USSnowKite.com

The NorthWests hottest new location

2007-01-19T03:39:00.000-08:00

The Boulder Park just outside of Chelan Washington just proves how much good terrain is yet to be discovered here in America. We go to the same riding locations time after time and choose not to explore. On my 4 day trip the central Washington with Alex and Chris Schey, we drove over 800 miles and found insane riding locations. We only rode three spots but there is still a handful to pioneer with the right wind direction. If you live in the NW, get up to the Boulder Park and check out this sick Terrain. But keep your eyes out on the drive there, cause I promise you will drive right pass ridable terrain that someday we will all session.

Aaron

Boulder Park Video

2007-01-11T02:04:00.000-08:00

Boulder Park -Super South Session

2007-01-09T20:24:00.000-08:00

This new riding site is insane! Winds SW 15-20. Wow, Best session of the year! Farmers came out to say howdy and see what the heck was going on, they were stoked! Saw a Porcipine and jumped the road.

Badger mtn, Waterville plateau - Day 2

2007-01-06T23:24:00.000-08:00

It worked great out there today. Got there it was blowing 20, after an hour it backed down to 5, and then dialed back up to 15 for most of the afternoon! Armond and I got out there around 11am, Michael came out around 1:30 and Matt after driving the 5 hours from Portland showed up at 3. We all cruised the endless expanses out and around the 3 mile area near the car. The crust and post-holing kept us from venturing too far away, but tomorrow we will bring the supplies for a 10-30 mile XC: Skins, Poles and a pack for the kite. We have a wind advisory till 6pm, and a few inches of fresh pow! The attempted XC route is to get from Waterville to Chelan, Should be great! AP

Badger Mtn

2007-01-05T03:24:00.000-08:00

Badger Mtn, Washington

2007-01-05T03:10:00.000-08:00

Wide open and windy! Wow, what a spot, only an hour from home! The wind was reported to be West @10-12.
Driving out there looking at limp flags wondering what I was doing....but when I got up on top, it was cranking windy 20-25!

Went out there with Kathrin, and met Michael there who is a local from Wenatchee that wants to learn to snowkite.
Kathrin was roosting around on the 2 meter training kite and had it all under control. Thanks for the Photos and video Kathrin!
Michael had a go at the trainer kite as well and had a blast! He even got a few feet of air!
I got going on the 9 meter and flew all over the wheat fields and explored this vast plain!
Over Highway 2 at about 40 feet had to be one of the highlights of the day!
Back out there for more action in the morning!

Central Washington rules, open terrain and plenty of snow blanketing those nice rolling hills of the Palouse.
Located on the east side of the cascades, it has the advantage of clearer weather than most other places in Washington, Blue Bird!
Come on out!
AP

East Winds at Skyline!!!

2006-12-22T00:20:00.000-08:00

Eugene crew and I went out to Skyline for a long weekend. First day was stormy and really light SW wind. Around 8 inches of snow fell while we were out there.
The second day there was foggy and snowy and nice strong SW wind, we got a foot of snow by the end of the day.
That night the stars came out. We awoke to blue bird conditions! Got up to Skyline and very light wind.
So I broke out the 12m Nano and hucked off some little rocks and sent it over a group of trees! Speedflying is really fun. Especially when Jeff K is there and willing to shuttle the crew back up with his sled! How civilized, didn't even break a sweat.
Anyway the wind came up and we were lit on 12 and 15 meter kites. 2 feet of fresh powder and best of all the wind was from the East! Really rare day there, we were on the opposite hill from Bosco hill. It's the one with the big wind lips and kickers all over it with the deep pillows that is usually in the lee side of the mountain, but this day it was the windward side and was epic! I would have to say that the corneous on the top was really fun to jump off of and soar down the ridge. Probably went 1/4 of a mile in length for my first ridge soaring of the season with around 1 minute of flight time for the better jumps. Also pulled off the ridge and flew out over the valley below and hucked 4 kite loops, one to the left and 3 to the right all in one flight. Going for 5 loops next time! Send it! Great season opener, hope to return soon to that amazing place.
AP

AP Cross Training 12m Nano - Ridge Soaring HR

2006-10-31T20:20:00.000-08:00

This is something to do in Hood River when it too cold to go in the river to kiteboard and the snowkiting season has yet to arrive. AP 12 meter Gin Nano on Hood River Mtn. Wind West @ 25mph. Sketch Factor, High. This glider is for speed flying, over the snow with skis on. Or ridge soaring if you live in HR.

