This Week at the Big Horns...Amazing Early Conditions!

[knewschool]

Pascal Joubert and I were watching the costal forecasts for an off season kitesurfing adventure on the coast when Pascal mentioned Noah’s post on the Big Horns. We saw another storm coming on Monday and Tuesday so there it was!

The first day was full of exploration and it didn’t take but a mile tack before we were at Bald Mountain on the South slope. I was snapping a couple pictures of Pascal climbing this cool ridge when he turned straight off and flew down. He tacked straight to me and said “there’s a big SW facing slope right over the back of that ridge, let’s go!” Once we found that we were kids in a candy store. Gliding all sorts of ways, with big turns on the way down, some of the time I would launch and look back and see Pascal flying right behind me. It was incredible flying. One hill gave up really long glides and amazing powder runs below. It was on for the rest of the week.

Bald Mountain was giving up the most fun terrain. There’s one great bowl that’s super easy to climb and glide off with a massive landing area. When the wind turns west one of the best spots is right by the standard parking (Little Baldy). The last 2 days the wind was Northerly and we ended up enjoying the NW face of Mt Baldy. There’s great gliding available there too and these giant half pipe shapes that are really fun to play in.

The powder stashes were plentiful but dwindled as the week went on and strong wind scoured. I do however have a core shot and a bunch of scratches on my board so plan on bumping the bottom here and there if you want to be on the terrain.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday gave way to some really fun kiting with good friends from all over. Pascal and I weren’t the only ones to haul 6 hours to dip into the snow. The locals I met knew every inch of the place and were from Sheridan and Cody for the most part. Great people all with solid skills, makes for an epic adventure.

I’m going to say if you’re a terrain kiting buff the Big Horn’s are world class. It’s hands down one of the best spots in the country to date. Explore the Big Horns!

[robertovillate]

That looks incredible!!!

what's the nearest town to that spot?....or is that top secret?

OT: do you know anyone selling any good Dynafit AT bindings and boots (US size 9)?
(Anyone) send me a PM if you do

[knewschool]

Lovell, Wyoming. It's not top secret. There's room for everyone. Soon the road does close access to the top so take a sled! I talked to Mark from Casper and he sleds in from the closure all the time and seems to be very welcoming to fellow kiters. It's not like water kiting on overcroweded beaches at all. I'm going back for sure!

[fstdude]

Great connecting with the Whyo crew and seeing the epic bighorn mountains for the first time.
You guys put on a great show, I'm sure you'll be seeing more of the Great Falls crew later this year.

[robertovillate]

thanks knewschool,

you lads better keep your lines fresh boosting those kind of airs!

[Djoubs]

Big thanks for the pics Will !!!
That's was a great sesh

[lewmt]

Just a couple of contributions from Sunday. Looks like more fresh rolling through up there this week.

[Noahpz]

Halloween weekend in the Big Horns was superb: Strong Wind, Sunshine, Powder, Great Friends, Party at the Bear Lodge...truly superb!

Traveling light, it only took four hours of driving on Friday from Bozeman to Baldy. Flying my 13 Frenzy there was still some powder around and decent coverage. Saturday's wind was fresh 11/9m conditions. The crew had grown to 7 kiters, first on Lil Baldy then we kited over to the S facing ridge of Big Baldy. When a NW blizzard rolled in everyone migrated to Bald Mtn Campground for a new launch and kite spot. It was full-on conditions with solid NW squalls that sent everyone downsizing to 7 and 9m kites. We got about 4" of new out of that one.

Sunday was a recovery day for me, easy kiting on my 7m, again hitting the NW side of Baldy. Blue sky, sunshine and warm temps finished off the weekend before the ride home.

Here are a few more pics from the weekend. See ya out there,

Noah

[OzoneKitesUSA]

Epic early season shots! Looks like Baldy is about to blowup with that amazing terrain.

[Jonese]

Epic halloween is right, glad to see everyone up there. Great time had by all. Ten new inches today and more on the way should make it even better! Thanks to all for the gliding exhibition, it was unreal. Hope to see you all back up there soon.