ADRENAJEN
SNOWKITE
ALASKA
2024
5 DAY ALASKA ADVENTURE CAMP
5 days of SNOWKITING & Mountain adventures
6 nights PRIVATE hotel room in Valdez Alaska
4 spots available per camp
2 dates to choose from
*MARCH 11 - 15, 2024
*APRIL 1-5, 2024
1-3 DAY PRIVATE OR GROUP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE
*FEB 20th - APRIL 25th 2024
Secure Your Spot Today!AS SEEN ON...
ALASKA SNOWKITE CAMP
March 11-15 / April 1-5 2024 Valdez AK
Let's go snowkiting in Alaska!
Valdez Alaska is known as one of the Ultimate locations to Snowkite. Close to sea level this unique location has great wind and snow conditions making it a world class heli-skiing and snowkiting destination during March & April.
For 20 years Jen has been spending 2-3 months every year in Valdez, skiing, snowkiting and teaching others the joys of using kites in the mountains.
The Alaska Snowkite Camps are for intermediate to advanced kiters who also love to ski or snowboard, ready to learn the skills to be a confident snowkiter in mountain terrain. Beginners have the option of booking a private lesson with Jen. (Message Jen for more details)
Be prepared to spend 5 incredible days in the mountains finding the best spots for wind, snow and adventures that suit the weather and conditions. Last year we kited 5 of 5 days!
Spend your nights in Valdez enjoying the local restaurants and staying at the new Totem Hotel Suites in your private room.
- Forecasting and reading mountain winds.
- Location choices based on wind direction.
- Set-up, anchoring and safety in snow.
- Dealing with kite gear in cold conditions.
- Self launching and landing.
- Advanced light wind and high wind flying.
- Advanced ski / snowboard analysis.
- Choosing foil or inflatable kites.
- Kite skills to ride up and down the mountains.
- Finding the best powder stashes and terrain features.
- Skills for Snowkiting in avalanche terrain.
- Ski / Snowboard touring.
- Snowmachine laps.
- Glacier tours.
- Ice climbing.
- Stand up paddle boarding.
With or without wind, the days will be full of epic Alaska adventures and sessions to increase your mountain & kite knowledge.
What's the plan?
The plan is to do lots of SNOWKITING!
Valdez and Thompson Pass have many different locations to kite depending on snow and wind direction. Frozen lakes to rolling terrain, or using the kite like a personal ski lift to tow us up the mountains too!
What ever the weather hands out Jen always has an adventure for the day. Windless days can be spent touring up mountains to get turns or checking out glacial caves. If you’ve always wanted to ride snow machines up mountains, ice climbing or stand up paddle board this can also be organised. Stormy days can be fun doing road runs or exploring the harbour on fat bikes. There will be no down days on this trip unless you want one!
Kite coaching: Daily weather forecasts and avalanche reports - local knowledge of the best place to kite depending on conditions - snowkite safety and tips everyday - self launching and landing to mountain climbing with the kite coaching included.
Other Activities included: Backcountry avalanche skills and safety awareness, guided big mountain ski or split board touring, glacier and ice berg tours, guided road runs, site seeing opportunities to watch the sunset and eat smoked Alaskan salmon.
Other Activities available (Additional costs): Mountain access by helicopter, snowcat, E-foil, fishing, plane access and other activities can be organised.
What's included in the cost?
$6997
5 Days of Snowkiting and mountain adventures!
3 sessions of online coaching to prepare for the trip.
6 Nights staying in a King or Queen Suite at: https://www.valdezharborinn.com/
3 Group dinners during the week.
Professional snowkite coaching and guiding.
Avalanche training from Sarah Carter (Valdez Avalanche Centre)
Latest model Foil and LEI inflatable kites + harness to use!
Snowmachine back-up for help, rescue and sled bumps!
Extra guides when needed!
What's not included: Airfare, rental car and travel insurance!
ALASKA SNOWKITE CAMP
The Ultimate Snowkite Trip
$6997/person
March 11-15, 2024
Secure Your Spot TodayONLINE SNOWKITE THEORY SESSIONS
Get the training!
It's important when learning to Snowkite to cover and understand the theory about forecasting, safety and risk assessment. In the past we have done these sessions during the camp.
This year we are offering the bonus of 3 theory sessions before our camps, this will allow us to arrive with knowledge. We will be able to spend more time in the field instead of the class room when conditions are ON!
Online training 1: Will cover what to bring and how to pack for a Snowkite trip with time for Q & A.
Online training 2: Covers forecasting, choosing locations, observations and wind flow in the mountains.
Online training 3: Let's talk about all things safety and risk assessment.
If you can't make the sessions live, we will send you a replay.
The more you learn before the camp the more you will progress and utilize your time on snow.
