SKYLINE RESERVE 17m's 12/21

[David Kyle]

Met up with Paul from Idaho to a completely shut out summit.
We drove down to the reserve and rode for a little while on 17m's
until that shut out as well. The reserve has a long way to go as far as coverage
but still ridable. When we left the wind was gusting into the low twenties
so it must have been a nightmare up top, I dont know. It was snowing preaty good today
so lets hop some of it actually stuck.

[Ryan Hainey]

David,

What do you mean by a nightmare up top? Super Gusty? I'm heading out to skyline and should be there sunday. I'm trying to figure out what are some of the potential issues to watch out for while out there. I'm a first time mountain snowkiter but have done it plenty in other places.

[David Kyle]

Dont let me put a damper on you upcoming trip.

Today was just a nasty cold storm day. The elevation really comes into play on these days.
On days like today, you are basically riding in the clouds at 10,000 feet. Gliding off the side of the mountain
into a cloud is like beeing pushed off a cliff with a blindfold on. Ive been so blinded by the clouds that I was
kiting backwards but felt like I was going forward down the hill. You tend to get a lot of updrafts
and strong gusts where you least want them.

Dont sweat it, I think our next real storm is way off on the horizon and the wind at Skyline is
generally consistant. I would amagine wind will be in the forcast for your visit and you will love it,