, and if you choose us, you will have our full commitment towards making you the safest and best pilot we can.
Contact Us:
Do not hesitate to reach out to us directly with any questions in regards to the training, scheduling, paramotors, packages, or general questions. Our team is available 7 days a week to help answer your questions (yes even on the weekends)!
Call or text - (801-599-1684) Email - Info@BackcountryPPG.com
Can't Make 10-Days?
We absolutely understand how hard it can be to get 10 straight days off work and away from your day to day life. Please reach out to us, as we are happy to help cater to your work schedule! Maybe you need to come for a few days here and a few days there, which we would be happy to help you with. Our team is happy to help take you as you're ready.
How To Sign Up:
To officially register for our training program, add the class of your choice to the cart, proceed to checkout, and complete the checkout. Upon checking out you'll receive a personal email from our team outlining the class in more detail. This will include things like what to bring to the training, where exactly it will be, and the exact times of when it starts.
Training Starts The Day You Sign Up:
Upon signing up, you will receive a few things that will help kickstart your paramotor training. This includes our 103-page ground school book. We encourage our students to read through and learn from our ground school book before coming to training. This isn't a requirement, but an enhancement of your training if you choose to do so. These lessons will help give you a basic understanding of paramotoring which will be helpful when you arrive at the class.
"Do you sell equipment?"
This is a commonly asked question and we wanted to elaborate on it. Backcountry PPG is a dealer or importer for almost every major make, model, and brand of paramotor and paragliding equipment. Our saying is "we sell anything under the sun (paramotor related)" and are always happy to help you make a purchase. We may not have a certain piece of equipment for sale on our website, but it doesn't mean we cannot help you get it. Please do not take this as pushy, as we will never be that "pushy sales man" on you about equipment. But please consider us before making a purchase as we are likely able to help you get a better deal and appreciate the loyalty and business.
$500 Up Front Discount Towards Equipment:
As a thank you to our customers who are ready to go all in, we offer a $500 discount on equipment purchases made before the training class begins. This discount is included in the Adventure Package listed below. If you're serious about paramotoring, this is a huge discount on the total purchase.
Package Deals:
Introducing our new Adventure Paramotor Package. This package includes everything you will need for all your paramotor adventures. This package includes our 10-day beginner training program, the top-of-the-line MacFly paramotor, the Ozone Roadster 4 wing, and a slew of additional accessories. This package is everything a new paramotor pilot will need to begin their flying adventures. Most commonly purchased by students prior to the class.
We highly recommend the purchase of equipment prior to the training class. Having your equipment at the training allows our team of professionals to help you assemble, break-in, and adjust the equipment to you. This will give you confidence that the equipment is setup properly for when you return home. Having the equipment ready for you to fly the day after training, also means you can begin flying the day you get home. Like anything, the longer you wait to do it after learning, the more timid you may become. Being able to fly within days of returning home leads to higher overall success in flying paramotors. Having the equipment at the class also means you'll have the ability to fly your setup under supervised instruction from our team. Flying your stuff means you'll be nice and comfortable with it when you return home.
If you're not sure what setup to get, don't worry, we've made it easy! Over the last few years we've tested, tried, and purchased every setup out there to find the one that we think is the best. Based on hours and hours of testing, trying, and flying everything, the equipment we've choosen for the adventure package is what we've determined to be one of the best setups for new pilots getting into paramotoring. This package is not something you'll outgrow in a few hours, but instead something you'll be excited to fly for hundreds of hours.
Backcountry PPG Gear Only Package - $14,646
This package is everything besides our 10-Day Beginner Training.
Includes The Following: Includes The Following: $9,266 MacFly Paramotor $980 Ozone Angel 140 Reserve $4,400 Ozone Roadster 4 $0 Backcountry PPG Stuff Bag $0 Game Changer Toggles $0 Shipping (on us) $14,646 Total
If you've had a chance to comb through our website then you may be familiar with our 5 day Adventure Training class. This training class is a great way for pilots to get additional hands on instruction as well as being able to join more experienced pilots on some real world flights. Moving forward we schedule our adventure training classes the weekend following the beginner training with the intention that beginner students will be able to sign up for both of them. This will also give you the ability to stay focused on your skillset and get a lot more flight experience than you would just by attending the 10-day course. We've had students do this in the past, and the results at the end of both classes is night and day different than the result at just the end of the beginner class. It's not that you will not be capable of going on your own, because you will, but because being able to join some advanced pilots into the real world to see what your gear and you is really capable of is huge. You also get to see the ground school theory come to life, and experience things first hand. Plus there is something to back to back training, without big gaps of not flying. Flying every day for 16 days makes a difference. If you are interested in this, we do offer a $250 discount for signing up for both. Please let us know and we can make that happen!
