Snowkiting has always been the better sport to me than kiteboarding. I learned kite flying skills on the water, but I can say I really elevated them on snow. It was from snowkiting up hills, in valleys, and through mountains that I drew the tag line of our company.
FREE THE KITE AND ADVENTURE WILL FOLLOW
I explain that once you master the kite, anything you want to do with it you can.
Often asked where is my favorite snowkiting location in Alaska. The answer is simple. Anywhere I setup. The wind isn’t as consistent and steady everyday like we would like. Middle of winter it’s dark and can be bitter cold. Windows of opportunity are short and small, and regardless there is going to be some driving. You don’t know if you don’t go.
Portage Lake | Turnagain Pass | Thompson Pass | Twentymile | Big Lake | Paxson Lake | Summit Lake (Kenai Peninsula)
Over the years I’ve grown to appreciate snowkite sessions in Alaska. They aren’t a given or guaranteed. When you get them, they are special.
Honestly writing though, Portage Lake is my favorite snowkite spot. When the wind is right, and the skies are blue – it’s awesome. 3 mile downwind to a powder packed playground of flat lake and rolling mountain foothills. Then, off to your right is that amazing Portage Glacier. Ready to end your session? Now you have a 3 mile solid upwind attack that will burn.
Topic for another ramble… which kites, what gear and why? For now, lets summarize: We use Flysurfer Peak and Ozone Explorer kites. (these are two very different kites, both purposely built for snowkiting) We use downhill and twin tip park skis with freeride randonee bindings so we can skin out if we can’t kite out. Ski pants, jacket, helmet and goggles, and for the harness we use Petzel rock climbing setups with a solid carabiner to hook our bar into.
Thinking about snowkiting in Alaska? Connect with these two people to say hello and get the latest info: Tom Fredericks of Alaska Kite Adventures 907.947.4775 and Jennie Milton of Adrenajen
