Where to Snowkite in the United States: California

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, drop us a line so we can add it to the growing list.

where-to-snowkite-in-the-united-states-california

Mt. Rose Meadows

Description: High Alpine Meadow with a variety of rocks and trees scattered throughout

Conditions: Southwest predominately with occasional east winds

Skill Level: Beginner to Expert

Directions: South side of Mt. Rose summit. Highway 431 between Reno and Incline Village, NV. 30 mins from Reno, NV. Park on the side of the highway where the lanes widen.

Local Info: Tahoe Mountain Sports Backcountry Bulletin Board

Facilities: Bathrooms and parking facilities at the summit.

Shops/Schools: Tahoe Mountain Sports (Kings Beach, CA)

Restrictions: None

Other: Snowmobilers are permitted on the west side of the highway, and there is no motorized access on the east side of the highway.

Grass Lake

Description: Frozen alpine lake/wetland

Conditions: Southwest winds funnel through the valley

Skill Level: Beginner to Expert

Directions: Take Highway 88 from South Lake Tahoe towards Kirkwood. Grass Lake is just before Luther Pass on Highway 88

Local Info: Tahoe Mountain Sports Backcountry Bulletin Board

Facilities: None

Shops/Schools: Tahoe Mountain Sports (Kings Beach, CA)

Restrictions: None

Other: Be careful in the spring and warmer weather as this melts out quickly.

Red Lake Peak/Carson Pass

Description: Open bowl on backside of Red Lake Peak. Lots of terrain and lots of vertical

Conditions: Southwest predominately with occasional east winds

Skill Level: Expert

Directions: Follow Highway 88 out of South Lake Tahoe towards Kirkwood. At the top of Carson Pass, park on the right side of the road in the designated Sno-Park Parking lot. Hike around ridge behind parking lot and traverse the open slopes until you reach an open alpine bowl.

Local Info: Tahoe Mountain Sports Backcountry Bulletin Board

Facilities: Bathrooms and parking facilities at the summit.

Shops/Schools: Tahoe Mountain Sports (Kings Beach, CA)

Restrictions: Parking Lot on the west side of the highway is a designated Sno-Park. Permits are required in this area.

Other: Also check out Hope Valley on your way to Red Lake Peak. This is the big, open valley on your left as you approach the pass.

Martis Meadows

Description: Wide open meadow with undulating hills and occasional barbed wire.

Conditions: Southwest predominately with occasional east winds

Skill Level: Beginner to Expert

Directions: Take Highway 267 South, out of Truckee and towards Lake Tahoe. Martis Meadows is the open meadow past the airport and before Northstar Ski Resort.

Local Info: Tahoe Mountain Sports Backcountry Bulletin Board

Facilities: None

Shops/Schools: Tahoe Mountain Sports (Kings Beach, CA) www.tahoemountainsports.com

Restrictions: None

Other: Only good in high snow years. Be careful of hidden obstacles, creek crossings, and barbed wire fences.

Also check out: Mammoth Lakes www.waverave.com