Refund's & Rescheduling:
One of our core values is being transparent with our students and customers, and refunds/rescheduling is one of the things we try to be very clear about. Here at Backcountry PPG LLC, we do not offer refunds on any equipment or training purchases. We are a small business, and refunds can quickly put us in a difficult position, which we are not willing to do. We also want commitment from our students; meaning, if we offered refunds for our training, we would often encounter people who bounce back and forth, causing us headaches and financial losses due to credit card and refund fees. To avoid dealing with flaky students, we don’t offer refunds. We want to be fully transparent about this, and when you sign up, we want you to understand and be committed.
That said, we fully understand the logistics of life and how unforeseen circumstances can arise, causing you to reschedule. We are always more than happy to reschedule you to any future class, at any time, with no questions asked—even if it’s years down the line. We will work with you to find a time that fits your schedule, as we understand how challenging it can be to get ten days off. The only request we have is that you give us as much notice as possible, so we have the opportunity to try and fill your spot.
Paramotors are small unlicenced aircraft that can be flown in locations as small as a local soccer or football field. They are capable of flying up to 18,000 feet and can be packed down small enough to fit into a Prius! Yes, you don't even need a truck! These small but mighty aircraft can carry far more weight than you might think, and we regularly have 300+ pound pilots attending our training program with great success!
How Safe Are Paramotors?
Although there are no official statistics, we've seen that paramotoring can be one of the safest forms of aviation out there. Safety is primarily determined by the pilot's judgment and ability to make smart choices with their flying. This goes for choosing good weather to fly in, choosing a safe way to fly, and overall making safe decisions. We are huge safety advocates because although we've dedicated our entire lives to this, we don't want to get hurt and we definitely don't want others to get hurt. One thing we preach about more than anything else is safety management and we work hand in hand with our students to help them learn about the potential risks they may face and how to safely navigate those. When done correctly, paramotoring is one of the safest and most fun forms of aviation there is!
Are Paramotors Only For Adrenaline Junkies?
Although it might seem like flying paramotors is a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping sport, it's not. The majority of paramotor pilots are just out to take in the jaw-dropping views and enjoy the freedom of PPG.
Am I Too Old To Fly Paramotors?
Flying paramotors is not just for the young buck. The average paramotor pilot is in their 50's, and 60's.
Learn more about our training program by watching the following videos:
As a beginner female pilot one of the first things I needed was a trainer that would meet me where my comfort level was. Trevor and Mike went above and beyond making sure I felt comfortable at my pace with developing the skills I needed to be successful. I was pushed to do my best, but never pushed beyond my comfort level! Such an extraordinary experience from beginning to end. I can’t recommend this class enough to anyone looking for a paramotor training truly tailor to an individual. My first flight was the most incredible experience and they made sure I was comfortable and felt completely safe! 100000000/10
I had a wonderful experience with this beginner PPG class! For me, this dream was a long time coming and it became now or never situation. Many who know me may consider me a bold risk taker. That may be somewhat true as I often dabble with calculated risk and other activities. Well, for me, this is the one adventurous sport that I wanted to decrease the risk as much as possible. Therefore, I did my homework. I like to do research so I dug deep. I wasn't quite sure how the Backcountry PPG training cost compared to the competition. I didn't factor that in as my goal was to seek out the best PPG training regardless of cost and location. I kept coming back to Trevor and Backcountry PPG. I had multiple phone conversations with Trevor as well as other competing instructors. I also watched many instructional videos to see how the different instructors taught. I kept gravitating towards the way Trevor explains detail and emphasizes the important information. I found him very easy to follow and understand. I held a high value to this fact as my ability to learn new things does not come as easy as it used to. 😉
Another noteworthy mention is that Backcountry PPG has access to several great field training sites nearby! The wind conditions are often favorable. This really helps to keep unfavorable weather to a minimum.
