Today I had my session interrupted by a bear. It showed up and hang around in about 50 m clearance between the edge of the ice and trees, close to my launch spot and my backpack. Considering how hungry these guys are at this time of the year I figured the prudent thing would be to kite to the far side, fold my stuff and walk around to the car. A nearby campground was recently opened so I didn’t bother to carry my bear spray with me. There wasn’t anybody at the campground today. Back in the car I waited half an hour for the bear to move away far enough so I could walk down and retrieve my backpack. Fortunately he didn’t try to check out my backpack and inspect the remaining kites what I was afraid he may do.

By the way, conditions have been great on Spray up to today. There is still 70 cm of ice left but the resilience is gone so after walking, poking and drilling I decided against the solo session there. At the Icefield, where I met my friend, conditions are also very good. The area is about 95 % of full size, some cobbly patches but not bad. It will be changing in the next few days with high temps but should last a while – just don’t leave home without bear spray.

I wish the folks on here had a clue about how amazing Spray Lakes is to visit. Folks who live in Calgary and snowkite are very fortunate !

Your local snowkite season too short ? Consider Spray in the spring time. It is not a place you would want to visit without a local to provide knowledge but well worth the trip !

A long time ago, my boss told me a story about some hangglider pilots that were flying cross country near Yosimite in California. One of them landed and then waved to his buddies to say he was OK. The others flew on. Later, they went back to pick up their buddy. His glider was half way broken down, but the pilot was nowhere to be found. He had landed in the spot where they relocate the naughty bears from Yosimite park and he was attacked and halfway eaten!

True story as fa r as I know.

Thanks for the update. You seem to have encounters with bears or cougars every Spring - just another hazard to be prepared for while kiting in our neck of the woods. I will have to try the Icefield one weekend soon.

BR - I agree we are fortunate to have a snowkiting season that can last 8 months. Can even get a session in after it hails in the summer ! I might try snowkiting Sunshine Meadows on June 21 when the summer bus starts up. Does anyone kite on Blackcomb Glacier when it is open for summer skiing? You are fortunate to be so close to the beaches in Washington and Oregon.

The current heat wave in the least opportune time has caused a lot of damage to the Icefield. Not only the size is down to 75 % (as of Fry) but the surface became very cobbly which makes jibing too rough for my liking.

Plateau Mtn. may be a better option now though I haven’t checked it out yet. Another place where you need your bear spray.