U.P. winter activity captured by the Weather Channel
Posted: 02.07.2011 at 2:37 PM

Frozen lakes, fields ideal for snow kiting

Photo

NEGAUNEE -- An up-and-coming winter activity in the U.P. was filmed in action by the National Weather Channel Monday.

It's called snow kiting, and it pairs kite power with skis to glide on snow or ice.  Snow kiting allows people to ride up mountains, glide across frozen lakes or fields, and do tricks.

Bill Thompson of Down Wind Sports says not a lot of people do this fairly new sport in the U.P. yet, but he expects it to grow in popularity.

"It's a very addicting sport because you're learning how to fly the kite--you have the kite and wind, and it adds a lot of speed," says Thompson.  "So it's just a lot of fun to be out here."

Ozone Kites, an international kite manufacturer, partnered with Down Wind Sports to host a demo of the activity.

The Weather Channel's segment on the U.P. is set to air sometime this spring.