@ Windstruck, in the powder the effect of side cut is a lot less concrete. You're planing in the snow as opposed to firm snow where you are locking an edge mechanically to the surface. The effect of the side cut will depend on how hard you arc the ski vs. the edge doing it automatically.

Drive it more, arc more. Drive it less and run the ski more flat, the ski runs straight.

In soft snow you can ride a kite with just about anything.

@ Feyd - Thanks Chris, that's great advice and makes perfect sense. I grew up ski racing at Killington and other delightful boiler plate ski resorts out your way growing up in Southern Vermont, so for better of for worse I know all about setting an edge on "hard water". I can see exactly how edging would work as you resist the pull of the kite and tack to the wind. On your advice (here and on your site) I've ordered a pair of Alpine Trekkers. I'm hopeful that with the Trekkers I can avoid getting a whole new AT setup. The kiting sites I'm scoping right now have very convenient access (like literally right out my back door for one) so I'm thinking the Trekkers will be in my backpack for the Walk of Shame and other duties, but not for getting me long distances to kite spots. All theoretical at this point of course because I have done it yet!