All it takes is one phone call.

“Conditions are looking good.”

6am alarm.

Skis packed.

Kite packed.

 

I’m still a novice when it comes to skiing. Now I’m joining a trip into the mountains to try being dragged along by a kite. This one could hurt …

 

Arriving at sunrise, we unload the kit and get ready to set off up the mountain.

Cold, but not too cold. Around -7 degrees, Perfect conditions. Firm underfoot matched with a clear sky.

A short walk on the skis until we got to a spot where there was enough wind to take us further.

The sunrise needs no words.

Two kites were set up. Two drivers + two beginners. We were going to be dragged 2km towards a frozen lake.

Nervous?

The wind blew us straight to the lake without too many problems.

Arriving at the lake, the wind died. Just in time for the sun to show its face.

This meant a perfect opportunity to try out my new skins. Another first for me.

I got the bug for skinning up hills. Now that’s another adventure planned.

Higher up the mountain, we found the wind.

The next few hours, the beginners got their chance to practice, practice and practice.

After a good few hours skiing and kiting, we were all tired and ready for food. In the mountains, a shelter is always needed when the wind is blowing. Out of the wind it’s not too cold.

Even though it was now early afternoon, the sun was starting to drop already …

… and temperatures started to drop. The beer froze instantly when spilt.

One last practice before making the way back

And here’s the expert showing us how to jump. Even though I might have got a little air time today, it wasn’t planned. It may take a little while until I get to this stage.

We may have got a little too carried away and the light started to fade. Quickly.

Head torches out.

Kites away.

We skied back down to the car. It was a hard day for my legs and back.

It’s not a popular sport and it does take quite a lot of skill to do it well.

First, you need to be able to ski. Preferably reasonably well – although I don’t fit in that category. Then you need to be able fly a kite and read the wind. Put them together and it’s certainly not an easy one.

It’s also expensive. Kites are not cheap, let alone all the backcountry ski equipment that you need.

So if it’s so hard and expensive, why am I sitting here wanting to do it again?

It’s addictive. It’s fast. It’s one for the adrenaline junkies. It takes you to places you wouldn’t usually go. And the best bit? We didn’t see one person all day.

 

So, if anyone reading this ever gets the chance to ski kite. I throughly recommend it.