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MEET YOUR GUIDES
Learn from some of the best Women Snowkite & Ski Coaches in the World
Snowkite Host
Jennie Milton aka Adrenajen
Jennie Milton is a big mountain skier (18 Alaska seasons under her belt), backcountry ski guide and kite coach on both water and snow. Jen runs snowkite schools in Australia, Alaska and the USA. She is a former Australian Kitesurfing Champion and also Redbull Ragnarok Snowkite Race medalist. After kiting for 17 years, Jen has lots of tips and knowledge to share. Her passion for snowkiting is 2nd to none!
Learn more about Jennie
www.adrenajen.com
Local Mountain Guide
Stephanie Holcomb
Steph is a Valdez local that has quite the list of mountain achievements under her belt giving her extreme knowledge and skills to bring to the team. She is a big mountain snowboarder and has also found a passion for flying kites. She is our lead snowmachine guide and will be happy to take you up the mountain in search of wind or on an adventure when the wind is not blowing.
Steph is also runs a badass fishing guide service and campground in the summer.
https://www.klutinariver.com/
Snow Sports Instructor
Heidi Ettlinger
Heidi started skiing down the Green Mountains of Vermont not long after she started to walk and has since devoted her career to growing the snowsports industry. She is a two-term PSIA National Alpine Team Alumna and spends most of her winter traveling coast to coast training instructors, patrollers, and management at ski areas. Heidi has dedicated much of her career to building and leading women’s adventure programs (nationally and internationally) for the public and professionals.
Heidi brings a wealth of easy to incorporate tips that boost women's know-how and versatility for expanding their snowkiting adventures!
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Enjoy your stay at the Harbor Inn Valdez Alaska
Snowkite Valdez
This is the ultimate snowkite location in North America. It is known for consistent snow and wind. Multiple launch locations in Thompson Pass and Lowe River with a variety of terrain to kite depending on wind speed and direction. Frozen lakes, rolling wind lips or mountain slopes are on offer most days.
How to get there:
Fly into Anchorage, AK and drive to Valdez.
Fly into Valdez, AK and use our shuttle option.
Check out the maps above.
Where to stay:
A King Private room at the Harbor Inn Valdez is included for 6 nights starting on the Sunday night
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunches can be purchased at the local supermarket or diners. Dinner & a drink is provided on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at one of the local restaurants in town.
Where's the location?
We are going to Valdez, Alaska which is the snowiest city in the United States. Valdez has an average of 300 inches of snow per year and sits at sea level below the spectacular Chugach mountain range. There are multiple kite spots between town and the amazing Thompson Pass pictured above.
Fly into Anchorage and rent a 4x4 car to drive the spectacular road for 300 miles to Valdez. Enjoy the incredible drive and stop to take lots of photos!
An option to fly into Valdez is available and transport will be provided to daily activities or rental cars are available at Turu.
Each day we will drive to the best location for wind and snow within 40 miles of Valdez.
Itinerary
Friday or Saturday arrive into Anchorage and rent car. Drive to Valdez. Or fly directly from Anchorage to Valdez weather permitting.
Sunday afternoon: Check into Hotel and rest up! Extra nights can be organized if you want to arrive early or leave later than the dates of the camp.
Daily Plan Monday to Friday: Meet at 9.00am Hotel Lobby for meet and greet plus briefing of weather and activity options. Kite and adventure all day, then enjoy a happy hour view before heading back to the hotel and relaxing before dinner.
Daily Coaching session: In the morning after our briefing will be a short coaching session to cover the skills needed for snowkiting in big mountain terrain. Depending on weather and conditions this coaching session could be moved to the evening to make sure we score prime time for wind and snow during the day.
Monday, Wednesday & Friday evening will be a group dinner at the best restaurants in town. Tuesday and Thursday evenings are yours to wander the harbor and find your own choice for dinner.
Saturday morning: Breakfast at Hotel - Check out - Drive back to Anchorage. Unless you've booked a few extra days!
Brad Gordon - Professional Snowkiter
"Attention people: If you get a chance to go on Jennie's trips, just pull the trigger and go! She knows these zones better than anybody and its the ultimate scenic snowkiting. You will not regret it, just to see the beautiful Chugach Mtn range in all its snowy white glory."
Jesse Crocker
"This year I went to Big Mountain Snowkite
Camp in Alaska with @adrenajen for the second year in
a row, and this year was even more epic than the first
year. The first few days we kited near the highway in
Thompson Pass, working a bunch of different skills:
kite setup, landing, hill climbing and descending, flying
with long and short lines, boosting, and more than I'm
forgetting. Then the wind back off a little, but Jen had
plans for that: One day we took a snowmachine up into
the mountains to find wind, and the next day we flew
up to a glacier in a ski plane(Epic!). Jen had lots of
options for if there was no wind at all, but that didn't
come up until the last day of the trip, when I went ice
climbing. But then the wind picked up and I managed
to get in an afternoon kite session.
The terrain around Thompson Pass seems as good as it
gets for kiting: the mountains are big, the snow is deep,
the wind is consistent, and there aren't any trees.
This year I did 2 things I didn't do last year: came
prepared with a list of things I wanted to learn, and
took notes at the end of the day. The notes we
especially helpful, because Jen has so much to teach it was hard to remember it all."
