Camas prairie Idaho snow kite need information.

Wally Gator · Since 23 Sep 2012 38 Posts

Heading up to Camus prairie Idaho for the first time to snow kite. I'm going up there on Spring break around March 25th. Has anybody been up there and know the conditions. Also would like to know where the nearest hotel would be. And any other information you could give to me.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2596 Posts The 503 METAL

Good on ya Wally, those endless rolling hills and canyons are pretty lonely these days.

The coverage looks very solid now. The closest hotel if it's still running it The Prairie Inn in Fairfield. There used to be a 10% snowkiter discount with Dan and Mona. Otherwise your in Mountain Home or in a home rental at Soldier Mtn.

Not easy to forecast. Pack your biggest kites/wings and be prepared for light wind and cold temps, but you never know.

Main launches are the Malcomsen Snowpark, Pine St. Turn off, Gold Mines, Last Chance (for east wind) Sometimes you have to go to Gwynn Ranch, south off the 47 (fun spot).

You need 3 things to make it work: Wind, decent soft surface that's not sticky, and visability. Good luck! Thumb's Up

windpig · Since 28 Aug 2008 278 Posts Obsessed

Good beta from Wind Slither!

I would add that I've gone the last 3 years and we've stayed near the prairie in an Air BnB a couple of years and last year we decided to got stay in Ketchum/Hailey and that would be my suggestion. It's a bit of a drive from Ketchum to Camas, but the upside is when Camas isn't blowing, you can go North of Sun Valley and there's a good little spot right outside of town pretty close, 20 min drive maybe. Usually better on the East Winds I believe and tends to blow when the prairie doesn't.

Ketchum/Hailey have WAY more options for lodging, food, and well, everything. You could ski, x-country, snowshoe, etc. Fairfield has pretty much nothing.

When it's on, it's the coolest thing ever! Have a rad time!

Wally Gator · Since 23 Sep 2012 38 Posts

Wally Gator · Since 23 Sep 2012 38 Posts

Jonpnw · Tue Mar 12, 24 10:47 am **Shey - Windance**

Contact Chris Shey at Windance . He is the Camas Prairie guru

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 591 Posts Addicted

i second the info windpig provided. hailey/ketchum are lots of fun and still a very cool ski town. The prairie was a little unpredictable, so having a backup plan like riding dollar mtn/sun valley, and the wind spot north of town, will give you something to do other than drink all day when the wind is light

And, snowkiting wears me out fast. LIke an hour tops for me. Not that im the picture of fitness. Just saying, having other things to do was pretty fun and useful

thurmondmb · Since 10 Jul 2018 66 Posts

I was out there yesterday and snow was hardpack on top but you would post hole about 8” if walking.

it's warming up this weekend so you might get some corn or you could get slush??

best thing is to be boots on the ground either in MTN home or Fairfield.

Forecast has been very inaccurate and hard to gauge this year and even the most dedicated of the boise crew have barely eclipsed 12 + days out there this year. If you have room, I'd bring extra gear. ski stuff for soldier or Backcountry gear for sun valley area, a mountain bike (cause the riding out of Boise is about to get pretty good) and/or water gear (we occasionally get some big frontal winds rolling though in the spring and there are 3 kite launches and 1 good wing launch just outside of MTN home)

one thing to note is the camas sensor wind direction is incorrect. Look at Grandview and Fairfield for the direction. wind speed is correct though.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions. good luck