Since 1960, Marfa has been the site of numerous Regional and National Soaring contests. The 1970 World Soaring Championships, and where "The Sun Ship Game" soaring movie was filmed. Marfa is now a destination for filmmakers, artists, musicians, writers and glider pilots. (My first visit was with my Dad in 1967.)
Location: Find Marfa southwest of Midland/Odessa and southeast of El Paso, between Carlsbad Caverns and Big Bend National Parks, near the Davis Mountains. Most major airlines (American, Southwest, Delta, United) serve Midland (MAF) and El Paso (ELP) airports. (We prefer ELP.) The Marfa Airport (MRF) is just 3 miles north of town on highway 17. We have two paved runways and not much airplane traffic See more airport details at www.airnav.com or the El Paso aero chart.
Climate: Up at 5,000' above sea level on the grassy Marfa Plateau, we enjoy mild summers and pleasant winters. In the summer, you might need a jacket at night. Accommodations include the restored Hotel Paisano in Marfa is the traditional gathering place for soaring pilots from around the world. Excellent motels are also available in Marfa, Fort Davis and Alpine. RV parking is available in Marfa, Alpine and Fort Davis. (No RV parking or camping on the Marfa Airport.)
Activities: Bring your family. Go horseback riding, biking or hiking in the nearby Davis Mountains. Enjoy our new restaurants, shops, art galleries and dude ranches. In the cool evenings watch a spectacular sunset, then ponder the mysterious "Marfa Lights". Visit historic Fort Davis, Indian Lodge, Alpine and the Chihuahuan Desert Research Center. In the Davis Mountains, the University of Texas McDonald Observatory presents "Star Party" programs on Tuesday, Friday & Saturday evenings. Big Bend National Park is 100 miles south so an overnight stay up at Chisos Mountain Lodge is recommended. The scenery is wonderful. The mountains, the grassy plateau and the big sky beckon. The mild weather and clear skies make Marfa a destination for astronomers, artists, writers, filmmakers and YOU! Whether soaring or exploring the unique high-desert environment, there is much to see and do in the "Big Bend" of southwest Texas! Email me, Burt Compton, at marfagliders@aol.com and let me know your plans.
More information on area activities and accommodations:
Marfa Visitor Center www.visitmarfa.com
Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce www.fortdavis.com