2008 Snowkite Ride Guide: Colorado
Where to Snowkite in the United States: Colorado
Tools like Google Earth and good old fashioned scouting has helped us discover amazing snowkite locations on a seemingly daily basis around the world. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top known spots in the US and provided some detailed information on each so you can go check them out. We have also named other locations to go discover on your own. If you know of a spot that isn’t listed, add a comment below so we can add it to the growing list.
[Updated 10/11/2008 with information about the Flattops submitted by Bret]
Dillon Reservoir aka The Sanitarium
Description: Frozen lake with terrain park.
Conditions: North/northwest 10-20mph.
Skill Level: Beginner to Expert.
Directions: Summit County, Colorado, south end of Dillon Reservoir, 4 miles south of Frisco, Colorado on Highway 9. Turn left at Swan Mt. Road and then an immediate left before the Sanitation building.
Local Info: Rocky Mountain Kiteboarder Association
Facilities: Multi-use parking lot and permanent outhouse.
Shops/Schools: Colorado Kiteforce, 12 Fawn Ct. Silverthorne, CO 80498, 970-262-5734,
Restrictions: The Sanitarium has limited space until there is ice on the reservoir, which is usually late December.
Other: There are many ski resorts and other activities in the Summit County area.
Flattops
Description: This is an awesome location known for it’s snowmobiling do to the endless fields of powder. The fields were created around the 1940s after major pine beetle infestation killed most of the trees and a large portion of the trees were clear cut.
Conditions:The winds are generally stable from the southwest 5-35+. If the wind comes from the east or north there is most likely a crazy storm rolling in and should not be kited in. The location is just above 10,000ft and the weather can change in the blink of an eye so come prepared.
Skill Level: Intermediate/Expert
Directions: I-70 at the east end of the Glenwood Canyon there is a town called Dotzero. Get off I-70 here and go north on Colorado River Road a few miles. Look for a left on Coffee Pot road and head west up Deep Creek canyon. When you reach the snow stop and hop on a sled and follow the snowmobile highway to the top. When you reach the first BIG field KEEP GOING (that field has Deep Creek canyon just down wind of it). Every year many snowmobilers get lost up there so please go with some one who knows where they are going.
Local Associations/Forums/Contacts: Colorado Kite Force (ask for Bret)
Facilities: There’s a bathroom at the parking lot at the bottom.
Shops/Schools: Colorado Kite Force
Restrictions: Snowmobile access only. Make sure you have valid registration for your sled cuz the man will get you if you don’t. Not easy to find with out guidance.
Other: COMMON SENSE! It’s the most important thing in kiting. Don’t forget to bring it with you.
Vallecito Reservoir
Description: Frozen lake with small terrain features in the north flats.
Conditions: Adiabatic winds turn on midday, during high pressure clear days south 5-20mph. North storm fronts are gusty but can be ridden best from the Marina.
Skill Level: Beginner to Expert
Directions: 15-20 miles northeast of Durango. Follow the signs from 15th St (aka Florida Road) and Main/550. Launch in the flats at the north end of the lake, or launch at the marina when the lake is totally frozen. Parking at north Marina.
Local Info: Contact Inferno Snowboards.
Facilities: there are some business in the winter, but most of the area is shut down for the winter.
Shops/Schools: Inferno Snowboards, 2876 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301, 1-888-396-8669
Other: Famed snowkiter-owned micro brew – Ska Pinstripe – available at all reputable establishments.
Lizard Head Pass
Description: Open field with some small hills.
Conditions: Variable – good only if wind is south or north. SE to SW 5-35mph.
Skill Level: Beginner to Expert
Directions: Between Telluride and Dolores on Hwy 145, head north to the top of Lizard Head Pass and look for the open field on the SE side of the highway just south of the summit.
Local Info: Contact Inferno Snowboards
Facilities: Parking on the side of the road. No bathrooms.
Shops/Schools: Inferno Snowboards, 2876 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301, 1-888-396-8669
Restrictions: None
Other: Famed snowkiter-owned micro brew – Ska Pinstripe – available at all reputable establishments.
Molas Pass
Description: Open fields with scattered trees. Alpine terrain.
Conditions: Deep snow. SE to SW 5-35mph.
Skill Level: Advanced.
Directions: Hwy 550 north of Durango Mountain Resort, South of Silverton. La Plata County CO. Follow 550 N out of Durango to the top of Molas Pass. Follow the snowroad to the highest point.
Local association/forum/contact info: Contact Inferno Snowboards.
Facilities: Parking and toilets at top of Molas Pass.
Shops/Schools: Inferno Snowboards, 2876 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301, 1-888-396-8669
Restrictions: Snowmobile Access only. Not easy to find without guidance.
Other: Famed snowkiter-owned micro brew – Ska Pinstripe – available at all reputable establishments.
Also check out: Loveland Pass, Hoosier Pass, Green Mountain Reservoir, Williams Fork Reservoir, Lake Granby, Lemon Reservoir, Red Mountain Pass (Snowmobile Access), Rollins Pass (Snowmobile Access), Grand Mesa (Snowmobile Access), Flat Tops (Snowmobile Access) [submitted 10/11/2008 by Bret Hasbrook] and Vail Pass (Snowmobile Access) and Vail Pass (Snowmobile Access).
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Location- FlatTops
This is an awesome location with a lot of terrain. But you need a snowmobile to get yourself the 30+ miles in (don’t get hurt out there) and expert kite skills and most importantly a lot of common sense. (I always bring enough gear to survive a night in case any thing happened)
Hey James and Dave nice site! Woot Woot!!
I just wanted to throw in something about my home spot cuz I saw it wasn’t up there. I can’t wait for snow. Oh yea and I got that VW Bus so this winter’s gona be a trip.
Flattops
Description: This is an awesome location known for it’s snowmobiling dew to the endless fields of powder. The fields were created around the 1940s after major pine beetle infestation killed most of the trees and a large portion of the trees were clear cut.
Conditions:The winds are generally stable from the southwest 5-35+. If the wind comes from the east or north there is most likely a crazy storm rolling in and should not be kited in. The location is just above 10,000ft and the weather can change in the blink of an eye so come prepared.
Skill Level: Intermediate/Expert
Directions: I-70 at the east end of the Glenwood Canyon there is a town called Dotzero. Get off I-70 here and go north on Colorado River Road a few miles. Look for a left on Coffee Pot road and head west up Deep Creek canyon. When you reach the snow stop and hop on a sled and follow the snowmobile highway to the top. When you reach the first BIG field KEEP GOING (that field has Deep Creek canyon just down wind of it). Every year many snowmobilers get lost up there so please go with some one who knows where they are going.
Local Associations/Forums/Contacts: Colorado Kite Force(ask for Bret)
Facilities: Theres a bathroom at the parking lot at the bottom.
Shops/Schools: Colorado Kite Force
Restrictions: Snowmobile access only. Make sure you have valid registration for your sled cuz the man will get you if you don’t. Not easy to find with out guidance.
Other: COMMON SENSE! It’s the most important thing in kiting. Don’t forget to bring it with you.
Great addition. I will add it to the Ride Guide and to the map. I hope to get some kite time up there with you!
Dave