snow kite
snowkiting

As if snowboarding and kitesurfing actually meshed into one single sport it would be Snowkiting. Imagine taking a lift high atop a beautiful mountain, you set your kite in motion and get your feet firmly planted you start your run down a long white hill. As you snowboard down the mountain your kite helps you gain speed and with a good gust of wind you too can be 10 – 15 feet in the air. With this much gravity you too can be implementing the same moves as the kitesurfer does including jibing and crossing over.

Snowkiting is another example of the popular extreme sport series as there are many hazards that circle this sport as well as kitesurfing. A Snowkiter will take their board to the mountain and ride the winds down fast and furious. Moguls and ramps can help you gain more air than you bargained for if you are a beginner. Starting slow and learning how to keep your kite in the air is the basic fundamental. Once you have mastered the techniques of snowkiting you will be flying in no time at all.

It doesn’t matter if its natural snow or powder, you too can get up to 50 – 70 mph with the aid of your kite. Although the premise is still the same between the two sports, it takes a lot less wind to move you across the snow then it does across the water. Jumps and flips are easier and depending on how you land softer. Once your kite is launched and you begin your descent it is far easier to keep yourself on the snowboard.

You can either snowkite with skis or a snowboard; whichever one makes you feel the most comfortable. Many extreme riders prefer to use the board as there is more flexibility and ease. There are many vacation spots around the world that are now picking up snowkiting as a popular sport. Should you visit a ski resort and decide to go this route, you will need to take a lesson or two just to get the hang of the equipment.

Frenzy, Samurai, and Razor are popular kites available for the snowkiter. Depending on your budget, you can expect to pay $500 - $1500 for an entire setup. You may also find used equipment at ski shops in your area as well.

Snowkiting in the French Alps. Whether you ski or snowboard, its time to enter a whole new world, grab some snowy air and fire across the flat bits at mad speeds. Its a great option for all you kite surfers out there facing the long cold winter months.

Kite boarding is getting everywhere these days and the snow bound mountains of Europe are no exception. If you can ski or snowboard then attaching a kite will add a whole new dimension to your sport - UP!

The course is structured to take you through some of the theory and safety including set up and pack-down procedures. After that you'll be on to those first powered runs on your board or skis.

The aim of this week long course is to get you self sufficient and safe then have fun travelling in all directions across the snow - UPHILL and down!

Snow kiting courses are managed centrally though our office and are week-long, run in the Obertauern region of Austria at a purpose built snowkiting centre.

Extreme Sports Cafe is one of the few companies offering the opportunity to experience snow kiting, with over five years experience in the field. The 2004 season may just be coming towards it end, but we are already planning a wicked range of snow kite trips for next season, everything from beginner courses, to expeditions and even cheeky snow kite weekends to make use of all these new low cost flight packages into Europe.

Snow kiting uphill

The main beginner and improvers courses in the 2005 season will be based in the Austrian Alps at a purpose built snow kite centre. Extreme Sports Cafe will be working alongside our Austrian snow kite partner, Kiteschule Obertauren, to get you up and running. The 2005 season will also see the introduction of the new IKO snowkiter cards, which builds on it’s already sucessful kite surf beginner training packages. So you can be assured that all of your training will of the highest standard and internationally recognised.

Also in 2005, Extreme Sports Cafe will be runing a number of specialist trips for the more experienced snow kiter to a whole range of top snow locations around the world. So if you fancy a week of crossing the snowy outback in Iceland for example, keep watching this space for the coming programme or contact us now to be placed on the snow kite mailing list.

Launching a Snow Kite

The snow kite beginner courses are ideal for individuals and groups. Primarily the courses are aimed at people who can already ski or snowboard. However, Extreme Sports Cafe can happily cater for beginners, who can use the week to learn to ski or snowboard. So fear not if you are in a mixed group. The big plus of snow kiting is when there is no wind you just hit the slopes. Teaching sessions are organised with the rest of your holiday in mind giving you plenty of time to play on the slopes and party!! Extreme Sports Cafe links at each resort will connect you to the right people to learn the snow art. Extreme Sports Cafe will also supply all your snow kiting equipment as well as organise rental of skis, boards and boots if needed.

These are the courses that are currently scheduled for the 2005/6 winter period. If you are interested in any of these, please get in touch with us.

Click here for Snowkite Course Dates and Availability  

Other dates are available on request for 1-2-1 and group snowkite bookings.

Extreme Sports Cafe can introduce you to the best snowkite instructors and snow kiting equipment in this exciting and rapidly growing sport.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US NOW TO START YOUR SNOW KITE ADVENTURE…

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