Rippin’ Hippies – 7th Annual Montana Snowkite Rodeo

Change was in the air last summer when the decision was made to move the location of the Montana Snowkite Rodeo to the tiny town of Jackson, Montana. Based out of the Jackson Hot Springs Lodge, this year’s Rodeo was an awesome success. Extending the Rodeo to a full seven days gave the participants an opportunity to visit numerous kite spots and return each night to soak in the natural hot springs at the lodge.

This year’s Rodeo brought out the most dedicated snowkiters.　 About 25 kiters showed.　 It was mostly Montana kiters but we did have a few folks from Idaho and Utah.　 As a group, we visited the remote Bannock Pass, we kited Mount Haggin three days and we kited nearby Big Hole Pass three days.　 Best of all, everyone soaked in the Jackson Hot Springs every day!　 Many kiters soaked twice a day!　 In addition to hot springs, a band from Missoula played bluegrass two nights.　 Many folks, including me, camped in the parking lot behind the hot springs.　 It was very much a bunch of hippy snowkiters having a great time.　 Fresh snow came on Friday and Saturday and wind raged all week.　 One could not have asked for better kiting weather.

The terrain at Big Hole Pass was perfect for beginners, a couple snowkiting their first time. A short distance away was a great gliding hill and a short kite further are the many square miles of rolling hills and mountains that make up the Big Hole Divide.

The favorite part of the week for me was being able to kite with kindred spirits while exploring the many miles of terrain south of Big Hole Pass.　 That is what makes snowkiting events so magical: 　Meeting people who share this amazing connection to flying kites and exploring mountains.　 It’s like having a bunch of new best friends!

Next year’s Rodeo will certainly be larger as more kiters learn about the fantastic terrain, wind and natural hot water in the southern Big Hole Valley. See ya out there,

Noah Poritz

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