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Snowkiting - Kitesurfing on snow?
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| For those who know kitesurfing it is clear that there are similarities, however snowkiting is still very different to kitesurfing. When Kitesurfing you literally surf with the kite, gliding over the liquid H20. The philosophy of snowkiting lies in the art that is finding that bit of snow which has the ideal wind flowing over it during the whole day. The snow itself is very important, wet snow for example is not ideal and makes it much harder.. every skier/snowboarder knows that on the other hand powder snow is a dream! |
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It quickly becomes clear that too much powder snow is also not great and can be very tiring (similar to wet snow) except if there really is alot of wind. The wind is the second important component to snow kiting, as it decides if you go out on the kite spot fast/slow or with a big/small kite and a big board/ski! The kite technique itself is very similar with perhaps a different aim, you can cover very large distances without any reliance on motorvehicles (motorboat, chairlift or helicopter) and without getting tired! For this experience the right technique is key, come and learn with us...
Have fun ... |
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| What exactly is Snowkiting? |
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Those who dont know either kitesurfing or snowkiting will be asking themselves "how does that work, attach yourself to a kite and hold on to it in a strong wind? Skiing/snowboarding is tiring emough without holding onto a kite!?" on a string which you must keep their own power?, Skiing / snowboarding is already tiring without having to hold on to a kite!?"
The trick is in the body harness (a belt around the lower torso and legs, with hooks) on which we hang the kite fixed with a safety trigger mechanism. The power of the kite will be absorbed by our body weight. When we don't move the kite, thanks to modern aerodynamic technology, it hardly pulls on us at all (full control), when we want to go in a certain direction, start to move the kite controlling with the arms .
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| Where can you go Snowkiting? |
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| A frozen lake, hilly landscapes or in middle of the mountains, wherever there is enough space, you can conquer the untouched land first. With increasing skill and experience, tours, acrobatic jumps and short flights are all possible with the kite. Snowkiting extends the range of winter sports with a unique experience never seen before: It's not just walking up the hill, no ... you can literally fly up the mountain if you like... |
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| Is Snowkiting dangerous? |
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| Snowkiting is not dangerous, it is actually less dangerous than normal skiing or snowboarding as long as you follow certain rules. If you want to start snowkiting, you should take a 2-3 day course to learn the important basics, giving you a safer, faster and more enjoyable (of course) entry into "snow kiting". Other levels for example Tour kiting requires specific training in the form of a qualification which be should be led by experienced snow riders. Since the kite is firmly connected to the person through the harness all modern kitesystem's come with a safety release mechanism. See here: |
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Thus one always has the option to release the pressure in the kite or completely seperate yourself from the kite.
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What else do I need?
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You don't need much to get started snowkiting. Some good warm waterproof clothes (like you would use to go on the slopes) sunglasses, a pair of skis or a snowboard, a harness and a kite. The complete kite equiptment including protection will be avaliable as part of the course. Further requirements are a love of snow and nature and a little bit of fitness to get the most fun out of your first snow kiting adventure.
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| Snowkiting is also great for those who want to go on and learn kitesufing. If you can control the kite while on snow, it will also be easier on the water. |
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Kiteschool 
