Snowkiting on Hardangervidda – Why You Should Visit Hardangervidda This Season

Valentin Launay

30. October 2024

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New season - The Winter 2025

Winter is approaching, and it’s time to prepare for a new season of snowkiting at the world’s best location, Hardangervidda, along RV7. We’re eagerly watching the weather forecast to see when sub-zero temperatures and snow will arrive on the plateau to signal the true start of winter. The first snowfalls have appeared, but the cold hasn’t yet stabilized.

Mann som kiter over Hardangervidda med fantastisk vind og snø til kitekurs. — Hardangervidda is a gigantic playground for all kiters.

Why come to Hardangervidda?

Hardangervidda is one of the best destinations for snowkiting, something we see as a giant playground for kiters of all levels. Here’s why it’s worth the trip:

1. Reliable wind and snow conditions

The unique landscape and elevation of Hardangervidda provide stable wind and snow conditions, making it ideal for snowkiting. The wide, open plateau offers vast terrain with a minimal amount of difficult terrain, giving excellent opportunities for both beginners and experienced kiters to explore the famous area.

Snøkiting i tøffe forhold på Hardangervidda. — Perfect conditions- Wind for Using All Kite Sizes on the Same Day! Often one advantage that snowkiting has is the flexibility to use both small and large kites in the same wind conditions. The wind on Hardangervidda allows for diverse kite sizes, enabling kiters to adapt their setup for varying experiences, all within a single day.

2. Frozen Lakes and Endless Terrain

The plateau is dotted with frozen lakes that provide ideal, smooth surfaces for kiting. This variety in terrain allows you to enjoy both thrilling rides across open plains and explore more challenging areas depending on your skill level.

snøkiting i sol, vind og snø, perfekte forhold. — Choose between frozen lakes or more challenging terrain.

3. World-renowned kitespots along RV7

Easily accessible spots along national road 7 make it easy to find a great place to start your kite session or trip from a roadside parking lot. You don't need to go far from the parking lots to find wind, and these spots are well-known in the kite community for their quality and wind reliability. Some of the most famous spots located along RV7 from Haugastøl are: Ørteren, Lægreid, Fagerheim, Skulevika, Skiftesjøen, and Dyranut.

Kitespots on Hardangervidda on all sides of the road. — RV7 splits up the kitespots between north- and south side of the national road.

4. High-Level Instructors and Courses

Many instructors in the area have experience with both snowkiting and kitesurfing, offering courses to suit all levels. Whether you're a beginner or want to improve your skills and explore more of the mountains, we have all quality courses tailored to your needs. If you're looking to go on your first long-distance kite trip or a beginner course, this is the perfect destination for you.

5. Stunning and Inspiring Environment

The beautiful nature of Hardangervidda is a major attraction in itself. Surrounded by fantastic views and vast snow-covered areas, snow kiting here is as much a visual experience as a physical one. You'll be kiting with some of Norway's most iconic landscapes as your backdrop. The landscape and terrain offer opportunities for easy day trips and multi-night tours if you want to test out winter camping while traveling powered by the wind.

Skiftesjøen - One of the most known spots on Hardangervidda

6. Activities When the Wind Drops
The area around Haugastøl and Hardangervidda offers plenty of additional activities that don't require wind. The nearby town of Geilo has everything from ski slopes with chairlifts and children's slopes to hotels with spa facilities, restaurants, and food and sports shops. The list is long; if you enjoy cross-country skiing or touring, there are plenty of trails to choose from in the area. DNT cabins are also a well-known attraction on Hardangervidda and can be recommended on days with or without wind.

Geiloheisen og Vestlia skisenter. — Ski slopes in Geilo, Geiloheisen and Vestlia Ski center

7. Community and Facilities:

Local tourist centers like Haugastøl offer comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and facilities such as saunas for relaxation after a long day of kiting. Haugastøl often caters specifically to snow kiters, so you'll be among like-minded people who share your passion.

Overnatting ved Haugastøl Hotell. — Haugastøl Tourist center during summer- Haugastøl´s hotel is placed by the gates that open up to Hardangervidda, a short drive up to the kite spots.

In short, Hardangervidda combines the thrill of snowkiting with perfect conditions, beautiful nature, and supportive local facilities - the ideal place for an unforgettable snowkiting adventure and holiday or trip!

See you this winter!