So ultimately, from a value perspective, I opted to learn how to fly with Backcountry PPG!
Was it the right decision? Absolutely! From day one, I knew I made the right choice! Both Trevor and Mike are amazing instructors! They make a great team out in the field. I benefited from each of their perspectives and guidance!
If you are considering learning how to PPG, I strongly recommend Backcountry PPG. If you are shopping around for quite possibly the best instructors available, let my due diligence save you some time. I'm happy to discuss my experience with anyone! It feels good to make the right choice with something so important! I am so excited that I have decided to get into this sport! I now have the training and the confidence to get out there and fly like an Eagle! Okay, maybe more like a Heron but regardless, it''s amazing!!!
Rob Moser
Trevor is very supportive, patient and is a treasure chest of knowledge making it easy to digest the tons of information surrounding PPG so I felt safe to head to the sky. I'm coming back for more Trevor! Thank you!
Trevor and Mike are great instructors! The program is really well structured to get you the fundamentals before moving on, and never taking too much at one time. Great gear and knowledge all around. Learned a ton and highly recommend to anyone trying to get into PPG.
Trevor and Mike run an amazing class very detailed oriented and committed to training and creating safe pilots down to the tiny details. I would recommend Backcountry PPG to anyone looking into getting into the sport.
I recently completed my paramotor training and I couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. From day one, the program was exceptionally well-organized with an effective and efficient schedule that maximized every hour on the field. The training progressed logically from ground handling and kiting to motor runs and first flights, with just the right balance of instruction, practice, and rest. No time was wasted, yet nothing felt rushed—perfect for building confidence and skills step by step.
The training location was an ideal practice environment: a large, open, grassy field with consistent, smooth wind conditions and plenty of room to make mistakes safely. The surrounding area was free of major obstacles, making it one of the most forgiving and student-friendly sites I’ve seen. This setup allowed me to focus entirely on learning rather than worrying about hazards.
Equipment quality was another standout. All the paramotors, wings, and harnesses were well-maintained, clean, and in excellent condition. Everything felt reliable and safe, which gave me peace of mind during my first powered flights. The school clearly takes pride in their gear and performs regular maintenance, so you never have to question the equipment’s readiness.
What truly set this training apart, though, were the instructors: Trevor and Mike. Their extensive experience and genuine passion for paramotoring shine through in every lesson. They are patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly dedicated to their students’ success. Whether breaking down complex concepts or providing calm, clear feedback during flights, they made learning enjoyable and effective. You can tell they love what they do and truly care about producing safe, competent pilots. Their enthusiasm is contagious and kept me motivated throughout the course.
If you’re serious about learning to paramotor safely and confidently, I highly recommend this program. The combination of a smart schedule, perfect training field, top-notch equipment, and passionate, expert instructors makes it one of the best investments I’ve ever made in a new adventure. Thank you, Trevor and Mike, you’ve helped me achieve a lifelong dream!
What an experience! I went to the 10 day training at the salton sea. The week was a great way for me to unplug from real life and just focus on something I have wanted to do for a long time. There are no regrets, and highly recommend Trevor and Mike if you are on the fence.
Training with Trever and Mike at Backcountry PPG was an awesome experience for me. They were on the ball and very knowledgeable plus extremely focused on students safety. I had a bunch of fun during the training and made some new friends while I was at it! By the time I left training I felt vary comfortable with flying powered paragliders and excited to explore the sky.
Training with Trevor and Mike at Backcountry PPG has been the best experience of my life. Their professionalism, patience, and dedication to safety are unmatched. They don’t just teach you how to fly—they teach you how to understand the sport, the conditions, the gear, and your own progression.
Both Trevor and Mike make you feel confident every step of the way. They break down complex skills in a simple, supportive way and genuinely care about making you a safe, capable, and confident pilot. From kiting to launches to landings, the entire experience was organized, fun, and life-changing.
