Winter kiteboarding lessons Chicago and Michigan
Can I take kiteboarding lessons in winter? Yes! If you’ve ever wanted to experience the stoke of kiteboarding but thought you’d have to wait until summer, think again. Snowkiting lets you ride the wind and explore stunning winter landscapes right now. Whether you’re carving across snow-covered dunes or gliding over frozen lakes, it’s more than just a sport—it’s an adventure that transforms how you see winter.
When you sign up for snowkiting lessons with Tyler and the Stoked Riders crew, you’re not just learning how to control a kite—you’re joining a passionate community that thrives on outdoor exploration and fun. These lessons are your first step into a tight-knit group of riders who spend their winters carving dunes, crossing frozen lakes, farm fields and embracing the pure joy of being outside, even when the temps drop.
I've always been impressed with how tight nit our community is here and I love how everyone knows how to make the most out of the colder days. You can reserve a spot now and get locked in this winter here. Book a snowkite lesson now!
What makes snowkiting lessons worth it?
You’ll gain the skills to master kite control, learn the fundamentals of riding on snow, and build the confidence to explore independently. Plus, Tyler’s lessons don’t stop at the technical—he’ll get you dialed in on wind dynamics, safety, and even pro tips for tackling Illinois, Indiana and Michigan’s unique terrain.
But more than that, lessons with Stoked Riders can connect you with a vibrant community that celebrates winter. You’ll find yourself part of a group that shares tips, rides together, and makes even the coldest days something to look forward to.
Why snowkiting is the ultimate winter hobby:
- It’s easier to learn than water kiteboarding, so you’ll progress quickly.
- You’ll explore stunning spots like Warren Dunes State Park, Silver Lake Sand Dunes or even Sleeping Bear Dunes.
- It’s an incredible way to stay active and beat the winter blues.
Whether you’re in Chicago looking for kiteboarding lessons or new to Indiana or Michigan and curious about snowkiting, this is your chance to pick up a killer hobby, meet some amazing people, and discover what winter fun is all about. Let’s share the stoke and hit the snow!
Why Snowkiting is the Best Way to Start Kiteboarding
One of the biggest advantages of snowkiting is how much easier it is to learn compared to water-based kiteboarding. Here’s why:
- Stability on Snow: The solid ground beneath your feet eliminates the need to balance on a board in water, making it much easier for beginners to focus on kite control.
- No Swimming Required: You don’t have to worry about crashing into waves or retrieving a lost board in deep water.
- Faster Progression: Snowkiting allows you to quickly master essential skills like kite control, body positioning, and edging. These skills directly translate to water kiteboarding, giving you a head start when summer rolls around.
For beginners, snowkiting is a perfect introduction to the world of kiteboarding. If you’ve been thinking about taking lessons in Michigan or Chicago, starting with snowkiting provides an ideal, stress-free foundation.
Winter Kiteboarding Lessons: Learn to Snowkite in Michigan
Ready to take the plunge? Winter kiteboarding lessons are the best way to start. Certified instructors can help you:
- Learn how to safely set up and control a kite in snowy conditions.
- Master techniques like maintaining line tension and edging.
- Build confidence on flat surfaces like frozen lakes before tackling more challenging terrains like dunes.
Lake Michigan is home to a few kite schools offering winter lessons. If you’re in Chicago, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Michigan City, New Buffalo, St. Joseph, South Haven, Saugetuck, Holland, Grand Haven or Muskegon, there are easily accessible options within driving distance. Our school provides the equipment, allowing you to try the sport without committing to purchasing gear right away.
A common question is: Where should I take lessons near Chicago or Western Michigan? If the beaches are not covered with snow and inland lakes are not frozen with at least 4 inches ice, Stoke Riders will find the appropriate park or field with the right wind direction. The most common spots are less populated cities and towns like Michigan City, St. Joseph, Sawyer and South Haven. We also service other areas along the east coast of Lake Michigan from Chicago to Traverse City and some inland lakes like Lake Cadillac, Gun Lake, Austin Lake, Lake Wawasee, Lake Andrea and Grass Lake.
