Snow kiting is a mixture of snowboarding and kitesurfing.
Using a power kite to travel across the snow on a snowboard or skis is sure to get the adrenaline pumping.
It’s one of the most popular extreme winter sports around the world and uses similar kites to those used in kite surfing (i.e. ones that are steerable).
Unlike other winter sports, snow kiting doesn’t require extreme terrain and can be done either up or downhill. As long as you’re able to ski or snowboard with confidence down a blue run, you can give snow kiting a go. Be warned, you can build up speed pretty quickly!
Snow kiting is a mixture of snowboarding and kitesurfing. Using a power kite to travel across the snow on a snowboard or skis is sure to get the adrenaline pumping.
A handful of kite schools in Tirol offer taster courses and lessons. It is essential that those with little or no experience only try this sport with a trained instructor. That way they will stay safe, learn more – and have fun.
Achensee Lake: 13,000 Square Metres of Smooth Ice
The “Sea of Tirol”, as the Achensee lake is playfully referred to by locals, is the ideal playground for snowkiters in winter. The Snowkite Achensee kite school in Achenkirch – the oldest kite school in Tirol – offers couses between late December and mid-March. Equipment can be rented from the school. An area of 13,000 square metres is smoothed over using a piste groomer. This ensures that skiers and snowboarders enjoy optiomal conditions as they race over the lake. The lake’s location between steep mountain chains means that wind conditions are usually good.
Reschensee Lake: Snowkiting between Austria, Switzerland and Italy
In winter, the Reschensee lake south of Nauders is a popular meeting point for snowkiters. The area, which is actually over the Austrian-Italian border in South Tirol has plenty of wide open spaces ideal for this high-speed sport. At the same time, its altitude of 1500m ensures good snow conditions throughout the winter. The lake itself, frozen during the winter months, is an excellent place for beginners to take their first turns. The experts from the Kiteboarding Reschen kite school in Graun offer multi-day courses, private lessons and taster sessions for beginners. Equipment can be hired.
