Abruzzo Snowkite / ski trip

Abruzzo Snowkite / Ski trip

Located about 9o mins north of Rome this snowkiting paradise is easily accessible from most of Europe and lets you explore the relatively unknown mountain ranges of the Apennines. We are based at Ovindoli, a medieval town that is now popular for its beautiful ski resort; Monte Magnola.

The majority of the snowkiting is done from Monte Magnola where the snow fields are accessed by ski lift. This area is particularly accessible for snowkiting provides a great base to explore. If the conditions are right we will drive to Campo Imperatore in the vast Gran Sasso e Monti Della Laga national park. It is located in the highest region of the Apennines. The scenery is stunning and the area has a very unique feel.

We run two types of trips; a week for beginners and a week for the intermediate and advanced.

The beginner week focuses on the IKO snowkite course itinerary training and teaching the students to achieve the highest competency of snowkiting as possible during the six day course.

The intermediate / advanced week is based around touring the backcountry looking for the most incredible terrains to be enjoyed with the kites. We look for huge kite ascents that are suitable to then ski / board down with your kite packed away in your rucksack, or wind lips that last for miles giving you the chance to tear up a never ending static wave, or just exploring the beautiful scenery of these untouched mountains. We film the week and will edit and produce your very own snowkite film for you to take home.


	THE SNOWKITING THE WIND THE ACCOMODATION OFF THE SNOW / OTHER ACTIVITIES COURSES THE PRICE THE DATES GETTING THERE

THE SNOWKITING

The area offers a vast range of terrains. The snowkiting conditions here allow you to freestyle, cross country ride and even ascents up mountains that are just perfect to ski / board down. The bottom surfaces are typically grass reducing the danger of hitting rocks and damaging your board / skis. It also means that even in the poorer weeks for snow the area still accommodates snowkiters much better than some other rockier areas.

Abruzzo has a great record for snow and receives a lot of powder. Unlike some of the larger busier ski resorts, the powder here can last weeks without being tracked so you can always find some fresh lines.

Up on the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga national park it is similar to Norway’s Hardangavidda plateau where there are very limited man made obstructions making is perfect of the cross country snowkiting.

In Ovindoli the Monte Magnola area is accessed by ski lifts making the snowkiting here particularly easy to get to. It a hassle free set up that guarantees riding of some sort everyday.

THE WIND

The wind stats are good. It is kite-able about 75% of the time. The wind varies in strength so all your kites will be needed. We hire extra kites at the centre so don’t worry you won’t miss out. If the wind doesn’t blow then our guide will show you the best descents in the area, whether you’re seasoned skier looking for the powder runs or a beginner who fancies long groomed runs to carve up.

The air temp can be low, so make sure you plan for those colder days. Average air temps in the season range from -5 + 15 degrees centigrade.

ACCOMODATION

You will stay in the 3 star Park Hotel in Ovindoli and the price quoted includes 7 nights.

OFF THE SNOW / OTHER ACTIVITIES

The area is rich in history and culture so exploring the medieval towns and bustling local towns is a favourite. The area is great for hiking, skiing and other mountain winter sports such as paragliding or langlaufing. Please speak to us for the arranging of alternative activities to skiing and snowkiting, we have plenty of further info.

COURSES

The courses and lessons are based on the IKO syllabus and are designed to meet the needs of each individual to progress their riding as much as they can. Below you will see the outline of each course. Each individual will ‘slot in’ to the course depending on the experience and ability.

Discovery Snowkiter Program

The best way to discover snowkiting!

Discover the thrills of snowkiting as you learn about safety in the sport and the potential dangers of the wind effects around you! Basic skiing or snowboarding experience is essential before taking a snowkite course. This course does not teach you how to snowboard or ski.

Snowkiting Level 1

Level 1A

Carry and Set-up lines and kite
Determine the wind direction and upwind and downwind (windward, leeward)
Fly a small kite (inflatable, stunt kite, foil…) on the wind window edge and maintain it close to the ground
Know how to kill the power of the kite in case of problem by releasing the bar. Be aware that the kite leash must be worn at all times, before kite launching and until landing

Level 1B

Be aware of the area where the kite can fall downwind of the pilot.
Recover the kite
Position the kite on request from 9 to 3 o’clock on the wind window edge
Launch a kite and choose the right angle to the wind (assisted).
Fly the kite in the power area without crashing it
Twist and untwist the lines while the kite flies
Recover a kite and secure it on land
Land a kite with the help of an assistant

Level 1C

Fly a kite hooked to the harness
Fly hooked to the harness with one hand
Activate the harness release system or quick release located on a leader line

Level 1D

Launch a kite alone
Relaunch a kite

Level 1E

Create a constant power using the power zone or half the power zone
Identify potential wind obstacles creating lift or down draft and be able to define the wind direction. Understand that practicing near obstacles is dangerous

Intermediate Snowkiter Program

Start feeling like a snowkiter!

Now you will make use of all that flying knowledge you gained in Level 1, keep your helmet on because in this level will be getting up on your board or skis for your first ride! During this chapter of training you will improve your kiting skills, experience more power, and learn how to use your harness and the kite de-power systems.

Snowkiter Level 2

Level 2F

Define if the practice area is safe for practice
Set up and check the equipment alone (kite, line, control bar)

Level 2G

Fly a kite in sitting position. Be able to keep your legs in front of you
Falling simulation and getting in starting position again
Relaunch a kite with board or skis
Without board, discover the power needed to be pulled on your feet from a sitting position

Level 2H

Know the start theory: board/skis and body positioning, kite piloting
Start from a sitting position and ride while moving the kite up and down
Gain speed from a standing position

Level 2I

Set up a 4 line kite alone and check that it is properly done
Fly a 4 line kite
Activate the safety systems of a 4 line bar (power loop, leash)
Adjust a 4 line kite while using the power loop
Adjust the trim system of a 4 line kite to avoid it flying backward or adjust the power

Level 1D

Launch a kite alone
Relaunch a kite

Independent Snowkiter

Congratulations on reaching the independent level where all your snowkiting dreams come to reality!

When you finish training you will be able to ride upwind, change direction, manage your practice area and choose your equipment, and if the weather permits you will even take your first jump!

Snowkiter Level 3

Level 3J

Know the right of way rules
Ride in both directions (downwind)
Edge on the heel and toe side to change the course
Accelerate by edging down and moving the kite
Stop by edging

Level 3K

Be able to keep an edge

Level 3L

Ride away and come back at starting point. Ride upwind
Constantly ride upwind

Level 3M

Switch of direction by making 180 turn downwind

Level 3N

Know the theoretical approach to jump. Practice first jumps
Know how to perform a complete safety check of your practice area

Level 3K

Be able to keep an edge

THE PRICE ( £780 per person )

The price includes:

Accomodation for 7 nights in a 3 Star Hotel Full board; Breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch. 6 Days IKO snowkiting course, instruction and guiding. Edited video of the best bits of the week for the intermediate groups. 6 days full access ski pass All transportation to the spots, + night life.

The price excludes:

Flights and transfers. + equipment rental.

THE DATES

BEGINNER WEEK - 24th -28th December 2009

INTERMEDIATE WEEK - 30th Jan -7th Feb 2010

GETTING THERE

Fly to Roma Ciampino (RCU) or Roma Fiumicino (FCO). Its only 65miles from Ovindoli. It’s best to hire a car or we can organise transfers at an extra cost.

www.easyjet.com