At 05:24 16 January 2004, James wrote:
It is a challenging
airport to land at with density altitudes often at
8-9000 feet, a
cross wind that comes up in the afternoon, a narrow
runway with runway
lights, and a 400' drop off before threshold. But
hey, if you can fly
TRK you'll have the confidence that you can truly fly
anywhere.
SNIP

Truckee is a nice mountain site with some great soaring.
However as far as most *challenging* airport in North
America that gliders launch from, I nominate Telluride.
Some of its more unique features a
1.) 9k' msl and it gets hot
2.) One way in and out runway due to terrain and noise
considerations.
3.) Situated up on a 800' mesa for true carrier type
launches.
4.) Did I mention the biz jets on their 8 mile straight
in finals
5.) Or the commuter props popping in over the 12k'
ridge 5 miles north of the field.
6.) Low rope break options mean if u walk away from
the wreck, it was a good landing.
7.) The runway has a 150' dip in the middle, makes
for interesting launching when towplane touches back
down on the second half of the runway.
8.) All worth it, unbelievable scenery and great
soaring.