FAQ - common questions about snow kiting

For whom is snowkiting?

There are no restrictions - we have participants from 12 to 75 years in our courses. It is advantageous if you have ever been on skis or on a snowboard. With the trainer kites, which are only about 2m2 big, everything runs a bit slower. More experienced kiters have a bigger kites for more traction and speed.

Snowkiting with skis or snowboards?

Choose what you enjoy most. For beginners, skis are usually better, because it is easier to move and step backwards to relaunch the kite.

What are the differences to kitesurfing on the water?

On the snow you need less wind. About 12 kilometers per hour (6-7 knots) are enough. Snowkiting is also easier because you're on skis or on a snowboard instead of on a wobbly board in the water. This is how beginners make fast progress.

Is snow kiting easier than kite surfing?

You can stand on snow, which of course makes the processes much easier compared to kitesurfing. This means that you can quickly learn the technique and control of the kite. Since the resistance on snow is lower than on water, you can start even in less wind. The entire learning process is also easier because you need less power and energy to move.

How long does it take to learn snowkiting?

The beginners have under expert guidance after a few hours, the first sense of achievement. The possibilities of snowkiting range from leisurely cruising through powder snow to extreme freestyle tricks with high speed and acrobatic jumps. But until you master jumps and tricks, you have to practice hard.

Where do beginners make their first "snowkiting steps"?

For beginners, a wide flat area is ideal. We have that here on the Simplon. With a little practice, you can also snowkite up the slopes. You do not need a ski lift anymore. Once at the top you pack the kite in the backpack and enjoy the descent. But you can also go down the slope with the kite again. This so-called "back-country kiting" is becoming increasingly popular with touring riders.

Where can snowkiters go kiting in Switzerland in winter?

There are many good places in Switzerland to snowkite. However, snowkiting on ski slopes is not welcome. It is important that there are no power lines or other obstacles nearby. What you need is space, wind and at least 20 to 30 cm of snow - depending on the surface condition. There are also very beautiful areas in the Jura. On www.unhooked.ch, the best spots and the current wind forecasts are listed - in summer for kiting on the water, in winter for snowkiting.

What options are there to discover this sport?

You can actually snowkite wherever there is snow. All you need is a snowfield free of roads, power lines and houses and you're ready to go. Here on the Simplon Pass there are optimal conditions. In an introductory, basic or 2-day Swiss Snowkiting School course you will get a good insight into this new sport.

How much is a snow kite?

A complete snowkite with bar is available from approx. CHF 1000.-. However, if you want to kite regularly, you should buy a big and a small kite for different wind conditions. Beginners can also rent equipment under supervision after a 2-day course. Advanced kite surfers can rent equipment directly after a transitional course (from water to snow).

What is kitesurfing?

Powered by the wind power, you will be pulled over the water with a kite and a board on your feet. With the "bar" you control the kite and by moving the kite the traction force is created: you are pulled out of the water and start to slide on the board. The kiteboard is similar to a wakebord, only you are not firmly connected with the feet with it, but you can always free yourself from the foot straps.

The most fascinating about kitesurfing, of course, is jumping: the pulling power of the kite upwards (lift) gives you a feeling of suspension when jumping.

Is snow kiting or kite surfing dangerous?

Snow kiting and kite surfing are not dangerous sports, but there are important safety rules that must be followed. Therefore, every beginner should attend at least a two-day course to familiarize themselves with the most important kitesurfing or snowkiting basics. This guarantees a safe and fast start to the sport.

The kites are now equipped with a functional safety system. The kiter always has the opportunity to disconnect from the kite with a simple handgrip or to take the full pressure off the kite. In the training you start with small kites, with increasing skill kites up to 14m² are used. Of course, this depends on the wind strength.