Snowkite report from Europe

[windzup]

The last time I was here helped open my eyes to terrain and mountain kiting....years later its happening all over. This round its steeper terrain and higher climbs. The locals here at the Col du Lauteret have redefined Snowkiting again, finding lines that seem un ridable and climbing miles and miles of the Alps with kites.

The competitors here are from around the globe, representing the strongest levels. While some freestylers choose to fly their water kites, it has been impressive to see so many Snowkites in the air and traveling over the mountain sides. There are 9 foils to 1 blimp here, and only the guys that are religiously pursuing handle passes are on inflatables. Of course, this environment is way more friendly for packable and portable kites, as you may kite up, board down, then kite over to a ridge and repeat this 'Chutes and Ladders' routine over and over.

The Ozone crew brought out a new 11m 09 Sport, and it was shining in the light wind. The relaunch was amazing, much better than every other blimp, and almost as easy as the foils (in the light wind the foils dominated the scene with quick relaunch and maneuverability). With such a diverse crowd of riders and intense terrain, it was interesting to watch the difference between all the models. While blimps turn quicker (more on a dime) they lack the raw horse power that a similar turning Snowkite offered, the power that is needed to climb efficiently on steep terrain.

I had a chance to fly the new Sport and was stoked, but handed back to Sigve and went back to my Manta 12 while he went on to his handle pass sessions.

All the Ozone team are stoked with the new range of water kites, and its cool to ride with so many diverse and friendly personalities.

Windzup,
Brian Schenck

When I get back I'll throw pics up on the http://www.FlyOzoneUSA.com site. Ciao

[whit]

Brian,

Can't wait for the photos !!!!!

[windzup]

Check out the snow side of kiteforum.com .... Noah posted images from a tour yesterday. Miles and miles back into the Alps including thousands of vertical feet gained. Kites spread out for miles. It was like kiting into an area like strawberry that was floating among the mountain tops. The terrain here is insane, very open and alpine.

When the comp/race was over, the afternoon winds kicked in and the entire family of Snowkiters fled into the hills.

I hope today is as good, but its hard to think an epic journey like that can be repeated.

This terrain is why Chasta, Pascal Joubert and Johan (local kiters) are so good and have been excelling for so many years. While we are still dialing in the wind and locations in the USA, they are dialing in ridgeline after ridgeline. What were once famous alpine tours that took days, are no afternoon jaunts with kites. Did I mention that this place is insane?

When my bags didn't arrive at first I felt like Dorothy...I wanted to click my heels 3 times and come home where the deep snow and wind was guaranteed. Now i never want to go home...I found a place to rent for only a few hundred a month... Kite Bum life awaits here in paradise.
Windzup,
Brian Schenck

[Kenny]

Looks like snowkiting paradise! I would like to go there. What city in Europe do you fly into and when is the best time to go?

Thanks much,

Kenny