Big Horn Wyoming, USA
Snowkiting heaven in the USA
This December, I went to the 5th Big Horn Snowkite Summit in Wyoming. The event, organized by the Jackson Hole riders and hosted by High Country Lodge Wyoming, is a full week gathering for beginners and hardcore backcountry snowkiters!
The set up for snowkiting in the Big Horn Mountains is ideal for small/medium size groups. High Country Lodge is the only accommodation in the area and can host no more than 36 people. The small back-country lodge is a friendly and welcoming place, thanks to the on-site Managers Jim, Matt, and Emily.
Mountains and terrain of different steepness and shapes can be found all around. To get to various kite spots, experienced kiters can kite from the lodge or get there with their snowmobile. For an easier solution, the lodge has a 4X4 snowcat and offers daily transportation for $10.
As a bonus, hungry and exhausted kiters staying at the lodge have the luxury of a hot tub just before enjoying the amazing meal prepared by Emily and the staff. The homemade meals and desserts are simply made with love and are delicious.
Snowkite Summit, Dec 2017
This year’s Summit started with a good South wind and sunshine breaks, but crusty snow. I was lucky to stay long enough to see some heavy snowfall for fresh pow! However, the new snow brought us some strong, stormy North wind and white-outs. Those challenging conditions weren’t the greatest for gliders, but didn’t stop me from kiting for about 5hrs every day.
Evenings were a great opportunity to mingle with reps from different kite companies, as well as other kite-travelers like myself. The guys set up a big screen for us to enjoy kite videos produced by local riders. The skill level at the summit is high and inspiring, going from free-stylers, racers, long-distance explorers, gliders, to mountaineering experts.
The Big Horn Snowkite Summit is an amazing gathering and I will make sure to go back next year! I will even go back to Big Horns Mountains this winter for more of the serious snowkiting. It’s winter at its best!