If you’re looking to get into paramotoring, this is the place. I can’t recommend Backcountry PPG enough.
—Brian G
Trevor and Mike, Thank you guys for an all around awesome experience! You exceeded my expectations, the instruction was top notch, well thought out, and easy to grasp. I appreciate that safety and good technique were a huge focus. I'm stoked that I chose to go with Backcountry PPG. I went from complete novice to capable pilot, and it was a pleasure learning from you guys!
I don't ever write reviews. That being said, after the experience with Trevor and Mike from Backcountry ppg I felt it necessary. Not to mention the other members of the class.
Everyone was so supportive of me and each other to get into the air. It took a couple extra days for me to get up there but they were all my rooting section. The training, knowledge, and information that we received was second to none. I have talked to other instructors and even they say Trevor is the best. It seemed like years before I was finally able to get to the class, but once I did it was well worth the wait and the effort and the expense. The whole group was extremely friendly and very motivated to get airborne. The Salton Sea was an awesome backdrop from sunrise to sunset. I could go on forever but I won't. I'm sure you get the picture. Mike, Trevor and everybody in the class I am extremely grateful for the 10 days that I spent there. Thank you all for one of the biggest highs of my life. I will remember this forever. If anyone is even thinking about doing this, stop thinking and just do it. You won't regret it.
Thanks again,
Friends for life,
Paul Smoley
What a great experience all around! The training I received at Backcountry PPG was top notch! Trevor and Mike are professional, very experienced, and work with you at your level. The 10 days I spent at Salton Sea were some I will never forget! Lifelong friends were made, and I left feeling very confident to fly and my own, and when not to fly. I will definitely be coming back for the adventure class.
If you are looking for the best instruction out there, Backcountry PPG is THE PLACE to train!
Thanks Trevor and Mike!
It's hard to put into words how amazing this experience was. Whether you come into it after studying the sport for years or looking at it as a new casual hobby, you will leave with a new passion for life. Trevor and Mike facilitate this by showing and teaching you everything you need to know on how to safely enter the sport. It's by no means a vacation but such a fulfilling experience that you can't help but have a smile on your face through every challenge. One of the best parts of the entire experience, besides taking flight, is the people you will meet in your class. It's insane how a group of strangers can become close friends if not family in a short 10 days. And always class 51 BCE!
Where do I even begin firstly what a dream come true to be able to learn how to fly a paramotor and with Trevor who was such an absolutely incredible teacher. The experience was just incredible from the first day meeting everyone a sucking at kiting to the first time my feet left the ground on my first flight to the last goodbyes on the final day. Every step of the way was a amazing experience I wouldn’t call it easy by any means as a low altitude easterner myself coming to 5100’ above sea level then running around a feild like a chicken with its head cut off with a glider an motor attached to me was no walk in the park but boy was it all worth it. Additionally Trevor and Mike really just work great together Mike handling the majority of the ground kiting an Trevor handling the majority of flying, they are both so patient with each student and can read an see when someone is really struggling, needs help, needs to walk away from a couple of minute and breath or just is just doing peachy. They are an amazing duo and amazing teachers that taught each of us so much over the course of 10 days that will be invaluable in the years of flying each of us will hopefully do. Thankyou so much for the incredible experience and all the knowledge you gave to me I will be forever grateful! Also one last thing Class 51 BCE!
The beginner class was phenomenonal chance to get hands on experience (flight time) and knowledge from the instructors. I can really feel the passion and enthusiasm from Trevor and Mike as they taught all 10 days which got me even more excited each day of class. I felt humbled to have the opportunity to learn from Trevor and Mike.
Trevor and Mike were a great team to learn with. No question was unanswered, and every answer was followed with an explanation to support it. I traveled from Vermont to attend this training, and highly recommend Backcountry PPG for their training and sells.
Trevor and Mike are both some pretty rad humans, they will get you trained and ready to go! Highly recommend these guys for anything paramotor related.
If you're thinking about getting into paramotoring and want top-notch training without the boring classroom vibes, Backcountry PPG is where it's at. Trever, the owner, is awesome—super friendly, knows his stuff inside and out, and doesn’t waste time with fluff. He’s the kind of guy who could probably teach a rock to fly if it had a wing.
