Top Snow Kiting spots for 2009/2010
The forums are buzzing, it's getting colder, and the snow is flying. Get ready for snow kiting 2010. With the help of LocalKiteSpots.com we've compiled a list of some of top select snow kiting spots in N. America, from their database of over 1,400 spots world wide.
Each spot in their database is updated hourly with current wind and snow conditions, and also includes 6 day forecasts.
Utah
You've seen the videos, and heard the hype. Guess what, Utah is every bit as good as you think. Some say it's even better. Sky Line drive offers kiters several spots to ride from, with great access and parking.
Strawberry Lake offers great riding, Utah powder, and short drive from Park City and other ski resorts around Salt Lake City. Awesome video of Chasta riding at this spot in 2007.
Colorado
Just down the road from Breckenridge ski resort, Dillon Reservoir is one of a few top snow kiting destinations that actually feature a groomed surface to help ensure soft turns, and little slush.
Wyoming
Jackson Hole is the kick-off point for several phenomenal snow kiting spots making it one of the best combination ski / snow kite destinations.
Clark Draw, near Bondurant, in the Teton National Forest contains outstanding terrain. Meet-up with the locals to find other nearby spots.
Idaho
An entire lifetime of riding and terrain awaits you in the Camus Valley. Further east, near Yellowstone, Island Park, well known for delivering the goods (wind + snow)
Montana
Georgetown Lake forms the base for many Montana kiters. Home to montanakitespots.com winter festival.
Canyon Ferry is a known windy spot, with smooth ice. It's the spot for many world record ice sailing attempts. See www.greenbird.co.uk for more on ice sailing the speed record attempts.
Minnesota
The Home of Midwestern snow kiting and some of the most hard-core snow kiters anywhere. Consistently cold temperatures turn thousands of lakes into snow kiting playgrounds.
Kite Island in Lake Minnetonka forms the close to home base for many Minneapolis / St. Paul riders, a litte further west, Swede Lake attracts plenty of riders too.
Further north, Mille Lacs Lake is well worth the drive from the twin cities.
Michigan
Michigan has some great snow kiting destinations, with Lake Michigan forming a natural snow and wind machine. The most consistent conditions are in the NW part of the state, as snow near Motown and be hit or miss. Of course, when it does hit, it's a session to remember.
Up north, check out the spots near Traverse City. Western Michigan riders can be found at Reeds Lake. Metro Detroit riders grab a close to home session be found at Walled Lake, Independence Lake, or Stoney Creek.
New York - Tug Hill
Possibly one of the best spots east of the Mississippi. Mix one part northern latitude, shake in tons of lake effect snow from Lake Ontario, and add in a generous helping of friendly local riders. This spot features one New York's largest wind farms, so you know it's windy here.
Riders closer to New York City, might consider Round Lake
Vermont / New Hampshire
Vermont and New Hampshire offer some great frozen lake riding in Burlington, Ellacoya State Park, and Lake Ossipee.
Alberta
Calgary snow kiters frequent Spray Lakes. Edmonton riders make a short drive to Cooking Lake, for snow kiting all winter long.
Ontario
Ontario is blessed with 3 great lakes that can deliver great snow. Cold temperatures are required for the best conditions, and when everything comes together, it's epic.
Toronto area kiters have been kiting Lake Simocoe for years, it's home to the Canadian WindRider annual snow kite festival, and Paul Berube's PBKiteboarding.com snow kiting school. With the right snow conditions, there can be as many as 50 kiters out ripping up the powder. Beware of snow machines here and mark your lines while setting-up.
Riders further north might want to check-out Waubaushene, or Bass Lake, that can get more snow, and hold it longer than wind swept Lake Simcoe.
Quebec
Quebec is home to a bunch of hard-core riders in Ottawa and Montreal. Ottwawa riders can grab a quickie at Aylmer. Montreal snow kiters can be found at OKA every time the wind is blowing. Finally, La Baie Home of the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association Championship 2010, Feb 28 - March 7.
No place like home
It's great to travel, but come to think of it, the best spot, is where you're riding today. Check-out LocalKiteSpots.com to find great snow kiting spots near you, or share your favorite spots with others! Have a great season!