USSnowKite Team Golfing Hood River...waiting for snow

2006-10-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

Getting a little crazy waiting for the snow, the USSnowKite Team heads to the Hood River Golf Course. Comedy.

Welcome to the golf course

For All The Powder Runs...

Skyline

2006-04-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I represented for the Ussnowkite team and went to Skyline, Utah.
Wow, I forgot how great that place was, Fantastic!
Saturday was powered up 17 meter Machines with good sunlight.
Sunday got on to the 13 meter Fuel and sent it out of sight!
With Richard Hallman, Jamy Donaldson, and Charles Baden documenting this event we created some great shots, check back soon to see all the crazy shizzzy that went on there.
More later-
AP

Welcome to the Rodeo - Video

2006-03-12T19:18:00.000-08:00

A Montana Snowkite Video.If it doesnt work properly or you want to view it bigger, CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO. Must use windows media player.

Montana Snowkite Rodeo Ridge Video

Snowkiting Hardcores

2006-03-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

This years Montana Snowkite Rodeo was for hardcore riders only. In 6 years of snowkiting, I have never been in temperatures ten below zero. Once you were riding everything was fine but setting up was a challenge. I hooked up my lines wrong two times in row. I think my brain was frozen. Blue skies and sunshine made up for the freezing temperatures and everyone was ripping around like any other day.

A Big thanks goes out to everyone who traveled hundreds and even thousands of miles away to be a part of the rodeo. Even though it was cold we had an awesome time riding and partying Montana style.

Alex is off to Minnesota for the Lake Millacs crossing. Good luck to everyone in Minnesota.

(Scroll down to see the video of the ridge of doom)

Montana Snowkite Rodeo Results

2006-02-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

Montana Snowkite Rodeo Results
Feb 18 -20

The 3rd annual Montana Snowkite Rodeo was filled with epic riding from snowkiters around the world. Hundreds gathered at Georgetown Lake to enjoy the freeriding, freestyle and racing. Many came just for the party’s. Monatana is known for extrmen conditions and sure enough it deliver below zero temps for over three days. Europeans top snowkiters and many more got there first taste of Mt Haggin magic on the free ride days and were amazed by the conditions. The terrain is unbelievable in every direction. It was a great experience to see the top Euro’s riding with America’s snowkite pioneers and have everyone riding at such a high level. Even the locals and groms are getting better. There’s no doubt about it, our sport is growing and it’s only getting better. Thanks to everyone who came and supported the event.

Kiter Cross Results

Snowboard
1. Remi Meum Norway Slingshot
2. Aaron Sales Hood River, OR Slingshot
3. Jake Buzianis Salt Lake City, UT Best

Ski
1. Bjorn Kaupang Norway Naish
2. Ken Lucas White Salmon, WA Ozone
3. Robbie Whitall England England

Women
1. Heather Schenck Salt Lake City, UT Ozone
2. Maria Wirth Montana Ozone
3. Channah Wells Montana Slingshot

Freestyle Expression Session Results

Snowboard
1. Remi Meum Norway Slingshot
2. Chasta France Ozone
3. Paul Motz Denver, CO Peter Lynn

Ski
1. Bjorn Kaupang Norway Naish
2. AG Norway Ozone
3. Patrick Nedele Summit County, CO Peter Lynn

Juniors
1. Hunter Wells Minnesota Slingshot
2. Jace Prideaux Montana Slingshot
3. Tannen Traften Montana Slingshot
4.

