Engadin St. Moritz Tourism Organisation – Media Information
Snowkiting in Engadin St. Moritz
Silvaplana, the snowkiting Mecca
St. Moritz, 3 February 2009 – In winter, Silvaplana is the snowkiting Mecca per se; Lake Silvaplana is the largest snowkiting venue in Switzerland and the kiting school, Swiss Kitesurf, one of the leading competence centres for this trend sport. A well-developed infrastructure and, thanks to its wind situation, favourable location make Silvaplana a popular meeting place for snowkiting enthusiasts. A basic course with Swiss Kitesurf is the ideal way to familiarise yourself with the world of kiting.
In summer, Silvaplana is a surfing and kitesurfing paradise, while in the winter months it is a popular meeting place for snowkiters. The services provided by Swiss Kitesurf GmbH – repair service, shop, courses and the entire infrastructure, including changing rooms and showers – offer everything a kitesurfer could wish for. The area also benefits from the fact that here the wind blows in three different directions – north-west, south- west and north-east.
Skiing with a difference Anyone who is seeking a new dimension to skiing and is interested in immersing themselves in the world of kiting can do so by attending a basic course run by Swiss Kitesurf (www.kitesailing.ch). The Kitesailing School Silvaplana has continually kept pace with the development of this trend sport and has been organising courses since 1994. It is regarded as one of the largest kitesailing schools in the world and sets great store by providing all-round top quality. With more than 500 course participants in winter and around 800 in summer, over the years the school has trained some 10,000 kiting enthusiasts.
From 27 February to 1 March 2009, proficient kiters will once again be competing in “kitestyle Lake Silvaplana”. This event, held in collaboration with the Swiss Kitesailing Association, can be compared to a sailing regatta. The 20-minute race against the clock is supplemented by an attractive fringe programme, including a party and food at the Mulets Sports Centre.
What is snowkiting? With skis or snowboard attached to their feet and a kite attached to their back, snowkiters are pulled by the wind across the frozen Lake Silvaplana. Other than with kitesurfing, they only need a light wind to get them moving, as on snow the resistance is less than on water. Snowkiting also requires less strength and energy.
Perhaps in the end it is curiosity that arouses the desire to have a go at snowkiting amidst the spectacular Engadin winter landscape. For, whether kitesurfing in summer or snowkiting in winter, once you have experienced being pulled by a huge kite over Lake Silvaplana, with one or two boards under your feet, you will soon find yourself craving for more.
Media contact for further information Engadin St. Moritz Sara Roloff Public Relations Via San Gian 30 CH - 7500 St. Moritz T +41 81 830 08 12 F +41 81 830 08 18 [email protected]
Engadin St. Moritz Via San Gian 30, CH-7500 St. Moritz Tel. +41 81 830 08 12, Fax +41 81 830 08 18 [email protected] I www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/media Engadin St. Moritz Tourism Organisation – Media Information
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The Engadin St. Moritz Tourism Organisation The mountains, the lakes, the light! No matter whether they are sportspeople, gourmets or connoisseurs, or are more intellectually inclined, there are visitors from around the world who only have one destination in mind – the Engadine in the Swiss Alps. The Engadine St. Moritz region offers a full range of sports and recreational activities and local culinary specialities in addition to a fascinating cultural heritage and a vast array of events. There is something to attract everyone to the region, whether it be St. Moritz's vibrant nightlife or the rest & recreation to be had amid its unique and unchanged natural environment. The Engadin St. Moritz Tourism Organisation has been charged with marketing the products and services offered by the whole region to defined target markets. To do this it has around 50 members of staff, including a team of experienced tourist managers.
Engadin St. Moritz Via San Gian 30, CH-7500 St. Moritz Tel. +41 81 830 08 12, Fax +41 81 830 08 18 [email protected] I www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/media