Exploring Snow Kiting in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta
In the remote and expansive Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) Delta, options for skiing may be limited, but adventurous spirits find a unique way to traverse the landscape: snow kiting. With no downhill ski areas and a scarcity of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, enthusiasts like Bethel resident Eric Whitney have turned to harnessing the wind as they glide across the snow-covered river and tundra.
Whitney, an avid snow kiter, describes the sport as an exhilarating way to enjoy the open terrain. “It’s a way to go skiing out here that is particularly good for out here,” he explains, attaching a large kite—sometimes up to six meters—to a harness around his waist. This innovative method allows him to explore various areas, whether on the smooth ice of the Kuskokwim River or across the expansive tundra, provided there’s enough snow.
Much to Whitney’s delight, the Y-K Delta provides an ideal backdrop for snow kiting. Unlike more urban settings, which often feature power lines, fences, and other potential obstacles, the lower stretches of the Kuskokwim River offer wide-open spaces where kiting can flourish. Whitney recalls the excitement of first trying out the sport over a decade ago, captivated by the potential of the region’s strong winds. “I started by getting pulled around by a tiny little kite on skis, just to see if it was possible,” he recounts, reflecting on his journey into this thrilling activity.
Whitney’s journey in snow kiting has taken him across the region, piloting his skis in areas like the centrally located Donut Hole of Bethel or along the ice road of the Kuskokwim River. One memorable adventure involved skiing more than 70 miles downriver to the coastal village of Kongiganak. In February, he expanded his passion to beyond the local realm, heading south with fellow kiter Tom Fredricks of Wasilla to participate in the 2025 Snow and Ice Sailing World Championships in Madison, Wisconsin.
Entering this elite competition for the first time as a “pro elite kiter,” Whitney seized the opportunity to compete against other passionate kiters. The event was organized similarly to a sailing regatta, where racers could accumulate scores over multiple heats. Whitney chose to affiliate himself with the fictitious “K300 Yacht Club,” using a playful connection to Bethel’s Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race to establish his racing identity. “It seemed to make sense,” he said, despite the obvious absence of a yacht club in the area.
On Lake Mendota, competitors faced the exhilarating chaos of a race start, with numerous kites soaring into the sky as participants jockeyed for position. Whitney described the visual spectacle, contrasting it with the relative solitude he typically experiences while kiting alone in Bethel. He participated in several events, including divisions for snowboarders, ice skaters, and those using sleds with sails. Though he felt at a disadvantage due to not having the same high-performance gear as many competitors, he was determined to give it his all.
In the marathon event, Whitney was able to borrow longer skis and a more efficient kite from a friend, which contributed to his success. The often-blustery conditions of the Kuskokwim seemed to aid him as he adapted to the icy terrain. “When I noticed I was passing the guys that I could barely keep in sight in the other races, that was a moment,” he recalled, highlighting his sense of achievement in the competition.
Whitney’s efforts culminated in a podium finish, placing third in the marathon event, a remarkable accomplishment in his first experience competing at a world championship level. He expressed his joy, stating, “To come in third, I was thrilled. So I’m pretty excited about it.” Looking ahead, Whitney plans to return to the annual Snow Kite Festival at Thompson Pass near Valdez in April, while remaining open to where his skis and kite might take him next.
