The Best Snowkiting Destinations in Europe
Europe has some of the finest snowkiting spots in the world. From the vast plateaus of Norway to the volcanic landscapes of Armenia, every destination offers a different experience.
At Snowkite Sensation, we have been running trips on the best snowkiting destinations in Europe for years. Here is our selection.
1. Finnish Lapland, our favourite destination
If you had to pick a single destination to discover snowkiting, it would be Finnish Lapland without hesitation.
Why? Because it brings together almost every ingredient of a successful trip.
The plateaus are immense, the wind is steady, the landscapes are magnificent and the atmosphere is unique. The days get longer quickly from February onwards, which means long sessions in exceptional light.
It is also an ideal destination for beginners and confirmed riders alike. The terrain is varied, the snow cover is generally excellent and there is no shortage of room to progress.
Beyond the snowkiting, Lapland also means northern lights, reindeer, dog sledding, Finnish saunas and the local culture.
For all those reasons, it is the destination we recommend most often today.
2. Norway, the home of big expeditions
If you dream of wide open spaces, Norway is hard to match.
The Hardangervidda plateau is one of the most famous snowkiting spots in the world.
Its immense expanses let you cover several dozen kilometres in a single day, with an incomparable feeling of freedom.
Norway suits riders looking to progress just as much as those after a genuine Nordic adventure.
3. Armenia, the well kept secret
Still largely unknown among riders, Armenia is one of the finest surprises in snowkiting.
The mountains offer spectacular landscapes, very lightly travelled, with a real sense of exploration.
The warm welcome of the locals, Armenian food and the historical heritage also make the trip particularly rich.
For anyone wanting to step away from the classic destinations, Armenia is an excellent alternative.
4. Col du Lautaret, the French reference
The Col du Lautaret remains the historic snowkiting spot in France.
Easy to reach, it makes an excellent learning ground when the conditions line up.
It is ideal for discovering the sport on a short trip, without committing to a full expedition.
5. Svalbard, an expedition like no other
Even though Svalbard belongs to Norway, it deserves a category of its own.
Here, snowkiting becomes a genuine polar expedition.
Glaciers, sea ice, Arctic mountains and exceptional light add up to an experience you will not find anywhere else.
This trip is above all for riders who want to live an unforgettable adventure.
So, which destination should you choose?
It all depends on what you are after.
If you are looking for your first snowkiting trip, our recommendation is clearly Finnish Lapland. In our view it offers the best balance between quality of conditions, landscapes, ease of access and the range of things to do.
If you love long crossings and wide open spaces, Norway is an exceptional choice.
And if you want to discover a more confidential destination, well off the usual circuits, Armenia deserves your full attention.
At Snowkite Sensation, we have selected each of these destinations for one simple reason: they all offer a different experience, but always an unforgettable one.
Further reading
If you want more information about getting started before you book a trip, you can read our article The Complete Guide to Snowkiting.
If you want more information about why so many kitesurfers move onto snow, you can read our article Why Kitesurfers Get Hooked on Snowkiting.