Just finished a short edit of our snow kiting trip in NZ (South Island). We lucked out again with great snow and strong winds. We kited 16 days and 550 KM in total from mid August to mid September in areas like Snow Farm (Pisa range), Cardrona, Old Woman and Old Man range. We're planning on going again next winter, if anyone wants to join the fun or just needs info, let us know.

Great vid
q1: I'm a kiter and a snowboarder but never combined what's the progression like when you first wack the two together.
q2: Weather....bluebird and wind how often does that happen. Were you just lucky or can that be guaranteed that time of the year.
q3: Might be a bit of a dumb one !!! Lift pass ...im guessing no need

Thats Sick as bro. I thunk I need a Chup Bro

birdie919 said..

Great vid
q1: I'm a kiter and a snowboarder but never combined what's the progression like when you first wack the two together.
q2: Weather....bluebird and wind how often does that happen. Were you just lucky or can that be guaranteed that time of the year.
q3: Might be a bit of a dumb one !!! Lift pass ...im guessing no need

1-The more skills you have in each discipline, the easier it is. Two of our friends were first timers snow kiting this year and they did amazingly well and followed us everywhere but they are expert kiters and advanced snowboarders. The key is to be able to fly a kite well in any wind condition (lots of turbulence and strength would vary from 5 to 30 knots due to terrain and altitude change). With snowboarding skills it's similar, it's about being comfortable riding all different types of snow conditions.

2-Lots of bluebird days and others partly cloudy. Stormy weather or too cloudy is not kiteable due to poor/no visibility or gale force winds.

3-No lift pass, some roads you pay a small fee to access, but other than that it's all free. 4x4 and snowmobiles are handy for remote locations.

There is a guide for snow kiting spots on seabreeze: www.seabreeze.com.au/Articles/Kitesurfing/Snow-kiting-New-Zealands-South-Island_2643059.aspx

still has a lot of valid information, but nothing beats local knowledge and guidance one you're there.

Nice. We were there about the same time as you. Didn't take my kites. Just downhill. Got some nice snow though. Will have to make more effort to take my kites to the snow next season.

birdie919 - a couple or years ago I had a half hour go at snowkiting (my only go at snowkiting so far). I found it easy to get going and was mowing the lawn in ten minutes or so. I found it easier than kitesurfing as you don't sink if you stop. Going upwind was easier too. That's as a intermediate kiter and a good snowboarder. I also discovered waist harnesses can pull your coat up and make you very cold.

PeteC2 said..

I also discovered waist harnesses can pull your coat up and make you very cold.

Wear the harness underneath the jacket and do a hole reinforced with webbing and a flap in your jacket ... problem solved.

Nice video!! Something I'd be keen on giving a go in the next year or two.....gotta build up my skills up first :)

EPIC! NZ rocks on....nice track too.