Snowkiting Dunes vs. Frozen Lakes and Farm Fields
Both dunes and frozen lakes provide incredible experiences for snowkiters, but each offers unique benefits. We can choose the best location for the wind and snow conditions as well as what is convenient for you regarding drive time.
The Great Lakes Dunes
- For All Skill Levels: Beginners can practice riding across gentle slopes, or explore rolling terrain. As you progress, you can hit the natural jumps and explore incredible terrain. With a kite, you’ll have endless horizontal terrain opposed to vertical to give you a more 3-dimensional experience.
- Adventure and Exploration: The dunes’ varied terrain makes them ideal for those who want to carve tracks and discover new routes.
- Unmatched Scenery: Snowkiting at spots like Warren Dunes, Silver Lake Sand Dunes or the Muskegon State park offers some of the most stunning winter landscapes in the Midwest. There is something magic about seeing the ice shelfs on Lake Michigan and riding from dune to dune like massive frozen waves. With a kite, you can do wall rides, or use the dunes like a natural halfpipe. Many riders use the kite like a chairlift to ride up and snowboard or ski down.
Frozen Lakes and Cornfields
Snowkite is possible everywhere there is snow or ice. You can also keep it relaxed and focus on fundamentals in a cornfield or on a frozen lake.
- Beginner-Friendly: Flat, open spaces like frozen lakes and fields provide a safe and controlled environment for learning.
- Smooth Rides: Ice and hard-packed snow allow for long, uninterrupted runs and fast progress.
- Consistent Winds: Open fields and lakes tend to have steady winds, making kite control easier for beginners. Smaller lakes will have gustier wind but as we’re not on water it’s far less of an issue!
Disclaimer: Going out on frozen lakes can be dangerous. Always make sure to check the ice thickness before headed out on the ice. This can be done by calling local bait shops or checking ice fishing Facebook pages.
Choose your lakes wisely: Shallow lakes that are not spring fed will freeze faster than deeper lakes. Colder surface water becomes more dense and sinks to the bottom of the lake until the lake reaches its maximum density of 39.2℉(4℃) and a surface layer of ice starts to form as soon as the air temperature drops below freezing. The deeper the lake, the longer the freezing process takes.
Do not climb on Ice shelves:
Ice shelves might look solid but people die too often from climbing over ice mounds and falling through the middle. Additionally, they are not even good surfaces for riding on since they are very bumpy and icy. Stick to the shoreline, the dunes and frozen inland lakes . Lake Michigan is too large of a body of water and very rarely freezes over. It would never be a good option to snowkite on.
Can I use skis with my kite? Yes! Skis are a popular way to learn kiteboarding in the winter. Best of all, you’re able to walk and move so it’s more liberating than a snowboard.
Can I use a regular snowboard to snowkite? Yes, there are few if any specialized snow kiteboards. We recommend using an older used snowboard. Sometimes, kiteboarding is rough on the board and you might be riding in a field with shallow snow where the board might get scraped more.
Both terrains are a blast to ride and offer something unique. Whether you prefer the vibes of carving dunes or the focused skill building on frozen lakes, you’re guaranteed a good time.
Riding Frozen Lakes and Fields:
There’s something magical about snowkiting on a frozen lake or cornfield. The wide-open spaces, frequent winds, and smooth surfaces make these locations perfect for beginners and advanced riders alike. For beginners, these areas are especially useful because:
- You can practice underpowered, focusing on kite control without worrying about obstacles.
- The smooth surfaces make recovering from falls or crashes much easier.
- There’s plenty of room to safely practice transitions, edging, and riding upwind.
For advanced riders, frozen lakes and fields offer the perfect conditions for speed, freestyle tricks, and experimenting with new techniques. Whether you’re cruising at high speeds or refining your skills, the freedom and ease of these locations are hard to beat.