Mike, the other instructor, is just as solid. Helpful, patient, and always there with good advice (and probably a good story too). Between the two of them, you’re getting expert-level training with a side of laughs.
The whole experience was professional but laid-back. I felt safe, supported, and like I was learning from people who genuinely love what they do. Can’t recommend these guys enough. If you want to learn to fly and have a good time doing it, go with Backcountry PPG!
Training with Trevor and Mike was a fantastic experience! They've got a well structured program that's built around safety, plus countless hours of time and experience in this sport.
Despite some less than ideal weather during our time there they navigated everything well, prioritizing ground school when it made sense, but also ensuring we had plenty of hands-on time when the conditions were right.
Some of the skills and concepts feel totally foreign in the beginning. But, with their style of instruction, everything comes together as they add one building block onto another. They'll gradually give you everything you need to know without overwhelming you, and then eventually it just clicks.
At the end of 10 days, I walked away with the confidence to go out and do this on my own and a bunch of new friends to meet up and fly with in the future.
Would absolutely recommend Backcountry PPG to anyone interested in paramotoring!
Backcountry PPG: An Unforgettable Paramotoring Experience
I recently completed a 10-day beginner paramotoring course followed by a 5-day adventure paramotoring course with Backcountry PPG, and I can confidently say it was a life-changing experience. The instructors, Trevor Steele and Mike Wingard, were exceptional in their teaching methods and professionalism.
The beginner course provided a solid foundation, focusing on the essentials of takeoffs, landings, and building confidence in the air. As I progressed to the adventure course, we were treated to breathtaking flights around the Salton Sea shoreline, up mountains, through winding canyons, and over the Glamis Sand Dunes. These longer flights, lasting 2-3 hours, truly showcased the freedom and beauty of paramotoring.
Trevor and Mike's expertise shone through in their thorough and graceful approach to teaching. They emphasized safety while ensuring we had fun in the sky, striking the perfect balance between adventure and responsible flying. Their communication skills were top-notch, making complex concepts easy to understand and apply.
What sets Backcountry PPG apart is their structured, no-nonsense approach to training. With a maximum of 6 students per class and multiple instructors, the personalized attention ensures that each student receives the guidance they need. The comprehensive curriculum covers everything from ground handling techniques to airspace regulations and motor maintenance.
It's no wonder that Trevor comes highly recommended, even by renowned pilots like Tucker Gott (that's who originally recommended Trevor to me). The team's passion for paramotoring is evident in every aspect of their training, from the detailed ground school to the planned adventure flights.
For anyone considering getting into paramotoring, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to Backcountry PPG. The combination of expert instruction, breathtaking locations, and a well-structured program makes for an unparalleled learning experience. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to advance your skills, Backcountry PPG offers a phenomenal journey into the world of powered paragliding.
10 out of 10.
So much information was provided to us in this training course I don't know how you would ever get flying on your own.
The class was challenging, very rewarding and it was super fun especially experiencing it with like minded adventurous people.
Dude - just look at the reviews below me. You're making a great decision, life is only so long, sign up for the class.
Aside from the awesome instruction, I also met a lot of awesome people taking the class. It's a great way to make friends and get into the community!
I literally cannot say enough good things about this amazing school. Trevor was SO helpful, knowledgeable, and patient from the very first time we talked all the way through training and even after. Mike was SO helpful, especially when it came to engines and getting things set up. Jordan was sharp and an excellent instructor as well. I was able to go from literally zero knowledge and very intimidated to FULLY comfortable and safe within the 10 day class. THANK YOU guys, this is going to be a great hobby for me!!
I had a fantastic time with BCPPG, Trevor and Mike. Both instructors have a very clear and concise way of instructing and their experience shows. When your instructions and feedback are delivered in an assured way, it makes you calm and able to respond.
I was fortunate to do something I have wanted to do for many years….learn to fly a paramotor. Hands down one of the best things I have ever done. Trevor Steele and the trainers at Backcountry PPG are amazing, patient, and very knowledgeable. Crazy to think you can go from zero experience to flying within the 10 day training program. The guys in my training group were some coolest guys to hang out with and will always keep in touch. If you ever need an adrenaline rush….you have to get in touch with Trevor. Amazing experience.
