Kite Skiing in Norway: Skis or Snowboard, Gear and When to Go
Kite skiing means riding on skis pulled by a kite across snow and frozen lakes. In Norway the best place for it is Hardangervidda, the largest high mountain plateau in Europe, with more than 3,000 km² of open terrain. Conditions are best from February to the end of April; our weekly camps at Dyranut, right in the middle of the plateau, run from 27 February to 20 March 2027.
We have been guiding kiters on Hardangervidda since 2009. This article explains what kite skiing is, whether to ride skis or a snowboard, what gear to bring and when to come. You will also see the sport called snowkiting, kiteski or Kiteskiing – it is the same thing.
What is kite skiing?
Kite skiing is snowkiting on skis: the kite pulls you across flat plains, frozen lakes and rolling hills, much like kitesurfing on water. It does not need slopes or lifts, only wind and snow, so a plateau with endless open space is the ideal playground. On Hardangervidda you can ride short sessions next to the road or downwinders of 20–50 km across the plateau.
Skis or snowboard?
Both work and on our camps you can choose either. Many riders pick skis because:
- you can move without the kite – with skins you walk or skin back upwind, and on windless days you go ski touring;
- long downwinders and crossings are comfortable on skis;
- you only need to be able to ski – you do not need any kiting experience to start a course.
Snowboarders ride with us too and get poles and snowshoes for moving without the kite. In every package we lend skis with touring bindings, poles and skins, or a snowboard – you only bring your own boots.
What gear do you need for kite skiing?
The wind on Hardangervidda changes from hour to hour and riding wind ranges from 3 to 15 m/s, so one kite is not enough:
- Kites: two or three sizes. The most common are 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 17 m².
- Inflatable or foil: both work. We park right on the spot, so you can pump up an inflatable kite next to the car or the lodge. In strong, gusty wind an inflatable kite is more practical.
- Skis or snowboard: provided in every package; bring your own ski or snowboard boots.
- Protection: helmet, goggles and sunglasses, windproof hooded jacket, down jacket, thermal layers, two pairs of gloves.
No kite of your own? The Kite Rental package includes 6 days of kite rental, and our rental has up to 40 kites.
When is the best time for kite skiing in Norway?
Conditions on Hardangervidda are best from February to the end of April. The freshest powder usually falls in January and February; in March the weather is more stable and the days are longer. Average temperatures are between −5 and −15 °C and statistics for this period show around 80 % windy days.
The mountains still have their moods: thaws, frozen crust or strong wind with snowfall can happen, and the wind can be forecast reliably only about a day ahead. When strong wind closes Road 7, traffic runs in convoys; when it is closed completely, we ride lower spots near Geilo and Ustaoset. Check current conditions on our Dyranut webcam and weather page.
Where to go kite skiing in Norway?
The spots on Hardangervidda lie along Road 7 between Haugastøl and Dyranut, and from our base you reach any of them within 15 minutes. Lake Ørteren and the lake at Dyranut are best for first kilometres; experienced riders head north of Dyranut or out on long crossings. Each spot, its wind directions and the convoy rules are described in our Hardangervidda spot guide.
How much does a kite skiing week cost?
All weekly packages include 7 nights at Dyranut, full board in the Norwegian restaurant, the shuttle between spots, and skis or a snowboard with poles, skins and snowshoes:
- Basic – with your own kites: 1,850 € per person
- Kite Rental – 6 days of kite rental included: 2,300 € per person
- Kite Course – lessons for beginners and kite rental for the rest of the stay: 2,750 € per person
The transfer from Oslo Gardermoen airport costs 900 NOK per person and runs every Saturday. Dates for 2027: 27 Feb – 6 Mar, 6 – 13 Mar and 13 – 20 Mar.
Frequently asked questions
Is kite skiing hard to learn?
If you can ski, it is one of the faster kite sports to learn. On open plains without obstacles and with steady wind, most beginners on our course ride on their own within about two days, and even complete beginners manage a first downwinder of 5–10 km. What the first week looks like is described in Snowkiting for beginners.
What is the difference between kite skiing and snowkiting?
None in practice: snowkiting is the general name, kite skiing is snowkiting on skis. On a snowboard it is often called kite snowboarding.
Do I need my own kite?
No. Choose the Kite Rental or Kite Course package and we provide the kites.
How do I get to Hardangervidda?
Fly to Oslo Gardermoen; our Saturday shuttle takes you to Dyranut and back. You can also take the train to Haugastøl station.
Packages, dates and booking: Snowkiting and kite skiing in Norway.