The Ultimate BASE Jumping Locations Cheatsheet: World-Class Exits for Every Experience Level

Introduction: Understanding BASE Jumping

BASE jumping is one of the world’s most extreme sports, involving parachuting from fixed objects rather than aircraft. The acronym “BASE” stands for the four categories of fixed objects from which one can jump:

• Buildings
• Antennas (radio masts, towers)
• Spans (bridges)
• Earth (cliffs, mountains)

This cheatsheet provides a comprehensive guide to the world’s premier BASE jumping locations, organized by experience level, jump type, legal status, and geographical region. It includes vital information about conditions, technical requirements, access, and safety considerations for each site.

Safety and Legal Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: BASE jumping is an extremely dangerous activity that has resulted in numerous fatalities. This cheatsheet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of the activity. Always:

• Obtain proper training and mentorship
• Never jump alone
• Research current conditions and regulations
• Secure all necessary permits
• Respect private property and protected areas
• Verify all information independently before attempting any jump

Experience Level Requirements

World-Class BASE Locations by Type

Buildings & Urban Environments

Antennas & Towers

Spans (Bridges)

Earth (Cliffs & Mountains)

Legendary World BASE Locations by Region

Europe

Switzerland

• Lauterbrunnen Valley

  • Height: Various (700-900m)
  • Experience: Intermediate-Advanced
  • Legal status: Restricted jumping zones
  • Best season: April-October
  • Known for: Multiple exit points, stunning scenery, “Valley of 72 Waterfalls”
  • Hazards: Changing weather, valley winds, restricted zones
  • Landing areas: Multiple designated fields
  • Accommodation: BASE-friendly hostels in Lauterbrunnen

• Via Ferrata, Mürren

  • Height: ~700m
  • Experience: Advanced
  • Legal status: Semi-tolerated
  • Best season: May-September
  • Known for: Technical exit requires Via Ferrata climb
  • Hazards: Exposure during approach, technical exit
  • Landing areas: Fields near Stechelberg

Norway

• Kjerag

  • Height: 1,000m
  • Experience: Intermediate
  • Legal status: Legal
  • Best season: May-October
  • Known for: Accessible cliff, massive wall, fjord landing
  • Hazards: Tourist crowds, changing weather, water landing risk
  • Landing areas: Lysefjorden shoreline
  • Access: Ferry from Lysebotn or hike from parking area (2-3 hours)

• Troll Wall

  • Height: 1,100m
  • Experience: Advanced-Expert
  • Legal status: Legal
  • Best season: June-September
  • Known for: Europe’s tallest vertical rock face
  • Hazards: Complex terrain, difficult landing areas, extreme weather
  • Landing areas: Limited options near road
  • Access: Hike from Trollstigen

Italy

• Monte Brento
  • Height: 1,200m
  • Experience: Intermediate-Advanced
  • Legal status: Legal with restrictions
  • Best season: April-November
  • Known for: Massive clean wall, multiple exit points
  • Hazards: Thermals later in day
  • Landing areas: Fields near Dro
  • Access: Hiking trails from parking areas

North America

USA

• Perrine Bridge, Idaho

  • Height: 148m
  • Experience: Beginner
  • Legal status: Legal year-round
  • Best season: Year-round (avoid winter ice)
  • Known for: Only permanent legal BASE bridge in US
  • Hazards: Wind, water landing, cables
  • Landing areas: Under the bridge on both sides
  • Local community: Active BASE scene, mentors available

• Moab, Utah

  • Height: Various
  • Experience: Intermediate-Expert
  • Legal status: Mixed (some legal, some BLM land)
  • Best season: March-May, September-November
  • Known for: Desert towers, stunning scenery
  • Hazards: Desert thermals, technical landings
  • Notable jumps: Poison Spider Mesa, The Tombstone
  • Access: 4×4 vehicle often necessary

• El Capitan, California

  • Height: 900m
  • Experience: Advanced
  • Legal status: Illegal (National Park)
  • Best season: Weather dependent
  • Known for: Iconic Yosemite wall
  • Hazards: Significant legal consequences, updrafts
  • Landing areas: El Cap Meadow (visible to rangers)
  • Note: Strictly enforced prohibition

Asia

Malaysia

• KL Tower
  • Height: 421m
  • Experience: Intermediate
  • Legal status: Legal with permit during annual event
  • Best season: During official KL Tower event
  • Known for: Annual legal BASE event
  • Hazards: Urban obstacles, changing winds
  • Landing areas: Designated area near tower base
  • Registration: Required for official event

China

• Tianmen Mountain
  • Height: 1,430m
  • Experience: Expert
  • Legal status: Restricted (occasionally hosts events)
  • Best season: April-October
  • Known for: “Heaven’s Gate” natural arch
  • Hazards: Complex terrain, winds, visibility
  • Landing areas: Limited options, technical
  • Access: Requires special permission

Middle East

UAE

• Burj Khalifa, Dubai
  • Height: 828m
  • Experience: Expert
  • Legal status: By authorization only
  • Known for: World’s tallest building
  • Hazards: Urban obstacles, wind currents between buildings
  • Landing areas: Very limited
  • Access: Only by special arrangement or authorized events

South America

Venezuela

• Angel Falls
  • Height: 979m
  • Experience: Expert
  • Legal status: Restricted
  • Best season: Dry season (December-April)
  • Known for: World’s highest uninterrupted waterfall
  • Hazards: Remote location, mist, complex winds, difficult access
  • Landing areas: Limited, near the Churun River
  • Access: Expedition required, multi-day approach