***ATTENTION SIGNIFICANT OTHERS*** I wanted to write this review not as a participant, but as someone that attended with a loved one. I was scared and apprehensive for my husband to learn this sport, but after day 1 of watching Trevor teach, all of my fears and worries melted away. Trevor’s attention to detail and the true love and care he takes when teaching how to Paramotor in a safe and responsible way made me feel so much more comfortable with the sport as a whole. He truly cares about each individual person that he trains and makes sure everyone’s safety is a top priority. After the 10th day of watching him teach he felt more like a lifelong friend sharing his passion for Paramotoring. He truly provided an experience we will never forget, and I have gained a respect for the sport and feel comfortable and confident that my husband is participating in it as safely as possible. Thank you so much Trevor!!!!
Trevor is amazing at teaching!
His ability to relay instruction is clear and concise.
I felt like the entire training course was crafted well and provided the perfect transitioning steps to get into the air.
My confidence was very good by the end of the class.
Incredible place to learn to paramotor. The instructors know what they’re talking about and give you the skill to fly confidently. I have a feeling I made some good friends with instructors and classmates too!
This will be a lengthy review, but I stand by what I say and hope to help some of you guys out in your decision process. I attended the AUG 10-19 2024 session. I trained with Trevor and Jordan, and I must say their knowledge and expertise is outstanding. From the very beginning, it is evident that these guys know exactly what they are doing and have completely mastered the craft with a combined 24+ years experience between the 2 of them alone.
Having expertise is one thing, but in a training environment, it is equally important to be a good teacher and have a good training program. If you go on the website, the entire training program is laid out day by day. This structure was followed very well and nothing was skipped or left out, although some days got shifted around due to weather. It is a very adaptable and flexible program, and as long as some training CAN be done, training WILL be done with no time wasted. There was always a focus on safety and progressing each individual at their own pace. If you progress slowly or weather gets in the way and you aren’t able to fly during your class? No worries, because Trevor is always willing to work with you and is extremely reasonable. If you progress quickly and are ready to fly on day 3, he’ll fly you.
Trevor has a very calm and reassuring presence over radio during your first few flights when your nerves may be at their worst, and I felt safe at all times. Once you see the team’s expertise and mastery of the sport, you will too.
Trevor’s communication is excellent. He is available more often than not to talk about training or gear and answer any questions you may have, no matter how insignificant they seem. If there is anything (literally anything) paramotor related you want to buy, he can get it for you. He is a dealer for all major brands, and can find a way to get you anything else you want. Of course he has a prerogative to sell, but I never felt he was being pushy or over the top trying to sell me things I didn’t want.
I purchased the Adventure Package, a package Trevor put together that has everything you need to get started. Everything from the wing to the motor to a windsock and even something as basic as a carabiner to stow your throttle. As someone who is money conscious and overly analytical, I usually avoid packages and just buy what I need because packages are often inflated in price for the convenience. That is not the case here, as the math works out and I believe it is good value for money, especially since beginners won’t know every little thing they need.
Over all, I can’t say enough good things about Backcountry PPG and I have a hard time believing there’s better training out there.
Back Country PPG - Amazing Experience!
I had a great time with Back Country PPG, and Trevor was an awesome instructor. I was unsure about getting into paramotoring at first, but Trevor’s knowledge and love for the sport made me feel confident quickly. He explained things in a way that was easy to understand.
Trevor always made safety the top priority. He helped with everything, from choosing the right gear to answering all my questions about ground school and paramotors. He was always there when I needed him.
If you’re thinking about paramotoring, I highly recommend Back Country PPG. Trevor’s support and care made this experience unforgettable.
Top notch training course for paramotoring! All the instructors want to see you succeed while keeping it safe and educational, 10/10 would recommend to anyone!
