Snowkiting is the incredible combination of the best of skiing and snowboarding with the vertical action, jumps, and stunts of kitesurfing. Winter sports enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies have found snowkiting one of the most rewarding and enjoyable sports of recent years. You can snowkite on a variety of snowy terrain, it is the easiest of kiteboarding activities to learn, so long as safety is kept in mind.
The terrain possible for snowkiting is diverse. Most ski slopes have designated slopes for snowkiters, and you can go up or down them with the power of the wind behind you, meaning you don’t have to wait on a freezing chairlift for your next ride. But don’t restrain yourself to those – there is a lot of wild backcountry to see, and snowkiting makes it possible when you would otherwise need a snowmobile or a helicopter. You can also snowkite cross-country on flat, snow-packed land or frozen lakes – anywhere you have snow and open air.
Snowkiting is by far the easiest kiteboarding style to pick up. It gives you the freedom of landboarding and the speed and power of kitesurfing, but snow is softer than the ground when you fall and easier to stand on than water. If you know how to ski or snowboard, then a good trainer can get you snowkiting within 30 minutes of putting your kite into the air for the first time.
An important thing to remember is to avoid dangerous obstacles when snowkiting. Trees can be especially dangerous and damaging to your kite, but also watch out for power and telephone lines. Stay away from roads, too, where traffic could interfere with an otherwise grand time.
Snowkiting is one of the most exciting extreme sports of today. You can cover large distances and see great scenery, pick up the sport easily, and get home safe with just a few simple guidelines.
