What is Snowkiting?

Snowkiting offers complete freedom, true free riding in the mountains or flat areas. It can turn you backyard into a playground – all you need is snow, wind and a kite. With a snowkite you can climb 1000m in 10 minutes reach speeds of 80kph on ski’s or a snowboard, cruise the backcountry and use your snowkite as your own personal ski-lift.

Where can I learn?

There are snowkite schools all over the world with more opening all the time. Visit www.flyozone.com for more info.

What equipment do I need to start me off?

Either skis or a regular snowboard will work well. Most snowkiters choose fat twin tip 170cm skis, or a Twin Tip board with duck stance. That’s the beauty of snowkiting; you can use a standard pair of skis or a shop bought snowboard. In terms of clothing the Fat Face Tech range (link to tech pages) is excellent – lots of thin layers work best as you get hot snowkiting. Good goggles and a seat harness, the same kind of harness you use in kitesurfing or windsurfing. Make sure you choose a size that’ll fit over all the layers you’ll be wearing in the mountains.

Where can I get the kit from?

In the UK call Chris Hill at "Surface Tension" for the best kit and advice available. Surface Tension also organize snowkiting trips all over Europe during the winter.

Is there a basic fitness level required at entry level?

You need to have basic fitness, the power is directed through the harness and the wind produces the drive so as long as you can run for 10 minutes without panting like an uptight poodle you'll be fine!

Any big events we should know about?

www.ozonesnowkitemasters.com & demo weekends organized throughout Europe & the World by Ozone Kites: www.flyozone.com

Good places in the UK to try out the sport

Anytime it snows around your way, grab your skis, a kite and get on with it. Scotland has endless areas to enjoy....just find some snow and you'll be snowkiting in no time. That’s the beauty with it....you are not stuck in a resort with thousands of others. You’re free to find your own dream spot and enjoy the ultimate Freeride sport.