Road Trippin Snowkiters

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

When one has gloated and boasted about the superb kiting here in the Northern Rockies as much as I have, one has to recognize that out-of-state kiters will arrive at your local spots and want to harvest the goods. These road-tripping friends expect to experience the same epic conditions that we locals enjoy every day. They want to discover the same high level of kiting that has made Montana, Idaho and Wyoming a must-kite destination.

For the week leading up to the New Year, kiters from all over the USA sessioned fresh snow and strong wind near West Yellowstone, MT and Island Park, ID. They camped in their vehicles, partied in the local bars, and brought their snowmobiles for a week of post-Christmas kiting. Every day the conditions seemed to change. One day it was blow-drier steady 11m conditions. The next day a nuking 7m northerly. The next was heavy wet slop and punchy SW wind. The following day bluebird 13m conditions. In a week of kiting we had a bit of everything thrown at us and it was all good.

One bold kiter, RVRat, drove from the East coast, across the US in 3 days, to explore the backcountry conditions for which our region is famous. With that kind of commitment I made sure that I was prepared to show him the best of the best in local kiting. On his second day we loaded up our snow machines (he has a tracked 4x4 ATV) and headed from the Continental Divide 20 miles back to kite Lone Tree Pass and Deer Mtn. While his over-snow vehicle was slower than a mountain sled, it had the torque and the capacity to make the trip and he was able to challenge himself kiting in a spectacular setting. That day he set a new standard for himself. We had a fantastic time far from any road or other people. It was committed backcountry kiting and we pulled it off in fine style.

Another traveling kiter flew in from the island paradise of Oahu to enjoy a week of snow and wind. He repeatedly remarked about the world of difference between Hawaii’s soft sandy beaches and the soft powder snow of Idaho! By the third day his body was crying out for relief from the long days of kiting. Sorry, no breaks. We kite all day, every day! Thankfully every night we had a hot tub to soak away any soreness.

Every night there were stories thrown about the bar about boosting big, ripping powder snow, crazy crashes and wild times in the snow and wind. Hearing these tales from far-flung kiters make me feel pretty smug about being a local and knowing that the Northern Rockies have some pretty cool kiting. While the conditions are not always perfect, if you ever have the time, a road trip out this way will be full of highlights and hopefully great kiting.

Thanks for reading and see ya out there,

Noah

quenyaistar · Since 21 Oct 2011 416 Posts Cougar, WA Obsessed

That all sounds awesome, except you will get better recovery with ice/frozen gel packs before doing the hot tub. Very Happy

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Is that near Grand Targhee snowboard resort? Would be nice on no-wind days to do a downhill session.

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

An hour and and 20 from Targhee.

Wanna-Go · Since 14 Sep 2009 95 Posts Central, Wa

Nice Report. Can hardly wait to do my roadtrip this winter. I'll be packing a sled too.

buttersmoothcarver · Since 08 Oct 2008 246 Posts Stoked

I vote for Noah,..."Best use of kite forum"!

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

Great report, beautiful shots.
Thanks for sharing!

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1214 Posts Portland BRACKISH

Knot Kracker · Since 02 Jul 2008 130 Posts Clackamas River Stoked

Noah,
Thanks for sharing information on your kiting at various locations during the holidays!