Entering the winter season, I was wondering if there are any publicly accessable fields for snow kiting in SE wisconsin? Especially in the early season if we get some snowfall prior to the lakes freezing over. Looking at the madison kiteboard page it looks like they have several decent options for open fields for snowkiting. Thanks!
Yes, we've been using a variety of sites in the area over the years, always depending of course on wind direction and snow conditions. Some fields work one season (after soybeans for example), and suck the next (after corn for example). Some Conservancy sites work well in years where prairie was burnt in the fall, and suck in years with small snow base but tall thick grasses. Some parks like Mitchell Park in Brookfield have sledding hills that are great for terrain kiting during or after a storm (depending on wind direction), but unavailabe once the kiddies hit the slopes. There are a number of sites along Lake Michigan, again depending on wind direction and snow conditions.
My advice, after snow starts to accumulate, watch this discussion as folks post up, or watch for opportunities and post up for others. Frozen lakes are the most popular venues, but you need to know conditions and take precautions. Most people are careful about following me out as I am on thin ice a lot, though I usually have on drysuit and ice picks when it is risky (I usually go through a few times each year.). Like today, stole an hour with a wing and short skiis on thin ice, though I was able to keep dry today.
I wish this were an easy answer too! For example, Veteran's park has good open spaces and works on any east wind. Sometimes it doesn't have enough snow cover when the lake isn't frozen over because it's warmer there. Frozen lakes like Big and Little Muskego, Pewaukee, etc. work well when it's safe. Lake ice and snow conditions is a whole 'nuther science like predicting the wind. Mud lake in Germantown(?) and Pike lake work. In general, it's easier to get good wind on frozen lakes if you are willing to walk out away from the shore.
