While snowkiting may be unfamiliar to many, it is by no means a new concept. Years ago Antarctic explorers used kites to traverse long distances on barren icecaps. Since then, there have been many modern day expeditions that have integrated snowkiting as a means of transportation to and from remote areas. Snowkiting has its roots in Europe, specifically Norway and France, where there are lots of snowy open areas and adrenalin junkies abound. There is even a freestyle snowkiting competition circuit. The Corona Snowkite Winter Tour in Europe just finished up their sixth year hosting comps in France, Switzerland, and Norway.

There are endless locations for snowkiting ranging all the way from the Midwestern US to the French Alps. It has recently gained popularity in the Rocky Mountains, specifically Colorado due to the establishment of Colorado Kite Force. Located in Frisco just off of snowkiting hot spot Lake Dillon, Colorado Kite Force is the only certified Snowkite School in Colorado. They offer lessons to groups or individuals from beginner to advanced, and sell all the equipment you need. The average kite set up costs around $1,000, but it will last for many years.

“It’s really easy to learn, much easier than learning to ski or snowboard for the first time,” said Anton Rainold, owner and operator of Colorado Kite Force. “You can go to any open space, soccer fields, frozen lakes, mountain sides, above tree line, you name it.”

As with most high adrenalin sports, men tend to dominate the field. However, it is quickly catching on with women. On April 25th, North Face athletes Hilaree Nelson O’Neil, Kasha Rigby, Ingrid Backstrom, and Meg Oster will head to Baffin Island for a month long ski and snowkite expedition. They will snowmobile into a remote base camp in Gibb’s Fjord. From there they will explore untouched lines in the surrounding fjords, reaching the base of the fjords by kite.

“It’s an excellent lightweight form of transportation,” said Hilaree Nelson O’Neil, who has been quickly learning how to snowkite for the expedition. “I plan to keep it up even after the expedition. It’s really fun and you can do everything; go uphill, big powder turns, catch air, anything you want.”

Whether snowkiting experiences explosive growth, or remains an underground sport is unknown. One thing is certain: it’s time to add another sport to your winter, and another piece of gear to your garage. If you like snow, speed, and adventure you’re in for a good time. If not, you’re on the wrong website!