SKYLINE is a mountain top playground for Snowkiters.
DESCRIPTION
Skyline, also known as the Wasatch Plateau or Skyline Drive, is one of the nation’s foremost riding locations, and offers Utah the longest snow season of any kiting area. This is one of the few premiere Snowkiting destinations where riders can drive to 9800 feet and park above tree line just inches from open terrain that extends for miles in every direction. With its ridge top view Skyline is suitable for any wind direction and typically receives light to moderate winds almost daily, with the exception of winter storms that can bring in the white room and slam down the wind hammer. The terrain is suitable for beginners, with large flats and will challenge the moderate to experienced kiter with long gradual slopes of every angle. Post frontal winds (after storms) usually bring easterly winds that open up numerous cornice runs, just watch out for avalanche danger.
HISTORY
Snowkiters started riding the Alpine snowpack of Skyline as early as 2002. Real proggression started in 2003 when riders started to realize the consistency of wind and depth of snowpack and began to explore the backcountry of Skylkine more frequently. In 2004 Chasta arrived and discovered miles of previously un-kited terrain, including ridge runs that require portaging between forests. In 2005 the Ozone Snowkite Masters came to Skyline and brought an even bigger international crowd, placing Skyline on the world circuit for good. Now it is common to find Snowkiters from any state or country on any given winter day at Skyline.
The Riding Areas
Big Drifts / Boscos hill - Located at milepost 14 on Highway 31, this is the primary riding area and event site. Large parking areas are plowed on both sides of the road. Flat, Hills, and XC routes for all abilities. 80% of Skylines primary Snowkiting can be accessed from here.
Gooseberry - an alternative riding area with lighter conditions on storm days. Preferred parking is the paved lot at the junctions of Hwy. 31 and Hwy. 264 which may require touring or snowmobile access to the open areas. Some riders park along the open stretch in the first miles along Hwy. 264 on the way to Electric lake… be sure to park off the road beyond the white lines, as you may be ticketed or towed. Please be courteous to and stay out of the way of Snowplows, they are the lifeblood of Skyline and we want them to enjoy the presence of Snowkiters.
Upper Huntington Canyon - A long narrow corridor that funnels from south to north as it rises just north of Electric Lake along Hwy 264. This road side tour is best on post frontal days or any south-easterly direction. On light wind days this area can offer a car to car downwind ride, following the valley to the obvious u-turn at the end.
Sanpete Valley Overlook - Park along Hwy 31 near the summit just after milepost 13, there is limited roadside parking here. Ridge line tours run directly to Mt. Tom 2 miles south, and continue for several more miles down the Skyline Drive. Light days bring riders to this exposed ridge and sunset sessions are the call at this scenic spot.
Ephraim Canyon / Horseshoe Flat - This amazing backcountry area is 13 miles from pavement and typically requires a snowmobile for access. Follow the snow covered highway up the canyon between 8-13 miles depending on elevation of snow-line. The canyon opens up at the top, about 20 miles south of the Sanpete Valley Overlook. From here choose your destiny based on wind... most Snowkiting is north of the canyon on the open expanse of Horseshoe flat, which slopes gradually to the south-east.
Map of the area
GPS Coordinates:
Driving directions from Salt Lake City
Take I-15 South to Highway 6- Spanish Fork, Price turnoff (go east…towards the mountains.)
Take Highway 6 through Spanish Fork and through the canyon to Highway 89 South. (Turn off for Fairview)
Turn right on Highway 89 South and take it approximately 30 miles to the town of Fairview.
In Fairview turn left at Highway 31 (you will see a sign that says Gateway to Skyline Drive) this road will go over the mountain range towards Huntington. Follow Hwy. 31 for 14 miles toreach the Big Drifts area.
Lodging
Skyline Motel - 35 East 200 North, Fairview, Utah 435-462-3312 $60.00 per night
Horseshoe Mote l- 850 S. Hwy 89, Mt. Pleasant, Utah 435-463-9330 $65.00 per night
Wind Walker Guest Ranch - 11550 Pigeon Hollow Rd, Spring City, Utah 888-606-9463 www.windwalker.org
Willow Creek Inn - 450 S. Main St., Ephraim, Utah 435-283-4566
Locations 
