The Bighorn Mountain Range is located Northern Wyoming. The upper portions of the range ease back in steepness to form what is arguably the best snow kite terrain in the United States. In particular, Mt. Baldy possesses a combination of nearly treeless rolling mountain meadows, advanced steeps, and a ten thousand foot altitude that holds snow and catches wind. The usually ample early season snowpack and diversity of this amazing area makes it the ideal staging grounds for the first ever, Bighorn Snowkite Summit.
The goal of the Summit is to bring together snow kite enthusiasts of all abilities early in the winter season for an epic snow kiting adventure on amazing terrain, and to gather industry professionals and committed snow kiters of any level to participate in a series of roundtable discussions about the current and future state of the sport. This discussion series is designed to scrutinize the growing pains of the sport in the face of a need for some type of standard in a number of areas. Locally, the event will provide an opportunity for first time snow kiters, local snow enthusiasts and anyone who is interested in improving their skills through a series of demos and clinics.
The Wyoming High Country Lodge is set just behind Mount Baldy and is an ideal location to base the Summit. They’ve offered their rustic cabins and a large central lodge. The Wyoming High Country Lodge will also support the event with snowmobiles and a belt track snowcat too. The Jackson Hole Kiters and a number of others will be on hand and willing to help with some snowmobile support to get kiters out to the lodge and to primary kiting areas. The Summit itself is free.
When conditions permit, events will take place on Mount Baldy, snowkiting the entire time except for a couple discovery missions. There is enough room for everyone. Lodging is limited. Discussions will take place at night after dinner and clinics will be held during the day.
Take this opportunity to wax your skis or board, and brush away the off-season blues — enjoying great company and snowkiting in the Bighorn Mountains. Space is limited, so RSVP early. For condition updates and RSVP, find the Jackson Hole Kiters on facebook or visit the JHK website at: jhmountainkite.com/big-horn-event/