Both a snow/ice sport and a recreational activity, snowkiting combines airfoil and kitesurfing techniques with those of snowboarding.
Most kitesurfers use their water gear for snowkiting. The main pieces of equipment used are a traction kite, lines and an associated control device, a snowboard and a kitesurfing harness.
The ideal place for snowkiting is a very large snowy field, about twice the size of a football field, with constant wind. Also good is a large frozen lake, preferably covered with snow. Unlike other downhill or alpine sports, snowkiting can be done uphill given the right wind direction.
Snowkiting as a boardsport is gaining popularity in established skiing and snowboarding regions, such as France, Austria, Sweden, Iceland, Switzerland, Norway and the western United States.