October Snowkiting in SW Montana

noah · Since 19 Oct 2006 173 Posts Bozeman, Montana Stoked

If you follow the calendar, October 5th is supposed to be autumn. However, that detail quickly disappeared last night under a foot of heavy powder here in SW Montana. After a couple of false starts trying to find the best snow depth and wind, we eventually ended up on the perpetually nukin’ Norris Hill. This spot is almost never kited (2 or 3 times by Joe Irons?). It’s always too windy. The snow usually blows off. However, the storm that plastered Norris Hill this time was wet and heavy and provided a great base for full-on kite powered ripping!

All in all it was a tremendously rewarding day.

Have I ever snowkited this early in the season? I don’t think so. While the early season session was especially rewarding, the best part of the day was the terrain: It is massive. Big descents; high floaty air; glide to your heart’s content. I’ve driven over Norris Hill hundreds of days on my way to other kite spots. Today I harvested the goods. It’s an impressive spot and one that I’ll be back to tomorrow, and the next day and the next, for as long as the snow sticks!

See ya out there,

Noah

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2627 Posts The 503 METAL

Sweet post Noah! The early winter season snow stoke is on for sure!

Thumb's Up

JMatic · Since 12 Aug 2008 252 Posts Boise, In Dat Ho Obsessed

SIIIIIICK, I'm moving to MT asap!!!!!!!!!!

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

Niiiiiice! Twisted Evil

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 902 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

Looks way cool!!

I have been to SW Montana only during summer and have traveled the road that take you over a treeless pass between Ennis and Alder. My friend that lives there says it is snowy and windy alot during winter. Is that too a snowkiting spot? It looks very similar to your spot in these photos, maybe the same location?

noah · Since 19 Oct 2006 173 Posts Bozeman, Montana Stoked

The pass you are referring to (west of Ennis, between Ennis and Virgina City) is different from the one north of Ennis. It is occasionally snowy, and occasionally has wind that works for snowkiting. It's all private land and one need permission to kite there.

I have had a handful of sessions there but I have also waited for wind even when it was nuking down in Ennis. The Tobacco Root Mtns (to the north) seem to block the wind here. Works best on a strong W - SW direction. Lots of sage and a few fences here too.

Here's a photo from our second day (Oct 6th) at Norris Hill:

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

Killin' it Noah. Where do you usually snowkite if this place gets blown out?

noah · Since 19 Oct 2006 173 Posts Bozeman, Montana Stoked

Around SW Montana there are a couple dozen reliable locations to snowkite. Some are park-n-ride: Island Park, Raynolds Pass, Mount Haggin, Big Hole Pass, MacDoanld Pass, Monida Pass, and the many farm and ranch lands (w/ permission).

Other spots require a snowmobile to access the goods like up in the Beartooths and Bighorns. These offer giant alpine terrain and require more commitment and bigger risk. Bigger reward, too!

As with all of these spots, I make my daily choice based on where I can hit the best wind and snow.

See ya out there,
Noah

Airnsails · Since 22 Jun 2005 104 Posts Hood River, OR Stoked

So stoked to see the season has officially begun. I figured Noah would get the first session, but what do you expect when you search harder than everyone else and live next to so many options. Montana Rules!