Mike Walker
Kitethrills Travel & Kiteboard Australia
"Jen is a snow kite guide and she's amazing! She's so good! I can't recommend Jennie enough. She has such a professional, friendly, positive, upbeat attitude and personality type that it's really good for groups on tour."
FAQ'S
What to bring: Own ski or snowboard including touring option if available. Own kite, bar/lines and harness. Warm ski clothes including puffy jacket, helmet. Avalanche safety gear is required - Bring your own beacon, shovel, probe and backpack (rental is available at an extra cost)
Should I buy new gear for the trip? If you buy new gear make sure it has been tested and broken in. Eg: nothing is worse than having sore feet on your dream trip when breaking in new boots.
Do I need travel and activity / rescue insurance? Yes! insurance is mandatory for this trip. I recommend World Nomads as they cover snowkiting, backcountry touring and riding snowmachines as a covered activity.
Max number of guests per tour? 4 Kiters max
Best time for wind and snow in Alaska? In Jen's experience the best months are March and April. The location at Thompson Pass is ideally situated to catch wind and snow from both the south and north, meaning there's usually somewhere to ski and kite in most conditions. During the 2021 Alaska trips we scored wind on 10 out of 10 days! During the 2022 trips we scored 9 out of 10 days!
Internet? Yes at times but not 24/7. Verizon mobile network has the best coverage in Thompson Pass.
Temperature? Average temperature for Thompson Pass in March is 25 - 12 F / -4 - -11 C. But it can get much colder -10F / -20C. Wind chill is to be expected when snowkiting. Thermal underwear is important plus extra down puffy jacket. Face protection and helmet is a must.
Strength of wind? It can be any strength, but normally about 10-20 knots and we mostly ride on 9m-12m kites. But big kites can score us an extra session in the light winds and small kites 5-7m work great in high winds.
Do I need kiteboarding experience? Yes this is not a beginner clinic. Intermediate to advanced kite skills are required but skills such as self launching and landing, down looping and drifting, plus dealing with cold conditions in the mountains will be taught.
Do I need snowkite experience? No! This is your chance to put your kite skills and ski/ snowboard skills together and Jen is happy to help.
Do I need foil kites or can I use my inflatable kites? Both styles of kites work on snow but Jen prefers using the inflatable kites that we use on water. Bring which ever kites you are most comfortable with. Ozone Demo kites available.
Can I use skis or do I need a snowboard? Both skis and snowboards will work but it is important to have ski touring gear + skins or split board / snowshoes if a boarder.
Will harnesses & snowkiting equipment be available to buy/rent during the week? Yes a range of both foil and Lei kites will be available. Plus Ozone backcountry harnesses available to use. Please be prepared and bring your own gear or contact us before hand with what you may need to borrow.
What other costs do I need to budget for? Return Airfare to Anchorage Alaska - Rental Car - Travel insurance - Food, Drinks and Fuel - Other activities you wish to participate in.
Can I extend the Hotel option? Yes anything is possible. Let me know your ideas when booking and I will help put it all in place for you.
Can I share the Hotel room with a friend to save some money? Yes please let me know if you are traveling with a friend or partner and I can adjust the cost of the trip.
Can my partner join if they don't kite? Yes please share your Hotel with your partner and let me know if they want to join some of the activities.
Is there an option of other dates? Yes! Jen is living in Valdez during March and April and is happy to organize a custom package for you that suits your schedule and budget.
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Photos from previous camps
ALASKA SNOWKITE CAMP
The Ultimate Snowkite Trip
$6997/person
March 11-15, 2024
Secure Your Spot TodayBooking terms and conditions:
Additional Requirements are on a 'request only' basis and are not guaranteed.
We require the payment of a non-refundable deposit of $500 to confirm a booking
Payment to be made with Venmo @Jennie-Milton 406 920 0018
The balance payable for March trip is February 21st. April trip is March 4th.
No refund for early departures
Early check-in and late departure is available pending availability
All bed & bathroom linen is provided.
We do not accept any liability in contract or in tort for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expenses or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by force or other events which are beyond our control, including but not limited to war, cyclone, civil disturbance, fire, floods, unusually severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government or any authorities, accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment. Failure by the client to obtain a passport, visa, proper vaccinations or travel insurance.
Costs are quoted in US Dollars
Cancellation policy:
Cancellations should be made in writing via email to [email protected]
Cancellations are available for Covid related issues such as symptoms, positive test result or travel restrictions due to state mandates.
Cancellations including original deposit are non-transferable and non-refundable. However we do our best to fill spots and reimburse the cancelled guest the full amount less any bank charges.
Cancellations closer to departure incur various penalties: 60+ Days Prior to Departure - 1st deposit non-refundable, non transferable / 31-59 Days Prior to Departure - 50% penalty (total cost of trip) / 00-30 Days Prior to Departure - 100% penalty (no refund)
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances including travel cancellation due to inclement weather, natural disaster and personal circumstances as we do not accept any liability for any costs you may incur.