Big Air Results

1. Alex Peterson Hood River, Or Slingshot

Montana Snowkite Rodeo Update

2006-02-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

Over 4 days of amazing riding in temperatures as cold as -10. But that didn't stop 50 kiters representing 6 different countries from coming to Montana. This years Rodeo was held at both Georgetown Lake and Mt Haggin depending on the days conditions and the riders skill level. Events at the lake included kiter cross racing, freestyle, free snowkite lessons and freeriding for all. The terrain on Mt Haggin only 30 minutes away was ideal for big air, flying, and long distance adventures. Having two locations double the chances of finding good wind and offered all the riders perfect Montana conditions.

Mt Haggin- A Pintler Ridge Video

2006-02-16T21:50:00.000-08:00

A Pintler Ridge Video.
If it doesnt work properly or you want to view it bigger, CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO. Must use windows media player.

Mt Haggin - A P(intler) Ridge Video

Mt Haggin- A Pintler Ridge

2006-02-16T19:02:00.000-08:00

Our first day back to Montana was epic!With the US and Norway team sending it huge!
It was great to show the whole crew this amazing spot.
The riding level was the best we have seen and the rodeo this weekend should go OFF!
East winds were crankin and the snow was drifting.
Check out the new video clips and Macktastic P Slim on the Ridge of Doom.

USA's new best location! Shhhhh

2006-01-24T14:42:00.000-08:00

US Snowkite finds nipple deep powder in the heart of Monatana. Only thirty minutes from Georgetown Lake, Montana at 6600 in the Pintlar Range rests Mt Hagan. This location has it all. Powder, Wind, Sun, and unbeleivable terrain. We spent three days at elevation and rode from sun up to sun down with more than our fair share of powder turns. Skyline used to be our favorite, but Mt Hagan has just pulled ahead. Come check out this sick terrain at the Montana Snowkite Rodeo during the media day on February 20th.

USSNOWKITE NEWS

2006-01-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

Location, location, location.
It was just two years ago that those of us living in Hood River thought there was nowhere to snowkite unless you went up 7000 feet on Mt Hood. This season, we have unveiled over 10 new riding locations within a thirty minute drive from Hood River. My point is; there are plenty of places you can ride if you know where to look. Just because you can't see the location from your car, it doesn't mean there's a wide open field of power over the top of the ridge. Get out there explore and spread the word.

For those of you looking to attend the biggest and funnest snowkite event of the year, the third annual Montana Snowkite Rodeo is ready to roll Feb 17-20. The event will be at Georgetown Lake an hour outside of Missoula. The lodge is filling up, so make your reservations now. This years event showcases Free lessons, Kiter Cross racing, Speed trials, Race around the lake and the dress up like a Montana cowboy at the Hoe Down Party sponsored by Captain Morgan's Rum and Slingshot. So get your cowboy hat and see you there.

Contact Keith for event information montanaicesports@yahoo.com
Contact Aaron for sponsorship inquiries airnsails@yahoo.com

Snowkiting Gorge Guide - Part 1

2005-12-17T02:18:00.000-08:00

Sunset Dalles Mtn

All within a short drive from Hood River Oregon there are a variety of snowkitng spots. Each one has its own story...Some are: smaller than others, some have more snow, less hiking, shorter drive, longer drive, steep terain, East facing, dangerous, easy, rocky, have access issues, cows both living and dead, open areas, well you get the idea - everything changes from place to place.

Be carefull and use your brain out there.
Every day is different, please - use good judgment.

And now for the goods -->

Name: The Honey Spot - on hood river mtn. aka the lumbar yard.
Where:Its right up behind China Gorge, only 10 minutes away!
Conditions: Plenty of snow, a little crusty.
Who: Everyone. A good place to learn and be safe.
How: Park and kite. Or park and hike to the little dome up and in the back - 10 min.
Wind: East Winds work here. Average the readings between the Event Site and The Dalles.
Hazards: A few exposed boulders up on the hike in spot. Barbed wire fence along the road.
Summary: Close to home, easy, consistent, predictable, hike and no hike options, good snow.