Technical Considerations by Jump Type

Building Jumps

• Primary Considerations:
  • Security access and escape routes
  • Wind channeling between structures
  • Urban landing hazards (power lines, traffic, pedestrians)
  • Legal consequences
• Gear Recommendations:
  • Fast-opening canopies
  • Low-bulk container systems
  • Dark clothing for night jumps
  • Smaller pilot chutes (27″-30″)

Antenna Jumps

• Primary Considerations:
  • Climbing safety equipment
  • Guy wire avoidance
  • Often minimal setup space
  • Metal interference with electronics
• Gear Recommendations:
  • Static line options for beginners
  • Appropriate climbing equipment
  • Headlamp for night jumps
  • Wind indicators

Bridge Jumps

• Primary Considerations:
  • Traffic patterns and timing
  • Water landing preparation
  • Cable/structure clearance
  • Sub-terminal velocities
• Gear Recommendations:
  • Flotation gear if over water
  • Quick-release harness systems
  • Water-resistant equipment
  • Appropriately sized pilot chute (30″-32″)

Cliff Jumps

• Primary Considerations:
  • Tracking requirements
  • Weather patterns specific to mountains
  • Valley winds and thermal activity
  • Landing zone size and obstacles
• Gear Recommendations:
  • Tracking suits for object separation
  • Robust hiking equipment
  • Larger pilot chutes (32″-38″) for tracking jumps
  • Helmets with full face protection

Seasonal Jumping Calendar

Essential Gear & Packing List

Basic BASE Gear

• BASE-specific canopy (appropriate size for experience)
• BASE-specific container system
• BASE-specific pilot chute (size appropriate for jump type)
• Slider (mesh or solid depending on jump)
• Helmet (full-face recommended)
• Altimeter (analog, not digital)
• Hook knife
• Appropriate jumpsuit/tracking suit

Object-Specific Gear

• Climbing equipment (for antenna or building access)
• Headlamp (for night jumps)
• Flotation equipment (for water landings)
• Emergency equipment (first aid, communication)
• Approach shoes/hiking boots
• Weather measurement tools

Travel & Documentation

• Permits and authorizations (where applicable)
• Local emergency contact information
• Insurance documentation (if available)
• Local maps and landing zone details
• Contact information for local jumpers

Training Progression Path

1. Prerequisite Skydiving Experience

   • Minimum 200 skydives
   • Proficient canopy control
   • Consistent accuracy landings
   • Emergency procedure mastery

2. First BASE Course

   • Learn BASE-specific skills with certified instructor
   • Static-line or PCA jumps from bridge or antenna
   • Basic equipment differences and procedures

3. Mentorship Phase

   • Find experienced BASE mentor
   • Progress through static objects (bridges, antennas)
   • Learn site evaluation and planning

4. Intermediate Progression

   • First cliff jumps with supervision
   • Develop tracking skills
   • Learn weather assessment
   • Multiple object types and conditions

5. Advanced Skills Development

   • Tracking suit progression
   • Technical exit points
   • Wingsuit BASE (after 250+ BASE jumps)
   • Advanced canopy control in confined areas

Legal Considerations & Access

Legal Status Categories

• Fully Legal: Permitted year-round with no restrictions
• Event Legal: Legal only during sanctioned events
• Permit Required: Legal with proper authorization
• Grey Area: Neither explicitly legal nor actively enforced
• Illegal but Tolerated: Technically prohibited but rarely enforced
• Strictly Prohibited: Actively enforced with severe consequences

Access Strategy Best Practices

• Research local regulations thoroughly before travel
• Connect with local jumpers for current information
• Respect all property restrictions and closure notices
• Maintain low profile when jumping sensitive locations
• Leave no trace at all jump sites
• Be respectful to non-jumpers and authorities
• Have backup plans if primary sites are inaccessible

Safety & Emergency Protocols

Pre-Jump Safety Checklist

• [ ] Weather conditions verified
• [ ] Landing area inspected
• [ ] Backup landing options identified
• [ ] Exit point examined
• [ ] Gear triple-checked
• [ ] Emergency plan established
• [ ] Local emergency services located
• [ ] Communication method with ground confirmed

Emergency Response Plan

1. On-site medical emergency:

   • Designate first responders
   • Establish evacuation route
   • Have emergency contacts accessible

2. Off-heading opening:

   • Decision altitude for emergency procedures
   • Identified safe landing alternatives

3. Object strike scenario:

   • Rehearse emergency canopy procedures
   • Know cliff face features and escape routes

4. Legal confrontation:

   • Know your rights locally
   • Have legal contact information
   • Respectful interaction strategy

Global BASE Community Resources

Online Communities

• Basejumper.com forums
• Regional Facebook groups
• Bridge Day organization
• Local jumping groups

Notable Annual Events

• KL Tower International Jump (Malaysia)
• Bridge Day (New River Gorge, USA)
• Heliboogie (Norway)
• ProBASE World Cup events (various locations)

Training Resources

• Apex BASE courses
• Basic Research Association for Specialized Education (BRASE)
• Local mentorship programs
• Advanced canopy control courses

Quick Reference: Essential BASE Site Evaluation Criteria

When assessing any potential BASE site, evaluate these critical factors:

1. Legal status and consequences
2. Access and security concerns
3. Exit point quality and stability
4. Object height and freefall time
5. Typical wind patterns and weather hazards
6. Landing area size, surface, and obstacles
7. Emergency access and medical facilities proximity
8. Local community attitude toward BASE

Remember: The most important jump is the one you decide not to make when conditions aren’t right.