I do not provide skis, snowboards or boots for students, so you need to bring your own or rent some (I recommend Paragon Sports). Big down hill skies work great in most conditions. If you have extensive experience on telemark or backcountry bindings bring backcountry or telemark skis. If you have a snowboard only, bring it (you might consider renting skis for a day or two just to get started). You should bring the widest skis or largest snowboard you have in case the snow is light power or breakable crust. When the surface is smooth and hard any equipment that works on groomed runs works great.

How to dress for snowkiting.
You should dress for activity rather than sitting on a cold windy chairlift. Beginner snowkiters tend to overheat as they recover from crashes. Floundering in the snow trying to get right side up after a crash, is similar to struggling out of a tree well after crashing when skiing or snowboarding deep power. If your clothing does not allow good ventilation when needed you will sweat and get wet. This leads to fogged up glasses or goggles and after getting damp you will get cold. If you dress the way you would to cross country ski, jog, or shovel snow you will stay dry and warm. Layered clothing can help you adjust to differing conditions but ventilation is the key. The sun and wind are intense and you will need protection for your face and eyes. You should bring sunscreen and both sun glasses and goggles. Gloves that allow some dexterity are needed (leather work gloves are excellent for warmer days). An extra heavy coat is handy to have along to stay warm before and after the lesson.


How to get to Lizard Head Pass
Lizard Head Pass is on Colorado Highway 145 about 15 miles southwest of Telluride and about 10 miles north of Rico.

To get to Lizard Head Pass from Telluride (20 minutes drive time) take Highway 145 to the south from Telluride and go up 15 miles to Lizard Head Pass.

To get to Lizard Head Pass from Durango (1.75 hours drive time) head west on Colorado 160 in to Mancos and turn right on Colorado 184. Turn right on Colorado 145 and pass through Dolores, continue up the road about 45 miles through Rico and you will find Lizard Head Pass.

To get to Lizard Head Pass from Cortez (1.2 hours drive time) take 145 north about 60 miles through Dolores and Rico directly to Lizard Head Pass.

To get to Lizard Head Pass from Montrose (1.5 hours drive time) go south on 550 to Ridgway, then turn right on to Highway 62 and go to Placerville, then turn left onto 145 toward Telluride. Just outside Telluride, Highway 145 turns right and goes up to Lizard Head Pass (15 miles from Telluride)

Note drive times assume dry roads; expect a 50% increase in drive times in gnarly conditions.