Deep Powder Daze

Februar 13, 2020 / Snowkites

The 3rd annual Big Horn Snowkite Masters, February 4-8, was blanketed with intense snowfall and north wind almost every single day. Kiters from around the US, Canada and Europe converged at the Wyoming High Country Lodge for five days of snowkiting. By the end of those days, the accumulated new powder snow was measured by feet in Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains. These conditions challenged even the most experienced kiters for visibility during the height of the multi-day storm. For the less experienced kiters, some of whom traveled from sea level, it was mind blowing for them to kite in so much fresh snow. With the exception of the first day’s blue sky and perfect gliding winds on Big Bald Mountain, every day was a serious endeavor to kite and be safe in the Wyoming backcountry.

Also, every day, kiters feasted on a delicious breakfast and afterwards either snowmobiled, were towed, or took the Lodge’s snowcat powered transport to the day’s designated kitespot. Once there, we kited in deep powder and found ourselves in a winter wonderland of white. At times the intensity of the wind and snowfall was surreal: How much snow can fall in such a short period? In spite of the intensity, kiters still got great sessions and were able to demo a wide range of Ozone latest kites: Edge V10, Subzero, Pure, Hyperlink V2 and Chrono V3.

Evenings were overflowing with wild stories, more delicious meals, strong local spirits, drying out gear, a backcountry medical safety seminar and watching the latest snow-sport videos from around the world. Because of the extremely low visibility and very deep snow, a collective decision was made to put off the competitive events and focus on free riding the fantastic powder. A People’s Choice Freestyle Award contest was proposed and the eventual winner, Jeremy Jones from Brainerd, Minnesota, received a new Lib Tech snowboard.

As the week of days came to conclusion, kiters could boast of the friendships they made, the deep powder sessions and the glorious time they had in the Big Horns.

Thanks for reading and Windy Regards, Noah Poritz

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