From what I understand, this spot is up near the whooptie trail.

Directions- from China Gorge.
South on 35 for 1-2 miles.
Take your first Left, there is a sign for panorama point at the intersection.
Continue for 2-3 miles.
Turn Left on Old Dalles rd.
Go to the top of the hill. Somewhere around 5 miles?
The road turns to gravel and turns right.
Continue 1 more mile, you are now traveling south.
Look on left side for open meadow.
Park, duck fence, and send it!

Have a look at a map- and zoom out to see the bigger picture.

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=10&n=5057530&e=619722&size=s&amp;amp;amp;u=7&datum=nad83&layer=DRG25

Name: The Dalles Mtn
Where: located in Washington, North of The Dalles Oregon.
Conditions: 0-12" fluffy powder, mostly covered, with grass poking up. Plenty of exposed rocks, hope for snow.
Who: Everyone. Mostly flat on top with wide open rolling hills, steep at times.
How: Park and kite. No hiking needed.
Wind: Any direction on top, South works best for lower faces. Check the Dallesport Airport wind.
Hazards: Old barbed wire fences and exposed rocks.
Summary: Big wide open spaces- looks like a little Norway. Drive up, throw down, plenty of room for everyone.

Directions:
From HR- Cross HR bridge into WA.
East on Hwy 14, drive slowly past Slingshot and Honk twice so they know you are going up there.
Continue for ~15 miles. go past The Dalles Bridge about ~1-2 miles.
Turn left on Dalles Mtn Road stay to the right.
Drive to the top of the mtn ~ 6 miles of nice gravel road.
Park and rig.

Have a look at a map- and zoom out to see the bigger picture.

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=10&n=5061757&e=654754&s=50&size=m&u=7&datum=nad83&layer=DRG25

Don't forget your helmet...see you out there!
AP

Searching High and Low

2005-12-10T20:55:00.000-08:00

In an effort to expand the possibility of snowkiting in the northwest, the USSnowKite team has spent the past weeks deep in: maps, google earth, powder, forecasts, gear, and dashboard time looking for any and all information leading to the identification and Send-ification of new snowkiting spots here in the Oregon and Washington!

Eureka! We found it! All within 45 min of Hood River. Hospital Hill, Jims place, The Lumbar Yard (aka: Honey), and Dalles Mt. Got to ride at every day this week! More info on http://www.ussnowkite.com/ in a few days.

Teamed up with photographer Gregg Gnecco, we explored the wind scoured upper rim of the Colombia river gorge, and brought home some hope for fellow NW kiters looking to check out the possibility of snowkiting.

Here are a sample of the goods-

Check back soon as the USSnowKite team heads to Bend, OR.

Its sure to be a hell of a week with mountain guide "Action Dizzler Crowe"

Fresh Tracks on Hospital Hill !

2005-12-04T20:53:00.000-08:00

- photo: Greg G

12/3/2005

Just across the Colombia River from the Hood River Sand Bar there is a little 2000' hill we fly our paragliders off of. Never thought we would be snowkiting up there, But with the fresh snow and West wind that spot seemed interesting. Got the crew and the kites together and made it up there by about 2pm to find the heaviest shin to waist deep powder ever! Solid coverage and the wind up there was pumpin, good to go! Rigged the 10m Octane and waited for the fog to subside a bit. When it cleared the view was amazing, what a spot to be! With only 5 minutes in & zero elevation gain, this was the easiest approach of our season yet! The actual kiting was great, little airs and what can you say about fresh tracks? - the only tracks up there, were the ones I was making! Nice!
-AP

- photo: Kathrin H

Click on the videos link in the main menu bar for a little action.

