2007 Ozone US Open Snowkite Masters

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The Snowkite Masters is a freeride event where Snowkiters can converge on epic terrain, exchanging techniques and styles while exploring the boundaries of the sport.  Over 100 kites took to the Wasatch Plateau of Skyline at the beginning of March to enjoy the fresh powder and consistent wind conditions that this summit ridge offers up.  High energy flowed everywhere with riders in all directions going bezerk, both on the deck and above the trees.  Chasta was on hill once again to host this event and introduce a new challenge, terrain based Kitercross racing.  With 6 or more riders fighting their way to the ridgeline for a high speed chase across Bosco’s hill, followed by a downwind gravity fed run to the finish.  The result was three days of bluebird skies and sunny powder with conditions ranging from a winter storm warning that only the smallest of kites could enjoy and twisting into big kite weather with progression in every direction.
A huge THANK YOU goes out to all who attended this winters Snowkite Masters… as always it’s the riders that make it happen, and this year was no exception with more talent on one slope than every before.    This winter also united more Snowkiters from around the globe with attendance from Alaska, Florida, Texas and as far as Norway.  While the Freeride rolled all weekend using up every ounce of wind, Saturday focused on kicking out heat after heat for the US Open races.  Light wind set in mid morning and forced riders to navigate a technical downwind-uphill start, with each snowkiter trying to avoid the others while working their way up the slope through a narrow power band.  While racing uphill added a third dimension of difficulty to the course, it allowed the racing to keep going despite the 10 knot wind at the base.  The final leg combined gravity with a downwind run and many took advantage of the speed, choosing to fly over the finish line with style.  This season brought out a strong level across the board with novice and veteran racers head to head in every heat.  Aaron Sales showed his speed taking a strong lead on every run and coming in First place in Men’s Snowboarding.  A local legend and fast backcountry skier, Lorne Glick, represented for Utah keeping the Men’s Skiing First Place at home.  Heather Schenck dominated the women’s division with the home field advantage and was followed by Maria Wirth and Monica Basset, each representing a different corner of the Northwest.  Kris Hasbrouck of Colorado and Kevin Steen turned heads on the mountain throwing down tricks and letting everyone know that the Youth Division will give anyone a run for their money. 

As Karma would have it, the wind picked up as the final heats rolled out.  An afternoon of freeriding colored the sky on every degree of the compass and found smiles on the ground and in the air as the sunset session set in.  Saturday night rallied up the crowd at the Fairview Hall as awards were handed out followed by a performance by Bomb City.  This event couldn’t have happened with out the huge support from the dedicated companies that come together every year to fuel the stoke of Snowkiting… Ska Brewing Zeal Optics, Dakine, Ozone Kites, Predator Helmets, A Wind of Change, Kiteboarder Magazine

Race Results
Snowboarding (Men’s)
1- Aaron Sales (Hood River, Oregon)
2- Guillaume Chastagnol (France)
3- Paul “Motz” Macaj (Denver, Colorado)
Skiing (Men’s)
1- Lorne Glick (Salt Lake City, Utah)
2- Alex Peterson (Leavenworth, Washington)
3- Patrick Nedele ( Winter Park, Colorado)
Snowboarding (Women’s)
1- Heather Schenk (Salt Lake City, Utah)
2- Maria Wirth (Helena, Montana)
Skiing (Women’s)
1- Monica Bassett (Hood River, Oregon)
Juniors Snowboard
1-Kris Hasbrouck (Colorado)
Juniors Ski
1- Kevin Steen (Michigan)