Snowkiting in Utah

Skyline Utah: Wind Speed, Snow Depth, Videos, Pictures, Maps

Gustuv

Snowkite Skyline Ridge

All you need is the wind, a snowkite, skis or snowboard, and an attitude for fun! Utah’s Skyline Drive, at an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet (3,040 meters), is a great place to snowkite. It offers plenty of deep snow, steep slopes, and open bowls. Wind Speeds vary between 5 -15 mph.

Snowkites can accelerate up to 50 mph. The lifting power of the wind allows kiters to jump to distances of up to 100 feet, making it the ultimate freestyle sport.

Snowkiting Videos and Map

KSL News Coverage- 2008 Snowkite Masters

In this first video you will hear “CHASTA” , one of the world’s best, talk about snowkiting at Skyline Utah.


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The best access to the Utah Skyline Drive Snowkiting Area is from Sanpete Valley. To get here from Salt Lake City, head south on I-15 and take Exit 261 at Spanish Fork and continue south on Highway 89. If you’re coming to Sanpete from the south, take I-70 Exit number 56 at Salina and head north on Hwy 89.

The main Skyline Snowkiting Complex is located up Fairview Canyon on Highway 31 at mile marker 14. This area is known as the “BIG DRIFT”. Parking and restrooms are located at the launch site. The map above shows various other locations as well. Snowplows keep Highways 31 and 264 cleared throughout the winter.

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National Forest Map

Manti-LaSal National Forest Paper Map

Price: $9.00

Scale: 1/2” to the Mile

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Sanpete Outdoor Recreation Map

  • TRAILS
  • MOUNTAIN LAKES
  • SCENIC DRIVES
  • CAMPGROUNDS (908 KB)
Printable Outdoor Recreation Map!
Udotweather

Skyline Drive Weather Information

Get updated Wind, Temperature, and Snow Information from the top of Fairview Canyon. The UDOT wind station is located just minutes from “THE BIG DRIFT” snowkiting complex. Windzup reports that the wind speed at the Big Drift is usually higher than at the weather station, due to interference from a large hill.

Web Camera     Snow Totals     Forecast     Avalanche Center

Temperature and Wind Speed:
Gus6

Plenty of Wind to Snowkite

Whenever you play in the backcountry be aware of avalanche danger! Always snowkite in groups, wear an avalanche beacon, dress warm, and never exceed your limits.

The New York Times highlighted snowkiting on Utah’s Skyline Drive and called it “Winters newest extreme sport!”

Esquire Magazine said skyline “may just be the best anywhere!”

For a Backcountry Snowkiting Adventure Snowmobile to the top of Ephraim Canyon located 25 minutes south of Fairview. Snowmobiles can be rented at Big Pine Sports

Sanpete is also a great place to Snowmobile, ATV, Fish, Hunt, Bike, Horseback Ride, Rock Climb, and Golf.

Snowkite pictures and video courtesy of Ozone, WindZup, Gus Schmiege, and Rob Vreeland.

Snowkiting Pictures