What’s the best time of year to learn kiteboarding? You might be surprised but it’s winter! Winter gets the most wind. You’ll be able to ride more often in more places than in the summer. It’s the best time to learn thanks to frequent wind and the easier learning curve. After your lesson, it’s safer too. There is no worry about riding in deep water or dealing with waves and crowds.
Top Snowkiting Spots in Michigan and Beyond
- Silver Lake Sand Dunes
One of Michigan’s premier snowkiting locations, Silver Lake offers miles of rolling dunes for riders of all skill levels. In winter, the snow transforms this summer hotspot into a winter playground for freestyle and exploration.
- Muskegon State Park
With frozen shorelines and nearby dunes, Muskegon is a versatile spot for snowkiters. Beginners can stick to the flatter areas, while more advanced riders can explore the dunes.
- Holland State Park
Holland’s snow-covered beaches and dunes make it a favorite among local snowkiters. It’s especially great for beginners looking for accessible, open spaces.
- Traverse City’s Frozen Bays
The frozen bays around Traverse City provide perfect conditions for flatwater snowkiting. Smooth surfaces and steady winds make this spot a must-visit.
- Cornfields in Southwest Michigan
Fields near Kalamazoo, New Buffalo, and St. Joseph are excellent options for those seeking smooth, flat terrain. These spots are beginner-friendly and offer uninterrupted space for long rides.
- Little Sable Point Lighthouse
This lesser-known gem near Silver Lake provides a mix of frozen shoreline and dune riding. It’s a scenic spot for those looking for variety in their sessions.
- South Haven and St. Joseph Beaches
Closer to Chicago, these beaches offer great conditions for snowkiting on frozen shores, making them convenient options for quick trips.
Essential Gear for Snowkiting
To get started, here’s what you’ll need:
- Kite: A depowerable foil or inflatable kite.
- Harness: A waist or seat harness designed for winter use.
- Skis or Snowboard: Skis are more maneuverable for beginners, while snowboards are great for freestyle.
- Helmet and Goggles: Essential for safety and protection from the elements. Helmets are non negotiable with snow kite.
- Knee pads are essential on the ice. Trust us on this one.
- Winter Gear: Layer up with windproof outerwear and insulated base layers.
Can I use the same kite on water and snow? Yes, you can use any kind of kiteboarding kite on the snow. Ram air foil kites, inflatable leading-edge kites, even trainer kites will pull you! It’s all personal preference but we do recommend using the same kite you use in the water so you are familiar with your gear.
FAQ: Snowkiting in Michigan
Q: How much wind do I need to snowkite?
A: Winds between 7-25 knots are ideal. Beginners should start on the lower end of this range. You can ride in far less wind on the snow. For stronger days, you can size down significantly as there is no water to sink in.
Q: Can I snowkite without prior experience?
A: Yes! Snowkiting is easier to learn than water kiteboarding, making it a great entry point for new riders. You’ll get more ride time, more days on the snow and far more practice. It’s the best time to start.
Q: What’s the best terrain for beginners?
A: Frozen lakes and flat cornfields provide safe, beginner-friendly environments with steady winds and few obstacles. Fields are by far the safest place and there are plenty in the mid west.
Q: Is snowkiting safe?
A: Snowkiting is safe if you follow basic safety guidelines, use the right equipment, and take lessons from a certified instructor. You still need to learn how to fly a kite from a professional and helmets are mandatory. Kneepads while not mandatory are highly recommended.
Q: Can snowkiting prepare me for kiteboarding on water?
A: Absolutely! Snowkiting teaches essential skills like kite control and edging, giving you a solid foundation for water kiteboarding. If you want to learn to kite this summer, winter is the best time to start.
Ready to gear up? Visit Stoke Riders for lessons, equipment, and advice. We hope to catch you on the snow.
