w w w. d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a . c o m
19
Snowkiting in Montana (including parts of nearby Idaho and Wyoming) is
second to none. On the western edge lies Mount Haggin, at the head of the
Big Hole Valley. With over 10 square miles of windy flats and hilly terrain
features, Haggin is a gem worth visiting. Also nearby are the beginner
friendly expanses of snow-covered Georgetown Lake. At the southern end
of the Big Hole is the tiny town of Jackson. Jackson Hot Springs will host the
12th annual Montana Snowkite Rodeo, February 13th – 16th 2015.
Looking east, there are a half a dozen local kite spots near Bozeman some
of which are literally right on the edge of town. An hour's drive to the north
is Canyon Ferry Lake, arguably some of the best iceboating anywhere but
also for ice kiting on skates. Farther north, by Helena, are the perpetually
windy passes: Mullen and MacDonald.
In the South find the snowmobile-access kite spots near the Gravelly
Mountains and the Madison Range. Further south is the park-n-ride fun of
Raynolds Pass.
East again and straddling Montana and Wyoming is the Beartooth
Plateau, the largest alpine plateau in the United States. For those who have
the skills, the Beartooth rivals any kite spot in the United States for huge,
expansive terrain. The deep snow, towering cornices, and reliable winds of
the Beartooth Mountains make for a jaw-dropping snowkite experience.
Mount
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MullEn and
MaCdonald PaSSES
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BEartooth
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gEography