Longest running snow kite event in USA

The 2020 Mille Lacs Kite Crossing, an annual competition for top snow kiting men, women and youth athletes from throughout North America, will take place February 28- March 1 on Lake Mille Lacs in Garrison, MN.

The sport of snowkiting, started in Minnesota in the late 1990s, is another Minnesota outdoor winter sport, like hockey, skating, skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, etc., that Minnesotans take pride in. Several snowkiting practice races will be held in Twin Cities on Lake Minnetonka and White Bear Lake in January and February.

Over the past 15 years, the Kite Crossing on Mille Lacs has attracted the world’s best snow kiters to compete in its grueling 28-mile race across the frozen expanse of Lake Mille Lacs. Races are on either a snowboard or regular alpine skis, with a large kite harnessed to the riders for wind power.

The 3-day event will also feature freestyle events, jumping, short sprint racing, instructional lessons and various “festival” social activities. Ideal conditions for the sport are 12-15 mph winds, soft snow and flat snow drift-free terrain.

As the country’s premier snowkite event, the Lake will come alive with kites and riders from 12 states including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont, Iowa, Maryland, Illinois, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Colorado and Washington DC and Canada. Minnesota has the largest and most active snowkite community in the nation (over 600 riders).

The Kite Crossing on Lake Mille Lacs is the longest running snow kite event in the country, and the longest distance snow kite endurance race in U.S.

Details:
http://fleet8.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MilleLacsKiteCrossing/