TIPS FOR VIEWING - The Kiteboarder Magazine

Some parts of the Camas Valley remain unexplored by
snowkiters. What will you discover? Photo Aaron Beck
Camas Valley, Idaho
By Monty Goldman
The Big Hole Valley is a high-altitude remote valley that holds varying snowkiting
opportunities. With only three small towns and 900 residents populating this 60-mile
swath of land in southwest Montana, the Big Hole offers up a snowkiting experience
that is unique to Montana. The valley is surrounded by three separate mountain ranges
with ample terrain on public lands accessible by car, hiking, and snowmobile. The
valley floor is mostly open rolling hills and gullies on private ranch land that can be
accessed with landowner permission. The elevation ranges from 6,000 feet at the valley
floor with some of the surrounding peaks reaching over 10,000 feet. The locals are
friendly and there is a long history of winter recreation in the area. At the northern tip
of the valley is the well-established Mount Haggin. Its miles of open and challenging
terrain make it one of the premier kiting areas in Montana. At the south end is Big
Hole Pass, which produces consistent thermal wind and is a launching point to some
bigger terrain. In recent years, most kiting has remained on the outer boundaries of
the valley with much of Big Hole left unexplored. The massive landscape combined
with consistent wind and snow make the culturally rich Big Hole Valley a unique
snowkiting destination.
Best Time to Visit:
The winter kiting season can begin as early as October and last into May, but the best time
is February-April.
Typical Winter Conditions:
The Big Hole is a high-altitude valley, so it can get pretty cold. The valley is fairly remote
and unpopulated. You can kite all day and only see the occasional snowmobiler, hunter, or
rancher. Prepare as if you’re going into the backcountry in the middle of winter. Snowshoes
are a good idea as the snow can get fairly deep.
How to Get There:
The Big Hole Valley is a 60-mile-long valley in southwest Montana. It consists of three
small towns, Jackson, Wisdom, and Wise River. The valley has two state highways
intersecting it, MT43 and MT278, and can be accessed from Interstate 90 from the north
and Interstate 15 from the south and east or Highway 93 from the west. The nearest
airports are in Butte, MT (BTM) or Missoula, MT (MSO). A four-wheel-drive vehicle
is suggested. The roads can get drifted in fast and the snowplows take their time getting
around sometimes.
There are only 900 residents in the 60-mile-long Big Hole Valley.
Photo Joel Beatty
Where to Stay:
There are two small towns in the heart of the valley,
Jackson and Wisdom. Jackson Hot Springs
(www.jacksonhotsprings.com, 406-834-3151) has
great accommodations with a lodge, restaurant, bar,
and terrific natural hot spring pool so you can soak
after a long day of fun. In Wisdom, there’s the Pioneer
Mountain Lodge (www.bigholevalley.com/Pioneer_
Mountain_Lodge.html, 406-689-3229), which is located
in the center of the valley with kite spots nearby in every
direction. In the northern tip of the valley, the Sugar
Loaf Lodge (www.sugarloaflodgeandcabins.com, 406-
491-3748) is located on the boundary of the Mount
Haggin Wildlife Management Area which is one of
Montana’s premier snowkiting locations.
What to Do if No Wind:
The Big Hole Valley has a long history of winter
recreation. There is ample opportunity for snowkiting,
cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing
in almost every part of the valley. Every year, there are
multiple events going on in the area during the months
of February-April, including Winterfest in Wisdom, a
Nordic Ski race at Mount Haggin, and the Montana
Snowkite Rodeo at Jackson Hot Springs, March
29-April 4, 2010.
Contact for More Info:
For snowkiting info, contact Montana Kite Sports
(www.montanakitesports.com, 406-459-6898). For
more information on the Big Hole Valley, check out
www.bigholevalley.com
Big Hole Valley, Montana
By Joel Beatty
We are still exploring the Camas Valley and will be for many years to come.
What makes this area unique and draws people from all over the world is the
consistent wind and an unlimited variety of terrain. Rolling hills give way to
mountains and beginner-friendly flats follow the road for miles. You can easily
access spots with no trees, deep snow, and steady wind from your car. It is
not uncommon to ride over 100 miles in a day. Many mountains and hills are
positioned for perfect ascents with your kite. Often, what looks like the top
of a mountain is actually another large expanse of ideal snowkite terrain with
more peaks and features looming in the distance. No matter how far one riding
area is from another, it all seems interconnected. Once you discover a few ideal
places to ride, the real fun is connecting the dots and getting to ride where no
one has ever ridden.
Best Time to Visit:
Head to Idaho late December-March for the best conditions.
Typical Winter Conditions:
Expect lots of snow in January and February with plenty of sunshine between
storms to keep you smiling. Temperatures plunge at night and remain in the 20s
on most days. In March, spring kiting is in full swing with lots of sun and snow.
This is snowkiting, not resort riding, so bring clothing that keeps you warm but
doesn’t restrict your movements. Remember, even though your body is in constant
movement, your extremities aren’t. In Idaho, the snow can get deep so a wider ski
with lots of contact under the foot can keep you laughing on the surface. Alpine
Touring (AT) bindings have releasable heels which make setting up your kite easier
and keeps you safe for return treks to the car if the wind shuts down. Snowboarders
should take advantage of the boards with reverse camber recently released by kite
companies, or grab your resort board and make modifications on your stance.
Releasable snowboard bindings work wonders for all ability levels and can be picked
up for next to nothing. Advanced skiers should bring touring skins and advanced
snowboarders should bring a split board or snowshoes. Small snowshoes, while
convenient, may not be the most reliable means of transport. Opt for a larger size
to keep from getting stuck. Kite sizes range from 6 to 14m with the majority of
days spent on the 12m.
How to Get There:
Boise (BOI) and Sun Valley (SUN) airports are close to the Camas Valley. From
Sun Valley, take Highway 95 north and Highway 20 east (about an hour and a
half). From Boise, take Highway 84 east to Mountain Home and then Highway
20 west to the Camas Valley (about an hour). There are no markers or signs that
say “Camas Valley,” but most of the kiting is west of Hill City. We only started
naming areas to kite a few years ago. Just look for kites in the sky and pull over
or pop your head out of the car and find your own sweet spot. For a map, check
out www.snowkitesoldier.com
Where to Stay:
The resort town of Sun Valley offers a large variety of accommodations for
all budgets. The Prairie Inn in Fairfield (www.theprairieinn.com) is the most
convenient. Mountain Home is 30 minutes away with lots of cheap places to rest
your head.
What to do if No Wind:
Soldier Mountain Ski Area is 10 minutes from Fairfield and offers great riding.
The mountain operates Thursday - Sunday so look for amazing powder days on
Thursdays. Sun Valley Ski Resort is world-class riding at its best and is only a
couple of cups of coffee away.
Contact for More Info:
Snowkite Soldier (www.snowkitesoldier.com, 208-484-1620) offers a variety
of programs to suit all abilities, ranging from basic snowkiting techniques for
crossover kiteboarders and newbies to backcountry-guided services. You can also
contact Idaho Mountain Sports (www.idahomountainsport.com).
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