A Beginner's Guide to snowkiting in West Michigan
Snow kite is the ultimate winter adventure, combining the power of kitesurfing with the snowy landscapes of skiing or snowboarding. Think of a kite as a way to turn our horizontal landscape vertical. I like to joke that our dunes have 10,000 feet of horizontal! I’ve been snow kiting along the coast of Lake Michigan since 2011 and I’ve taught hundreds of Snow kite lessons in Muskegon and Grand Haven Michigan.
What makes snowkite so special is you don’t need hills, dunes, or mountains. A beanfield or frozen lake will do just fine. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy the Midwest winters and save money on lift tickets
If you're new to the sport, you might wonder: Is snow kiting difficult to learn? In this guide, we’ll break down the learning curve, equipment essentials, and tips to help you get started confidently. With 20 years of snow kite instruction combined between Tyler and I we can confidently share what you can expect and how the learning curve compares to teaching on the water. I’ll never forget my first time seeing the potential here with the landscape.
I’ve had so many adventures riding along the snow covered beach, on frozen lakes and exploring our coastal dunes. I used to teach in a small soccer field but sometimes we would go on adventures to lakes in North Muskegon or on Muskegon Lake! I’ve so many good memories with the crew and I know you’ll feel the same way when you meet the stoked community along our shoreline.
Understanding Snowkiting
Snowkiting uses a kite to harness wind power and propel riders across snow or ice. Unlike skiing or snowboarding, the wind—not gravity—is your main driver. Riders can use skis or a snowboard, making the sport accessible to those with or without prior winter sports experience. Snowkiting can be done on flat terrain or mountainous areas, offering a new and exciting way to enjoy the outdoors. With the ability to send the kite, you can glide off dunes, send huge lofty but safe jumps or just carve around and enjoy yourself.
The Learning Curve: Is Snowkiting Difficult?
Learning snowkiting is more accessible than many think, especially with the right approach.
Is it easier to snowkite than kite on the water? Yes, its much easier. Most students need 9 to 18 hours of instruction before we can sign them off as competent safe kiteboarders. For snowkite the average time is 3 to 6 hours for competency! That’s much easier learning curve and best of all, it prepares you better for the water in the spring. Many snowkite students book a couple lessons to learn the lay of the land and go on adventures with us. Then come spring they will do a private lesson to lock down the water safety aspects of kitesurfing.
Why Snowkiting is Easier Than Kiteboarding on Water
When it comes to kiteboarding on the water, you have to deal with waves, currents and the fear factor of getting into a large body of water strapped to a kite. Snowkiting takes all that away and to top it off we can use much smaller kites to start. As there is no need to stay afloat, riders can use the power of a forgiving small kite and focus on the fundamentals. It’s much easier on the body and requires far less skill.
Skill Requirements for Snow Kite
- Experience: If you’ve already mastered skiing or snowboarding, you’ll have a head start. However, even complete beginners can learn snowkiting with lessons focused on kite control.
- Kiteboarding Crossover: If you’ve tried kiteboarding on water, the transition to snowkiting will feel intuitive, as the kite-handling techniques are similar.
- Do I need snowboarding or skiing skills to learn? No, you don’t need any background to get started. It does help but it’s not mandatory at all.
Physical Fitness Requirements for Snow Kite
- Snow kiting doesn’t require extreme fitness levels. Moderate strength, balance, and endurance will go a long way, and you’ll build these skills as you progress.
- You should be able to walk or hike though snow to the lessons location so some fitness will go a long way.
- Snow kite requires less fitness than on the water as you won’t need to swim or deal with the water aspect.
Time Commitment
- With professional lessons, most beginners can learn the basics—like controlling the kite and staying upwind—in just a few sessions. Mastery of more advanced techniques, like jumps or riding in variable wind conditions, takes time and practice.
- You can learn much faster than a regular kiteboarding lesson as there is no need to stay afloat on the board. If you make a mistake, you’re just going to be standing there rather than sinking.
Essential Snowkiting Gear for Beginners
Having the right gear makes all the difference when learning snowkiting.
- Kite: Choose a kite with a depower system for easy control. Inflatable and foil kites are popular options.
- Harness: A comfortable harness is essential for long sessions.
- Skis or Snowboard: Either can work, but skis are often easier for beginners as they allow better control and balance.
- Protective Gear: Helmets, goggles, and insulated clothing will keep you safe and comfortable in cold conditions. Helmets are mandatory. The kite does have a lot of power and just like snowboarding it’s imperative you wear one.
- Kneepads and wrist guards: These go a long way. The most common mistake for students is to get pulled onto their knees. It’s not bad in deep snow but we recommend them when learning on the ice or shallow snow. They go a long way in keeping you safe and comfortable.
Me snowkiting along lake Michigan back in 2011
Safety Considerations for snowkiting in Michigan
Safety is paramount in snowkiting, and understanding your environment is key.