Attending the Beginner Course at BackcountryPPG was so much more than just training for me. I admire and look up to Judson, Trevor, Mike and Jordan as some of the top pros in the Paramotoring community, and I’m so proud to share that they taught me to fly. I feel like I was taught by the best and have laid a solid foundation of skills from which to launch ever higher in my progression as a paramotor pilot. The building block style of layering skillsets and eliminating bad habits before they are set, during their thorough, detailed, total immersion training is simply the best. They offer plenty of positive feedback and encouragement throughout the entire course, celebrating each student’s successes. Trevor has created something truly special with BackcountryPPG and assembled a talented team of instructors with Judson, Mike and Jordan. Their enthusiasm for paramotoring is contagious!
Bottom line; you can do this and this is the place to learn. Stop dreaming, start flying!
BackcountryPPG changed my life!
I've had the dream to fly since I was a little boy trying to jump off my roof with only a string, a plastic bag. To say I've had an obsession with aviation is an understatement. I'm forever grateful for Trevor Steele and Judson Graham and their great team of instructors for unwavering patience. They gifted me a lifetime of knowledge in ten short days and I'm overjoyed with how wonderful my experience was. Thank you guys!
I'm looking forward to getting out there again for the advanced training. Here's to a life long passion and to making new friends.
The team at Backcountry PPG are all really cool dudes!
I’ve had a great experience learning to fly paramotors at Backcountry PPG. The team of instructors are super knowledgeable, friendly, patient, encouraging, and have multiple decades of experience between them.
The ten day course included lessons in everything from all types of safety, weather (interpreting official reported and forecasted condition as well as reading the actual real-time weather at the LZ), laws (FAR regulations, airspace), how to care for and maintain equipment, kiting & ground handling, takeoffs & landings, how to handle different types of emergencies, and a path to move forward in piloting skills after leaving the class.
I left the class feeling ready enough to safely fly on my own in a novice capacity and I know--as we are encouraged to--that I can contact Trevor or another instructor to further answer flying or gear questions any time in the future.
I had such a fun time and hope to take more classes in the future when I am ready to progress to a new level. Thanks guys!
Trevor and crew are the best. This training program focuses on the fundamentals of kiting and flying. They pay particular attention to safety and flight readiness. I was confident in my skills and wing handling before my first flight, and it made all the difference on my first takeoff. I hope to come back for the advance skills class in the near future!
I highly recommend Backcountry PPG. They are all hard working, patient and professional trainers. They know their way with the Paramotor, wings, safety, kiting, weather and fun. If you’re interested in learning, reach out to them and get scheduled for training!
Not sure where to begin, but what a great experience!
After performing extensive research, I had narrowed my training down to a Backcountry PPG and 2 others. From the onset, one of the things that set Backcountry PPG apart from the others was Trevor's [Backcountry PPG] timely communications. Not only was Backcountry PPG quick to respond, but the detail and thorough information answered questions before I had thought to ask. Beyond paramotor training or related questions, Trevor was quick to provide location information, AirBnB information, etc. It made it very easy to know what I was going to be doing, where I could stay, eat, etc. Logistically it was a very easy decision.
As for the training itself, SPOT ON. Trevor, Mike and Jordan are each masters of their craft. The amount of knowledge and experience Backcountry PPG provides is amazing. More importantly, the way they provide the information, in a progressive approach, allows a student to absorb, process, practice and apply in a practical manner. Training includes SAFETY, hands-on, technical and flight debriefs, and ground school. The students were taught components and pieces as they progressed, at their pace. Although I didn't progress as quickly as others in my class, Trevor, Mike and Jordan worked with me at my pace. This approach paid off as I was able to have my first flight on Day 6! The training included all the needed gear (including kiting and flight videos), and the location is EXECELLENT for flights!
Beyond the training, Backcountry PPG staff make a real effort to know each student on a personal level. Trevor has a purposeful delivery with an extensive amount of knowledge and experience. Mike will ensure you're putting yourself in the best position possible to succeed, all the while making it difficult to not be laughing when he is around. Jordan, although such a young pilot, is a surgeon with a kite. Unreal comfort and skill! These guys are the best at what they do. Couple this group with a fun learning environment, group lunches and even throw in a BBQ = Good times!
Inconclusion, I cannot recommend Backcountry PPG enough! This is a group of people I would hang out with outside of paramotoring. Simply put, a fun group, with a passion for paramotoring and getting the most out of life.
Keep your knees in the breeze and keep searching for the katabatic flow!
