Idaho's '09 Kite Soldiers Event Feb 20-22. Sign up/info

Snowkitesoldier · Since 14 Nov 2006 72 Posts Boise, Idaho Â

Hi guys. That time of the year again. This is Monty, I'v been working hard at getting this website launched and making this years event unforgettable. If you have not snowkited in Idaho yet, this is a great opportunity to see what the hype is about. I know some big crews are coming from Hood, Bend and Seattle. Lodging is going fast, new to this years event is a "Backcountry Poker Run" "Huck a Bus" "Downwind Shuttle Bus" "$10,000 in Product Giveaway" and a blow out bash on Saturday night sponsored by Naish. Early Registration Discount!

You can visit the Event's Website here:
http://web.mac.com/downwind/iWeb/Site 16/Kite Soldier '09.html

Press Release:
Kite Soldiers is the world’s only backcountry snowkite event. Snowkiting, the newest trend in extreme sports is taking center stage in Fairfield, ID. One of the nations best Snowkite destinations is located 1 hour from renowned Sun Valley Ski Resort. Showcasing the best talent in the world, competitors will navigate a 15-mile course, climbing over 1500 vertical feet by propelling themselves with nothing but a kite and a the riders choice of snowboard or skis . Kiters will be tested and their talents pushed to the limits in order to navigate the worlds first poker run. Professional and advance kiters will navigate through 5 checkpoints leading them to the top of windy mountain peak. Beginners and intermediate kiters will navigate their way through 3 checkpoints to the base of the mountain before returning to the finish line. All riders will receive a poker card at each checkpoint. The best poker hand wins. Prizes include, skis, snowboards, bindings, kites, backpacks, roller bags, gloves and other great products courteously of our sponsors. In addition to our poker run, we will be unveiling Idaho’s first terrain park. This green sport is hitting mainstream and this event seeks to show the world how limitless snow kiting is.

Coverage:

New York Times
National Geographic Adventure Magazine
Kiteboarding Magazine
Kitesites.com
Plum T.V.
Naish T.V.
Idaho Mountain Express
Idaho Statesmen
Drift Magazine

Sponsors:
Dakine
Head U.S.A.
TREW Gear
Naish Kites
Ozone Kites
Slingshot Kites
Eco Promo
Red Bull
Kiteboarding Magazine
Drift Snowkite Magazine

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

Awesome!!

can't wait..

Monty, is the rail-jam for the Pro's only, or can we enter too....? Or at least hit the features...?

Snowkitesoldier · Since 14 Nov 2006 72 Posts Boise, Idaho Â

It is for everyone. Joby Cook is designing it and helping me put it together. Anyone wanting to ride in the park must sign a waiver. Will be a good time.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Sickness! If I wasn't in OZ I'd totally hit it. Have fun. The terrain out there is ridiculous!

NorthStar · Since 02 Sep 2008 55 Posts Â

yea Monty! sounds like a great time! Sickness Idahos first terrian park for snowkiting

chanson, cmon bro u r a pro, hit it up!!

Snowkitesoldier · Since 14 Nov 2006 72 Posts Boise, Idaho Â

My Soldier!!!

Your input and help will be crucial in making this park and this event go down in the books. Very Happy

NorthStar · Since 02 Sep 2008 55 Posts Â

right on Monty! looking forward to it, hope to see everyone out there. Very Happy

Chooch · Thu Jan 22, 09 6:53 am

Do you have anything worked out with a hotel close to the spot Monty?

Stoked for the event Cool

NorthStar · Since 02 Sep 2008 55 Posts Â

Chooch , Lodging for the event http://web.mac.com/downwind/iWeb/Site%2018/Lodging.html
think theres a discount on the bottom of the page.

Snowkitesoldier · Since 14 Nov 2006 72 Posts Boise, Idaho Â

I'v been getting a lot of inquiries about the event and thought I'd use this post to address some of these questions and to add some new thoughts.

What is this event.....

So
The Poker Run is ride at your own pace, have fun and explore event. 5 card, 3 card straight stud. Best hands win cool stuff. Get your poker card at each checkpoint from our volunteers....follow the flags on the guided course.
The course is designed to take beginners/intermediate (3 card run) riders through rolling hills, deep powder stashes and amazing terrain while advanced/pro (5 card run) riders will continue up to the high country. Your welcome to race each other but you'll miss out on the 20 foot natural quarter pipes, steep powder descents and mind blowing terrain. This is your chance to explore deep into the backcountry and win some unreal prizes with the support of snowmobiles. Take your time, see what makes Idaho Snowkiting the best. The time limit for the course is 4 hours, give or take. The only reason we have time limits for the course is so our volunteers don't freeze to death:)

We are having a terrain park comp, rider judged as well, kinked 20 foot stair rails, quarter pipe and 2 straight rails, one upward rail.... give or take a rail.

Poker Run: $45 entree gets you free swag bag( event-t-shirt, hat, beer holder, wristband) All poker run contestants get a "park pass" as well and can ride our rails for all three days and have the option to compete in the Terrain Park without paying additional dues.

Backcountry Terrain Park: Those who just want to Jib, will pay $30 and get a 3 day "park pass"and have the option to compete in our rider judged jib event. Free beer at the Naish party on Saturday night for all competitors.

We will also have a Naish, Ozone and Slingshot Demo centers for kiters wishing to demo kites from the industries best. Join us Saturday night at the Iron Mountain Inn for the Naish Party and awards ceremony, band, DJ, food, booze and fun.

If your thinking about going, please register early and save $10.

You can register here: http://www.snowkitesoldier.com/events.aspx

Conditions are epic. Here are some pictures of the Poker Run Course taken a few days ago:

Chooch · Sat Feb 07, 09 6:32 pm

Sick Monty thanks for the update. Already registered for the poker run and after reading that I am stoked to check it out. The park setup sounds sick as well...can't wait for the 20th Cool

Bettyboarder · Mon Feb 09, 09 7:21 am

Anyone know if there are any dog friends hotels to stay close to the event?

Snowkitesoldier · Since 14 Nov 2006 72 Posts Boise, Idaho Â

You'd think wide open and mountain town would scream "dog friendly" but doesn't seem to be the case. The Prairie Inn doesn't allow dogs but they do own a dog that runs around the Inn and will most likely greet you at your door in the morning. No dogs in the rooms is what I'v been told. Soldier Mountain Ranch has the same policy.

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Dylan, our homie and I are coming out from Utah. Will see you guys there.

NorthStar · Since 02 Sep 2008 55 Posts Â

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2626 Posts The 503 METAL

I just signed up for the 5 card! I hope by "Advanced/Pro" you really mean, "knows how to tie his own shoes".

GPS is not required right?? Shocked

Snowkitesoldier · Since 14 Nov 2006 72 Posts Boise, Idaho Â

No GPS required. Although it would be pretty neat to know how far you actually go. Advanced/Pro is just a euphemism for "feels comfortable" going long distances and knows how to climb hills so yes, knows how to tie their shoes Smile

We provide support though out the course. Some water kiters are advanced snowkiters their first day out. Just depends on your snowboard/ski skills.