- Weather Awareness: Check wind conditions before heading out. Look for steady, moderate wind speeds. Check with your instructor but we’ll cover how to read conditions in your lesson.
- Flat Terrain: Beginners should start on open, flat areas free from obstacles like trees or rocks. Our instructors will guide you to the best locations around Chicago and Michigan based on the wind direction.
- Safety Gear: Helmets and kite leashes are essential, and a buddy system ensures help is available in case of an emergency.
We've been teaching here for over 10 years
Tips for Learning Snowkiting
- Take Lessons: Professional instruction accelerates your progress and ensures safety. It’s tempting to learn on your own as there is less risk than water, but kites can be dangerous if you don’t know the fundamentals. It’s like driving a car on the highway. Very safe unless you don’t know how.
- Practice Kite Control: Spend time mastering the kite on land before adding skis or a snowboard. You can grab a trainer kite and head out with a board anytime on your own! Check out our snow kite trainer kites here to get started.
- Start Small: Begin with shorter sessions and gradually build stamina.
- Stay Positive: Embrace the learning process—it’s normal to fall and make mistakes.
FAQ: Snowkiting Basics
Q: Can I learn snowkiting without prior skiing or snowboarding experience?
A: Yes! While experience can help, many beginners start without prior winter sports knowledge by focusing on kite control first.
Q: What’s the best location for snowkiting in the Midwest?
A: Popular spots near Chicago and West Michigan include open fields and frozen lakes. Flat terrain with steady winds is ideal.
Q: Is snowkiting dangerous?
A: Like any sport, snowkiting has risks. Taking lessons, using proper safety gear, and understanding wind conditions significantly reduce danger. Snow kite is much safer than regular kitesurfing and many love not worrying about waves or water for the first lesson.
Q: What type of kite is best for beginners?
A: We recommend using the kite you will be riding on the water. There are special ram air foil kites and we do use them often! There are advantages when it comes to not having to use a pump. Especially when you’re hiking into a snowkite area. That said, for beginners its important to be intimate with your own gear and prepare for your time on the water if you’re going to do both winter and summer kiteboarding.
Q: How much does snowkiting gear cost?
A: A complete setup (kite, harness, skis/snowboard) typically ranges from $1,700 to $4,000. We do have deals on used gear and last years lesson kites. Be sure to ask us what’s available.
Local Snowkiting Opportunities in West Michigan
If you’re in the Midwest, Stoke Riders offers expert snowkiting lessons in Chicago and West Michigan. Our certified instructors guide you through the fundamentals, ensuring you feel confident on the snow. We also host demos and events to help you try out new gear and meet other snowkiters in the area. With the right community and guidance, you’ll master snowkiting in no time.
Snowkiting is fun and accessible with the right mindset and support. While it comes with a small learning curve, focusing on kite control, safety, and the right gear ensures you’ll progress quickly. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone looking for a new way to embrace winter, snowkiting offers endless thrills and rewards.
Ready to start your snowkiting journey? Book a lesson with Stoke Riders today and experience the thrill of winter kiteboarding across the Midwest.
Snowkiting Along the Stunning Coastline of West Michigan
At Stoke Riders, we’re proud to offer snowkiting lessons along the entire breathtaking coast of West Michigan. Whether you’re down south in New Buffalo, enjoying the beaches near Holland, or exploring the dunes around Muskegon, we can meet you where the wind is best. Our flexible lesson locations ensure that no matter where you are, you’ll have access to the ultimate snowkiting experience.
Our Favorite Spots Along the Coast
- South Haven: With wide-open spaces and steady winds, South Haven is a great place for beginners to practice kite control and ride across flat snowfields.
- Grand Haven: Known for its scenic beauty, Grand Haven offers a mix of frozen lakes and snow-covered dunes, making it perfect for more adventurous riders.
- Muskegon: A favorite among locals, Muskegon provides diverse terrain and consistent wind for all skill levels.
- Ludington: With its vast stretches of snow-covered beaches, Ludington is an incredible spot for snowkiters looking to carve up fresh powder.
- Traverse City: For those up north, Traverse City offers stunning landscapes and ideal conditions for exploring the winter wonderland on your kite.
Tyler Spence snowkiting in Michigan
We Bring the Lessons to You
No matter where you’re located along the West Michigan coast, we can bring our lessons to a convenient spot near you. Our instructors are highly experienced and know how to adapt to the unique conditions of each location, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. We’ll scout the best spots based on wind direction and terrain, so all you need to do is show up ready to ride.
Experience Snowkiting in Your Local Area
From the southern tip of Lake Michigan to the northern beauty of Traverse City, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider looking to level up, our mobile snowkiting lessons make it easy to embrace this exhilarating winter sport anywhere along the coast.
Ready to book a snowkiting lesson near you? Contact us today to schedule your session, and let us guide you to the best snowkiting locations West Michigan has to offer!
Written by Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic:
Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing specialist and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. When he's not writing articles, you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.