Alaska snowkiting is going off.

luke · Since 06 Jul 2005 399 Posts Obsessed

Hey all,

Alyeska Resort has received 624" of snow so far this season. We are heading up towards the end of March for the SnowKite Jam Alaska http://www.snowkitejam.com/

From there we get in 4 RVs and counting and hook-up with Brad Gordon and his Thermal Foundation snowkite tours over in Valdez http://snowkitingidaho.com/snowkite

Finally ending up at the 5th annual Thompson Pass Snowkite Festival http://www.alaskakiteadventures.com/2013/01/29/5th-annual-thompson-pass-snowkite-festival-april-567/

In addition, the Tailgate Alaska event will also by happening on Thompson Pass during the same time period.
http://tailgatealaska.com/

If anyone is interested, we have more room in RVs. Basically going from March 27th to April 8th.

last years Alaska snowkite video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZBDO9SzkAM

beech · Since 21 Aug 2010 486 Posts Longview, WA Obsessed

i want your job

forrest · Mon Mar 11, 13 8:43 am

Was just eyeballing Thompson Pass last night. Wonder what the easiest way to get a sled up there is? Brad, are you driving?

luke · Since 06 Jul 2005 399 Posts Obsessed

Hey Forrest,

There is a sevice that delivers snow machines (Alaska talk) from lower 48 to TP. They load a bunch on a flat bed or in a semi. The drive up takes 3 days. I think Brad is flying.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Thanks for the info Ken. Any idea how much they charge to bring your sled up there?

luke · Since 06 Jul 2005 399 Posts Obsessed

Hey Gene,

Check in on the Tailgate Alaska website and FB page. I know a few years ago they had posted up the sled transport service. They claim there were 100 sleds at last year's event. I agree with that. Assuming 50 came from the lower 48, and 25 of those came on personal trailers, then 25 sleds got there somehow??? Transport.

Ken

buttersmoothcarver · Since 08 Oct 2008 246 Posts Stoked

Gene,

Getting a little late in the game I'm sure. But Wayne and Pascal are making the super long drive over four days from JH. Maybe there's a possibility you could get you're sled up with them (swap them a bigger trailer or something). Having a sled up there is ideal, but not a necessity since we got those kite things. Crunching the numbers I have budgeted $400-500 for ten days for BigmtnTaxi service ($50 for each 3500' bumps) extremely well worth the run of your life and way cheaper than Heli skiing. Not quite as rad having your own sled, but for a ten day trip, I don't think it's worth it, adding in the potential for "weather days" which creates a huge loss of opportunity.

I hear Alaska Airlines still has 25,000k award mile flights and few RV's are still available (three guys in each 24' RV is perfect) Just throw down....it's a worthly little trip of a life time! I see it has my New years or Burning Man!

Freeride Kiter · Thu Mar 14, 13 11:41 am

Thompson Pass has been blowing like a MoFo the past week. Top winds at 70mph+ through the pass. It's looking real good up there. Looking at new snow accumulation this week.

Likewise - we have been kiting Turnagain Pass, Portage Glacier, Big Lake, Eklutna Lake and a few other spots.
It's going to be a great event with fantastic conditions.

Not the greatest video - but you will get an idea of the conditions.

Link

Hope to meet a few of you at the event.

lks · Since 06 Nov 2007 117 Posts Anchorage, Alaska Stoked

For non-wind days...

http://www.adn.com/2013/03/14/2812940/best-of-march-2013.html#

Oh wait....there won't be any non-wind days!

Freeride Kiter · Tue Mar 19, 13 8:59 am

Last Saturday at TP the sun was out, the wind was low and building - Used the 17.5 to get some hill climbing in. (another lame video edit coming soon) Here a snap.

forrest · Wed Mar 20, 13 7:54 am

I'm there next spring, one way or another.

Overstoke · Since 22 Mar 2013 2 Posts New Member

I'm so irritated I have to miss that. Oh well there's always next year. The real kicker is I also live in AK (Anchorage) but am still learning my way around all the snowkiting technical lingo and basic knowledge of the sport. Haven't even got my trainer yet lol, but its coming. I'll be gearing up for this all summer and by next season I'll be ready to kill it! I do wish I could come. Next year for sure I wont miss it for the world! Hey if anyone else out there is representin' AK (particular the anchorage area) gimme a heads up I need to meet some people that can help me with getting started and give me some helpful advice, maybe show me some nearby spots and whatnot. I'd really appreciate it!

forrest · Fri Mar 22, 13 7:07 pm

There are some AK guys on here, I'm sure they'll chime in and say hi.

Freeride Kiter · Sun Mar 24, 13 9:37 am

Overstoke - were kiting all the time everywhere from in town at Jewel lake on a good north wind, to the coastal flat there in south anchorage (Carr Park and off of Klatt & Victor) Big Lake, Eklutna Lake, Portage Lake, 20 Mile Flats, Turnagain, Thompson Pass ... the list goes on and on - Snowkiting all over the state.
Kiteboarding has fewer sites, and fewer riders but is just as reliable. Look for the Kitefest in May down in Homer. Take a look at Alaska Kite Adventures and check out the groups on facebook. We a have good loyal gaggle.

email or txt me sometime.
nine oh seven 230-2088
dan@danslife.net
www.danslife.net

lks · Since 06 Nov 2007 117 Posts Anchorage, Alaska Stoked

http://www.adn.com/2013/03/24/2838212/up-to-13-inches-of-snow-forecast.html

20 inches dumped in Whittier. . . Gonna be fun!

LKS

Freeride Kiter · Mon Mar 25, 13 4:27 pm

Yup! Crazy snow storm right now! Figures too, start my three week rotation on the slope just as the snow falls... Hope everyone has a blast while I'm working!

waynepjh · Since 27 Jul 2008 212 Posts jackson wy Stoked

The stars are out!