What is Snowkiting & How to Get Started?

Snowkiting is an exhilarating winter sport that combines the principles of kite flying with skiing or snowboarding, allowing participants to glide across snow-covered landscapes using wind power. Unlike traditional skiing or snowboarding, snowkiting offers a unique sense of freedom and versatility, enabling riders to travel uphill, over flat terrain, or even perform impressive jumps and tricks.

As a sport derived from kitesurfing, snowkiting has grown in popularity across the globe, attracting both seasoned kite surfers and winter sports enthusiasts. This guide will cover everything you need to know about snowkiting, from its history and equipment to safety tips, learning techniques, and popular destinations.

History and Evolution

Snowkiting emerged as an offshoot of kitesurfing during the 1990s when adventurous athletes began experimenting with kites on snow. Inspired by the freedom of movement that kitesurfing provided on water, early adopters adapted the concept to snowy environments, using skis or snowboards to glide across frozen lakes, mountain ranges, and snowfields. As equipment and techniques improved, snowkiting evolved from a niche activity into a recognized winter sport practiced worldwide.

Snowkiting’s popularity began to grow rapidly in Europe, particularly in countries like Norway, Switzerland, and France, where vast snowfields and consistent winds offered ideal conditions. Today, snowkiting is enjoyed by thrill-seekers and casual enthusiasts alike, with dedicated schools and events appearing worldwide.

How Snowkiting Works

The basic principle behind snowkiting involves harnessing the power of the wind through a kite to propel oneself across snow or ice. A rider steers the kite using a control bar, manipulating the kite’s position within the “wind window” – the area in which the kite is most effectively powered. By adjusting the angle and tension of the kite, snowkiters can control speed, change direction, and even lift off the ground to perform jumps and aerial tricks.

The key to mastering snowkiting lies in understanding the wind window. The wind window is a three-dimensional area where the kite can be flown effectively. It is divided into sections:

• Power Zone: Located directly downwind. Provides the most pull and is ideal for generating speed.
• Neutral Zone: Located overhead and to the sides. Produces little to no pull and is useful for launching, landing, and controlling the kite.
• Edge of the Wind Window: Provides minimal pull and is ideal for controlling speed and turning.

Required Equipment

To start snowkiting, you’ll need several key pieces of equipment:

• Kites:
  • Foil Kites: Lightweight and highly efficient, foil kites are ideal for snowkiting as they provide excellent power generation and stability. They don’t require inflation and are easy to pack.
  • Inflatable Kites: Originally designed for kitesurfing, these kites are durable and provide powerful lift. However, they are less common for snowkiting due to their heavier weight and need for inflation.
  • Depower Kites: These kites offer better control over power output, making them suitable for beginners and advanced riders alike.
• Boards and Skis:
  • Snowboards: Favored by those with snowboarding experience, providing stability and control in deep snow. Ideal for freestyle tricks and powder riding.
  • Skis: Offer better maneuverability on hard-packed snow and allow for easy transitions between snowkiting and traditional skiing. Preferred for cross-country snowkiting and long-distance travel.
• Harnesses:
  • Waist and seat harnesses provide support and allow for better power transfer between the kite and rider.
  • Adjustable harnesses are recommended for added comfort and control.
• Safety Gear:
  • Helmets, impact vests, knee pads, and proper winter clothing are essential for protection against potential falls and extreme weather conditions.
  • Avalanche safety gear (beacons, probes, shovels) is essential when riding in mountainous terrain.

Learning to Snowkite

Snowkiting may look intimidating, but with the right training and equipment, beginners can quickly learn the basics.

Steps for Learning:

1. Start with a Trainer Kite: This small, low-power kite allows beginners to practice handling and control techniques on land without the risk of being overpowered.
2. Take Lessons: Professional instruction is highly recommended. Certified schools and instructors will teach you the basics of kite control, launching, landing, and transitioning to snowkiting with skis or a snowboard.
3. Master Wind Awareness: Understanding wind conditions is essential for safe and effective snowkiting. Learn to read wind direction, speed, and how it affects kite performance.
4. Practice Maneuvering: Once you are comfortable with kite control, practice moving across the snow. Start on flat terrain before progressing to uphill and downhill snowkiting.
5. Progression to Jumps and Tricks: As skills improve, advanced techniques like jumping, carving, and backcountry snowkiting can be explored.

Popular Snowkiting Locations

Snowkiting can be enjoyed almost anywhere there is a combination of snow and wind. Some of the best spots include:

• Haugastøl, Norway: A premier snowkiting destination with vast open snowfields and steady winds.
• Lake Silvaplana, Switzerland: Popular for both snowkiting and kitesurfing, offering consistent wind conditions and breathtaking alpine scenery.
• Wyoming, USA: High-altitude plains provide excellent snowkiting opportunities with wide, open spaces and reliable wind.
• The Alps (France, Italy, Austria): Numerous resorts offer dedicated snowkiting areas and lessons for beginners.
• Sweden and Finland: Great for long-distance snowkiting across frozen lakes and expansive snowfields.

Safety Considerations

Safety is a top priority when snowkiting. Key safety tips include:

• Weather Awareness: Monitor conditions and avoid kiting during storms or excessively gusty weather.
• Avalanche Risk: Recognize avalanche-prone areas and carry essential equipment (beacons, probes, shovels).
• Emergency Procedures: Always have a plan for seeking help if necessary and avoid remote areas without proper training.
• Proper Training: Never attempt snowkiting in unfamiliar conditions without adequate instruction and preparation.

Benefits of Snowkiting

• Physical Fitness: Provides a full-body workout, engaging muscles throughout the arms, core, and legs.
• Mental Well-being: The thrill of gliding across snow while harnessing the power of the wind offers a unique sense of freedom and exhilaration.
• Community and Culture: Joining the snowkiting community offers opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts, share tips, and improve your skills.

Conclusion

Snowkiting is a thrilling and rapidly growing winter sport that combines the excitement of kitesurfing with the challenges of skiing and snowboarding. Whether you’re seeking high-speed glides, impressive jumps, or simply a fun new way to explore snowy landscapes, snowkiting offers endless possibilities. With the right training, equipment, and attention to safety, anyone can enjoy this fantastic sport. So why not give it a try and experience the rush of riding the wind over snow?