Where to Snowkite in the United States: Utah

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.

Skyline

Description: An Alpine plateau with open terrain that is good for all wind directions. The exposed ridge line faces the prevailing South and Westerly winds offering terrain that stretches from miles of flats to rolling hills and steep cornices. Easy roadside access to a massive backcountry playground that is suitable for all riding abilities.

Conditions: Snow fall starts in November and lasts into May, With December thru April offering better snow and wind conditions. The average flow is SW in the 5-15 mph range. Fronts can bring in North and Easterly winds, with strong ridge line gusts. Snow is usually deep powder but can become wind blown and packed.

Skill Level: Novice to Expert

Directions: Located 2 hours south of Salt Lakes international airport. Highway 31 begins in central Utah in the city of Fairview. Starting in Fairview, head east on Highway 31 for 14 miles. Park at the ‘Big Drifts’ parking lot on the right side of the road, just after milepost 14.

Local Info: Sanpete County website lists lodging and local maps at Sanpete.com and weather information is available at Kite Utah.

Facilities: Restrooms and an Avalanche Beacon Garden are located at the Big Drifts parking area. No water, food or gas is currently available on the mountain.

Shops/Schools: City Slickers Snowboard shop offers board & boot rentals. Kite Utah offers instruction and guided tours.

Restrictions: None

Other: Be courteous to Snowmobilers, roll up your lines after riding, avoid steep slopes during avalanche conditions.

Powder Mountain

Description: An open ridge that sits just above tree line on the backside of the Powder Mountain Ski Resort. Sitting just under 9,000 feet, Pow Mow lives up to its name with heavy annual snowfall. Lift served skiing and warming lodges add to the resort ambience, just steps away from the out of bounds snowkiting.

Conditions: The majority of the riding faces the prevailing southerly direction, look for winds from the SW in the 10-30 mph range. North winds can be ridden, but severely limit the available terrain.

Skill Level: Novice to Expert

Directions: 55 miles north of Salt Lakes international airport. Take I-15 North to Ogden’s 12th Street exit. Turn east and follow the signs through Ogden Canyon. At Pineview reservoir take a left on highway 158 and follow it up to the top of Pow Mow. Kiting is at the upper lodge near the Sunrise Poma lift. Hike out or ride lifts to the launch zone.

Local Info: Snow reports at PowderMountain.com

Facilities: Warming Huts, restaurants and lodging are available on the mountain near the riding area. Lift served skiing is available along with snow cat tours.

Shops/Schools: Utah Kite Addiction and Kite Utah

Restrictions: Must purchase a Snowkite Lift Pass at $20 per day.

Other: No Kiting in bounds on ski runs. Wear safety leashes to prevent accidental release into lift towers. Always be aware of non-powered skiers and snowboarders.

Strawberry Reservoir

Description: An Alpine reservoir sitting at 8,000 feet and surrounded by open rolling hills. Multiple parking areas offer many routes of exploration and plenty of room to spread out. Natural terrain offers slopes and transitions in every direction.

Conditions: Northerly winds bring better rides. Look for 15+ mph from the NW. Strong winds from the west and south can also be good, while not as consistent or reliable. The lower elevation brings snow from December thru April, with warmer spring conditions.

Skill Level: Novice to Expert

Directions: From Park City, head east on highway 40. Passing Heber and Daniels Summit, the riding starts at Strawberry River parking, and continues along the shoreline to Soldier Creek Bay on the east end of the reservoir.

Local Info: Weather reports are available at Kite Utah. Local Forum is UtahWindRiders.com

Facilities: Restrooms are available at several parking areas. Shoreline lodging is at the Strawberry Bay Marina on the SW shore.

Shops/Schools: Kite Utah and Soaring Center in Draper.

Restrictions: Park in designated areas, highway parking can lead to tickets and towing.

Other: Check the lake conditions for ice depth, water can form above the ice and under the snow surface.

Hogan Pass

Description: Alpine riding with roadside access to open sloping terrain. Sitting at 8900 feet, Hogan Pass is a long valley facing the prevailing South-West winds. Bordering the sandstone desert, the snow depth can vary from season to season.

Conditions: Snow pack builds later in the season, with January to March offering the better conditions. While Hogan can be ridden on any wind direction, 80% of the terrain faces SW. Look for winds from 5-40 mph. Wind scouring on the ridge lines is common from strong winds.

Skill Level: Novice to Expert

Directions: Located 90 miles south of Skyline. Traveling along I-70 in any direction, head south on highway 72 towards Loa. Hogan Pass is the summit of highway 72 and provides roadside access to Tidwell canyon on the southern half of the pass.

Local Info: Fish Lake National Forest. Weather links on Kite Utah.

Facilities: None

Shops/Schools: Kite Utah offers instruction and guiding.

Restrictions: No motorized vehicles off highway on the north half of Hogan Pass.

Other: Aremote area with little traffic. Perfect stop for any cross Utah Snowkite road trip.

Rush Lake

Description: Strong winds and lake effect powder on a frozen lake near downtown Salt Lake City.

Conditions: A shallow lake that freezes quickly with typically good ice. A mountain venturi funnels wind north and south across Rush. Winter storms can bring deep lake effect powder. As long as its blowing it can be good Snowkiting at Rush lake.

Skill Level: Novice to Expert

Directions: From Salt Lake head west on I-80. Turn south towards Toole on highway 36. Continue to Stockton, where you turn right onto Silver Ave. heading west. Follow the road around a couple miles and park on the access road leading down to the lake.

Local Info: UtahWindRiders.com has a local forum, and weather links at KiteUtah.com.

Facilities: None, convenience store is in Stockton.

Shops/Schools: Soaring Center in Draper has gear and lessons can be scheduled with Kite Utah.

Restrictions: None

Other: Watch out for spring mud on the shoreline.