Skip to content

Kite skiing catches air in the Kootenays

The unique sport of kite skiing is growing rapidly and catching on in the Kootenays
24093427_web1_210128-TDT-Front-kite_1
This “kite” skier floated through the air with the greatest of ease up at Red Mountain on a beautiful sunny day last week. Greater Trail municipalities are reminding residents to stay and play local. Photo: Jim Bailey.

Kite skiing is catching on at West Kootenay ski hills.

Snowkiting – or kite skiing – involves people using kite power to glide on snow or ice.

The sport is similar to water-based kiteboarding, but with the footwear used in snowboarding or skiing. The principles of using the kite are the same, but in different terrain.

In the early days of snowkiting, foil kites were the most common type; nowadays many kiteboarders use inflatable kites.

Better equipment, safety practices, community know-how and qualified instructors are readily available in many areas, allowing people to learn properly and safely through different means than trial and error.

The sport is currently being enjoyed by kiters of all ages and in a wide variety of activities ranging from mellow jaunts on a lake, to kitercross events, from multi-day expeditions, to flying off mountains, from freestyle jib tricks, to huge cliff jumps as well as endurance and course racing.

Please note that Provincial Health Protocols currently advise against travelling outside your region to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Plan your future adventures throughout the West Coast at westcoasttraveller.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thewestcoasttraveller. And for the top West Coast Travel stories of the week delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our weekly Armchair Traveller newsletter!



Jim Bailey

About the Author: Jim Bailey

Read more



Pop-up banner image