In the beginning, the fledgling snowkiter is on the lookout for that large unobstructed meadow with good snowcover and relatively smooth and predictable winds. Using smaller kites, basic skills are developed and repeated. Gaining more confidence, the snowkiter will fly larger kites into stronger winds, through deeper snow, and up mountain sides to the ridge tops and beyond.
Locations described below represent a handful of areas that have relatively easy access, inviting terrain to the newcomer and generally dependable snow cover. Enjoy and ride on!
Upper Owens River (the river); Highway 395 south of Mammoth airport, head north on Benton Crossing Road(green church) 5 miles and park on roadside. East and west side of road offer large open areas ridable even on shallow snow pack. A 2-3' snow pack depth opens up the entire Long Valley to explore. Winds are generally very dependable, look for an afternoon zonal west, northwest clearing, and east-southeast wind. Be aware of cattle fencing and snow stakes. Waterfowl/hunters(well Camouflaged) are part of the landscape, respect their space.
Smokey Bear Flat; Highway 395, 3 miles north of state route 203, park on oversized roadside shoulder. West, northwest, south and southwest winds work. Ridable on shallow snow pack. Caution power lines and always give snowmobile right of way and plenty of space.
East Craters Sand Flat; Highway 395, 1/2 mile south of state route 158(June Lake Junction), head east on Pumice Mine Road 2 miles park on side of road (not always plowed). North-northeast and south-southwest winds work best. Pumice bed surface makes for good shallow snow pack riding conditions.
Deadman Summit; Highway 395, 10 miles north of state route 203, head east on Bald Mountain Lookout Road 1/2 mile to large pumice basin. Walking, skating or snowmobiling the flat road from highway 395 may be necessary . North-northeast, west and south-southwest winds work best. Pumice bed surface makes for good shallow snow pack riding conditions.
Crestview; Highway 395, 7 miles north of state route 203, park on west side of highway at Deadman Creek Road, walk west through gap in snow fence to meadow. North-northeast, west and south-southwest winds work best. 2-3' snow pack needed to cover sage and bitter brush. Caution launch and land a safe distance from power lines.
Sherwin Meadow; Old Mammoth Road(mammoth lakes) to Sherwin Creek Road plowed a short distance adjacent to launch area. 2-3' snow pack needed to cover sage and bitter brush. West and northwest winds work best. Caution snow stakes and cattle fencing.
Alkali Pond; Benton Crossing Road(green church), 4 miles north of highway 395, west side of road. Large pond(4' deep), once frozen only needs a little snow for it to be edgable. Steady west and northwest winds.
Rock Creek Breakover; Highway 395, 1 mile south of Toms Place, turn south onto Lower Rock Creek Road 100 yards and park on day use turnout. Climb small hill and up onto launch zone. Needs 1-2' to cover burned skeletal remnants of bitter brush. West, northwest and southeast winds work.
Old School Meadow; Highway 395, 2 miles south of state route 203, turn north at Hot Creek Fish Hatchery Rd. 1/2 mile park on west side adjacent to launch zone. South- southwest and west winds work. Snow stakes, cattle fencing and powerlines.
Kiosk Bowl; Highway 395/158 South June Lake Junction, visitors/ kiosk parking area just west of shell mart. South-southwest, west. north and northeast wind. 2-3' to cover sage/bitterbrush, powerlines to the south.
