Winter Rhythm

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

What does it take for you to feel the cadence of winter? For snowkiters in the northern Rockies I think I know just what it takes to feel that rhythm. It takes powder snow, smooth wind, endless sessions with friends and no pause button. Drive to another kite spot and repeat the next day. If I don’t feel that tempo, my winter is not complete. For the past three weeks, it has been close to a perfect beat. My truck’s gas bill is hitting 8 C notes a month; I know I’m in the swing of things.

Winter Solstice: The shortest day of the year delivered another high wind session. Winds were 30mph with gusts to 40 at Raynolds Pass and at The Wave in Island Park. With close to a foot of fresh cold powder it was another day to mark the cadence of winter. For me, having day after day of kiting, a little Nordic XC, some ice kiting for diversion and an occasional recovery day is what makes for contentment.

Demos: Ozone Access and Frenzy kites are everywhere I go and for most kite days I have persuaded someone to put one of these kites into the sky and go for a session. Every kiter who has taken one of this year’s kites out has come back happy. Here’s a few comments from the past couple weeks: “Speed: This kite is fast! Controlled and precise. Light bar pressure. The kite gave me lots of time before I needed to redirect. Handles smoothly. Loops fast! Holds its shape amazingly...” What I am not able to put to words is the smiles that these kiters have while out ripping soft snow with these superb kites. If you are in Montana, Idaho or Wyoming, be sure to hook up with me in the next few weeks.

Weather Forecast: The jet stream is delivering the goods. We have wind and more wind for the next week of weather models. It has been like that all over Montana. Yeah, a little driving to get to the next windy spot, but it’s on and with the last storm, the snowpack is starting to get deep. Another dump or two and bye-bye sagebrush until May.

So for all the kiters who are making New Year’s plans, drive safe, keep your cooler stocked and see ya out there!

Noah

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1214 Posts Portland BRACKISH

Holy crap! What is all that white stuff?

J_Matic · Since 14 Oct 2011 158 Posts InDaHo Stoked

Eff man, you're killing me on one hand with the tale of snow and on the other stoking the fire with the proof in the pics.

It's hard to believe it's winter 'round here, here's a pic from the Camas Prairie during a low tide sess on the Winter Solstice. Shocked

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buttersmoothcarver · Since 08 Oct 2008 246 Posts Stoked

At least somebody's getting it. Noah your always leading the way by scoring those stellar MT sessions. Thanks for the all inspiring post. Looks like Santa wants to go kiting next week too.

Christmas Day

Snow

Sunday Night

Snow Likely Lo 28 °F

Monday

Chance Snow Hi 36 °F

Monday Night

Snow

Lo 31 °F

Tuesday

Snow Likely Hi 37 °F

Tuesday Night

Snow Likely Lo 31 °F

Wednesday

Snow

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2622 Posts The 503 METAL

I feel like I'm never going to score. Crying or Very sad

Link

Chipotle · Since 26 Mar 2011 70 Posts

Brad, think it will be enough for the mid January camp??

buttersmoothcarver · Since 08 Oct 2008 246 Posts Stoked