----

Turkey Wind

2005-11-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

Today was predicted to be SW 10-15 mph increasing in the afternoon. Got up there around noon and met up with Mark for the epic day! So there we were...getting all extreme skining up Mt Hood. After an hour we got to a new spot near the Steel cliffs, by far the best snow coverage on the lower part of the masive mountain. Had the Octane 12m in the pack and it was about right for the conditions that we found up there- SW 6mph for a minute, then West @ 13mph followed quickly by a sharp NorthEasterly...it was alll over the place! Great, time to Send it! Rigged and flew around in this ever changing pattern of confusion. Fun stuff for really brief periods, then not so much. Really a beautiful spot to be goofing around all day though. Thanks for the photos Mark!

Sunset Session's Rock

2005-11-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

Another three feet of snow and we are in business. So it a little bare up there, well at least its kitable. Today wasn't the greatest wind direction but what a great excuse to stay out to see an amazing sunset.
Although they were publishing a wind direction of around 110', The wind was coming straight from the shack in the upper right of this photo, towards me. More like 60' Fighting gravity and fighting to stay up wind is really fun let me tell you. Under powered on a 9 meter. But doing it. Making upwind, uphill progress, slowly, but doing it. And going for it again tomorrow! Which reminds me, I gotta run... get my ATL Relaunch installed on my kites for the new and improved Saturday South Wind!

Peterson gets his stoke on!

2005-11-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

Imagine if Alex had a Mohawk like Glenn Plake. Right where his Mohawk would be is where we ride on Palmer Glacier. This picture was taken just minutes before hiking up when the wind blew in the clouds and stole our sweet visability. Oh well, that's mountain snowkiting for you.

Cloud kiting

2005-11-11T15:45:00.000-08:00

It's amazing what 30 seconds of riding uphill can do. One minute your riding with perfect visability and the next minute it turns into ghost kiting where your literally riding through the clouds and the only thing you can see is the neon reflection of your kite.

Timberline nukes on day 2

2005-11-11T15:35:00.000-08:00

25 -30 knots on 8 meter kites in the clouds. Soooo good to be back on the snow no matter what the conditions. Aaron and I hiked for 1/2 hour in no wind wondering if we had grabbed the right sized kites for the day. Finally, when we got above the tree line, the first blast of cold mtn air hit us! The snow had settled some and melted a bit leaving even more rock exposed. We got to the spot where we had set up days earlier and rested, took some water and set up our kites. Aaron was fast and ready, I launched his kite and watched him haul ace up and out of sight, into the fog layer at 6500'. I got going and joined him in the fog to see how high we could ascend the mtn. After about 700' of vert we ran into another rock field that was impassable by snowkiting. We cruised around in the West wind for about 2 hours, making easy tracks straight up and down the south facing hill we were sliding on. Looking at the GPS after the session we put on 7 miles and it was just sooo good to be back on the snow!

11/6 Snowkiting season is on!!!

2005-11-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

11/6 Snowkiting season is on!!!
Words from Aaron Sales

Early season storms brought Mt Hood nearly 3 feet of fresh powder in under a week, just enough to rally the crew for the first snowkite session of the year. A quick drive up to Mt Hood Timberline from Hood River for a look at the conditions proved worthy. Snow. Check. Wind. Check. Visibility. Shitty but Check. With an hour long hike through the clouds Alex Peterson, Laura Maher, and I arrived to the openness of Palmer Glacier above Timberline… The snow was deep but not deep enough to cover the car sized boulders. Laura and I took a look at the riding area and assessed it as sketchy, while Alex had a different view, " good enough, lets go". Alex was the guinny pig and launched in a steady 15-18 knots and soon disappeared up the hill and into the clouds. It always blows me away at how much ground you can cover on a kite. What would have taken us 20 minutes to hike up, Alex kited up in 30 seconds. A few minutes later he reappeared coming down through the mine field of rocks with ease. A few jumps later he passed the kite off to me for my first tracks since April. Damn it feels good to get back on the snow. An hour later, our session had to end as we only had an hour till dark, but it was still by far, the best session of the year. It looks like 2 more feet of snow are soon to arrive and when it does, we hope to get back on Hood for some freshies.

want more info...
http://www.ussnowkite.com