Snowkite gear vs kitesurf gear: what is different?
On snow, almost everyone rides foil kites (soft kites with cells, no inflatable structure) rather than the inflatable LEI kites used on water. The reasons are practical: a foil kite launches in seconds without pumping, handles cold and abrasion better, packs down to almost nothing in a backpack, and offers a massive wind range with instant depower, which is exactly what you want in gusty mountain conditions.
If you already kitesurf, your tube kite will work on gentle terrain to get a first feeling. But for real snowkiting, and especially for backcountry and travel, an open-cell foil kite is the right tool.
The kites we recommend
Ozone Explore V3 : the do-it-all snowkite
The Explore is our first recommendation for 90% of riders. Open-cell foil designed specifically for snow and land, huge depower, forgiving relaunch, light enough for expeditions. It is the kite we put in our clients’ hands on our trips, from first sessions to long backcountry days. From €849 in our shop.
Ozone Hyperlink V4 : one quiver for snow and water
A hybrid closed-cell foil: ride it on snow in winter and on water in summer. If you split your year between mountain and sea and want a single quiver, this is the smart investment. From €2,169.
Flysurfer Peak : the mountain reference
Ultra-light single-skin kite, the benchmark for hike-and-ride and alpine adventures. It weighs almost nothing, packs to the size of a water bottle, and its instant depower makes it one of the safest kites in strong or gusty wind. Available through our shop as official Flysurfer dealer.
Flysurfer Soul : performance on snow and water
A closed-cell performance foil loved by riders who want glide, hangtime and water compatibility. A superb light-wind machine. Available on request.
Which size should you choose?
Kite size depends on your weight, the wind and your terrain. As a reference for a rider around 75 kg on skis:
| Wind | Recommended size | Typical use |
|---|
| Light (10-20 km/h) | 10-12 m | Big open plateaus, cruising |
| Moderate (20-35 km/h) | 6-9 m | The everyday snowkite range |
| Strong (35-50 km/h) | 3-5 m | Storm days, high mountain |
Add roughly one square metre per 10 kg above 75 kg, remove one below. If you are buying one single kite to learn and progress, most riders are best served by a 6 to 9 m depending on their local spot. Ask us, we will size you precisely.
Bar, harness and the rest of the setup
Control bar
The Ozone Contact Snow V5 bar (€519) is the snow-specific control system we sell with most kites: shorter throw, cold-proof lines, simple and reliable safety. If you buy kite and bar together, we adjust bar and line length to your kite size before shipping.
Harness
On snow we recommend a seat harness such as the Ozone Backcountry V4 (from €215): lower hook point, better control when the kite pulls upward, comfortable over winter layers. Waist harnesses work too if you come from kitesurfing and prefer the freedom.
Skis or snowboard?
Ride what you already know. Any all-mountain ski or board works perfectly to start; there is no need for specific gear.
Safety essentials
Ski helmet, kite leash (always), and for backcountry riding an avalanche kit (DVA, shovel, probe). Goggles over sunglasses, mountain sun is brutal.
Budget: what does a full snowkite setup cost?
| Setup | Content | Budget |
|---|
| First full setup | Explore + Contact Snow bar + Backcountry harness | from ~€1,600 |
| Tight budget | Previous-season and second-hand gear from our Promotion section | from ~€900 |
| Snow + water quiver | Hyperlink + bar + harness | from ~€2,900 |
Every kite we sell is brand new, under full manufacturer warranty, and shipped fast across France and Europe (rest of the world possible with longer lead times). Kitesurf gear from Ozone and Flysurfer is also available on request.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy snowkite gear?
Right here: Snowkite Sensation is an official Ozone and Flysurfer reseller. Browse our snowkite shop or contact us for personal advice from a professional guide.
Can I learn snowkiting with the kite I buy?
Yes, and it is the best way to do it. Choose a forgiving open-cell kite like the Explore in a moderate size, and ideally join one of our trips or lessons: you will progress faster and safer with a guide.
Do you sell kitesurf gear too?
Yes, on request: as an official dealer we can supply the full Ozone and Flysurfer kitesurf range alongside our snowkite selection.
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