Seven Hills Skydivers of Madison, WI

# Seven Hills Skydivers of Madison, WI: A 55-Year Wisconsin Skydiving Institution

Seven Hills Skydivers of Madison, Wisconsin has been jumping out of planes since 1962, making it one of the region's longest-operating dropzones. Located 15 minutes north of Madison on Mathaire Field (W197), a rural, picturesque airport in York Center, the dropzone operates as a volunteer-owned and volunteer-operated nonprofit organization, a structure that reflects its deep roots in the local skydiving community.

The dropzone operates with a Cessna 182, providing both tandem and solo jump experiences. For those pursuing their A-License through the IAD (Instructor Assisted Deployment) student progression, jumpers train at progressively higher altitudes—starting at 4,000 feet for initial solo work, then advancing to 10,000 feet for freefall maneuvers including turns, flips, barrel rolls, and formation skydiving. This structured, altitude-based progression distinguishes Seven Hills' training approach from dropzones using accelerated methods.

Tandem skydiving starts at $259, with options including handcam video ($64) and an additional fee for jumpers exceeding 220 pounds. Subsequent tandem jumps are $239, dropping to $199 for military, veterans, and students. Solo first jumps run $219 (or $199 with valid military or student ID), with subsequent low jumps at $90 and high jumps at $120. Seven Hills also offers specialized pricing: group rates starting at $239 per person for five or more, and a membership program ($99 annually) that provides discounts on jumps and gear rental.

The facility includes a large, comfortable clubhouse with indoor heating and air-conditioning, a dedicated packing area, designated camping grounds, equipment rental and sales, RV space with electricity, shower facilities, and WiFi. The dropzone is open Wednesday afternoons during summer months (April through October) and weekends year-round (9-sunset), making it accessible for both weekend warriors and committed students.

Seven Hills welcomes experienced jumpers with USPA licenses or foreign equivalents and maintains a strong emphasis on safety and community. The dropzone hosts Freedom Freefall 2026, an event offering zero-cost tandem jumps to veterans sponsored by HOOAH WI. With highly qualified USPA-rated instructors and staff, Seven Hills positions itself as a welcoming, approachable environment where both first-time jumpers and advancing students can pursue the sport.