Because of my love for the sport and desire to be a part of its growth, I’ve been working hard this last month establishing Utah Kite Addiction snowkite school.  Beginning with the completion of a PASA Snowkite Certification course last month and conducting a number of Level 1 and 2 lessons at Powder Mountain and on Pineview Reservoir, I’m now excited to announce and promote the school.  
While I’m currently PASA certified, part of the certification process is collecting 30 student feedback forms in 60 days.  I’m already half way through this requirement and by the time I give all the Level 2 lessons, this requirement will be complete.  For promotional reasons, most of these lessons have been given to professionals in the recreation and tourism industry.  It’s been a great learning experience so far and I feel confident I can safely and effectively teach students to snowkite while having lots of fun.
As most of you know, access at Powder Mountain is anything but stable.  Although I’m excited about the promotion of the sport and earning a seasonal income, access will remain my number one pursuit locally.  I am working closely with Powder Mountain and everything that I do is with their knowledge and permissions.  I will continue to lobby for snowkiting during the transfer of ownership.  
Our current kiting location is already approved for condos by Weber County.  They had planned to build this summer, however it looks like it will be delayed for a year or two.  I hope to contribute some input or educate the owners in some way that the area will be developed with some thought given to preserving a kite area if possible.  Snowkiting access at Powder Mountain will still remain an evolving issue because of liability.
I am also working with Ogden City’s High Adventure Vision Committee to help promote their goals to become a high adventure destination and promote the sport of snowkiting in and around Ogden Valley.  Because of Ogden City’s interests, the Forest Service is also interested in supporting or acknowledging snowkiting on Pineview.  With the number of ice fisherman we’ve seen this year and a growing number of snowkiter’s, this will be the start of a useful relationship.
Let me know if you have any comments or suggestions, also check out my website for more information.  Thanks,
Les Vierra
http://www.utahkiteaddiction.com
			
		