Sectional Maps:
The FAA Sectional Aeronautical Charts have an ideal scale plus detailed information required for soaring. Unfortunately there are three disadvantages to use sectional maps in sailplane, (1) the maps are too large to open in a confined cockpit, (2) the Dansville/Elmira soaring area spans the New York and Detroit sectional maps as well as both sides of the maps, (3) they are legally valid only for 6 months, and (4) they cost $9.05 each. They are available via the web or from major airports.

GlidePlan:
This is my favourite access to customized sectional maps. Matt Herron has developed a computer program that give you electronic access to current sectional maps in a way that can span boundaries between the maps. For example, at my request, he now always generates a sectional map that spans from Buffalo to Washington DC. From this you can then print out a small region that covers the area you plan to soar. The program will draw contours of required height to several airports taking into account the glide performance of your sailplane and the wind and this can be done quickly before each flight if you have access to a color printer. GlidePlan is ideal for the begining cross-country pilot. Typically I print out adjoining maps that are 8.5"x11" and then laminate them back-to-back.