2008-2009 Snowkiting Season

[Fassn8]

I really want to get some snow kiting in this year in Tahoe if possible. Anyone been yet? What's the best place to check the forecast?

Thanks!

[OliverG]

Tahoe can be fun, but can be tough to find good wind conditions often.

For world-class snowkiting this winter, consider a quick trip to Skyline, Utah. With a 6:30 am Friday flight out of Oakland, you can be on the mountain in Utah by Noon, kite Friday, Saturday and Sunday and catch the 8:30pm flight back. For lessons or lodging, hit up Jeff at http://www.snowkiteutah.net/

[michael]

The only problem with Skyline is that if you arrive and there is no wind then there is absolutely nothing else to do. The forecast is unreliable, especially if you planning on staying there for 2 nights.

I think that a much better alternative is to go to Powder Mountain instead. It looks like this is the first ski resort in the US offering snowkiting: http://www.powdermountain.com/mtn_snowkiting.php

So, you can book airfare and hotel without having to rely on the forecast that far in advance. If there is no wind when you arrive then just have fun skiing. And you can switch to snowkiting anytime the wind picks up.

I believe it's closer to the Salt Lake City airport, too - only 55 miles.

If anybody has been to Powder Mountain - please share your experience. Looks like a really fun place.

[lieutenantglorp]

With gas prices plummeting, driving to Utah is now feasible. After doing the math of trying to catch a flight with snowboarding gear and kiting gear, renting an awd vehicle, and the time involved in that process- driving is the way to go from here, assuming you already have the vehicle and all the gear. I will be driving out there the first week of Jan. I flew there last year, but I have heard it is about 11-15 hours drive to Skyline, conditions permitting, which isn't bad when you can trade off drivers.

[stringy]

here's a video I put together last year from my trip out to Skyline.
So fun will have to go back again this winter!
it was quite the sight to see dmitry of eclipse out on a skywalker kiteboard and wearing only board shorts on the snow.

enjoy,
stringy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlvSXkXU ... annel_page

http://www.vimeo.com/2833751

here's seattle's own brad gordon bossting big the day after winning the skyline snowkite masters 2008.