2020 16th Annual Mille Lacs Kite Crossing

2020 16th Annual Mille Lacs Kite Crossing

Friday Feb 28th – Sunday March 1 – Garrison, Minnesota

Test your endurance and race across a frozen lake in the heart of Minnesota

Since 2005, the Mille Lacs Kite Crossing has been the premier snowkite competition event in North America, showcasing the best athletic talent in top kiters from over 13 countries and the US and Canada. The event is a three-day festival atmosphere of freestyle, short races, exhibitions, lessons, and the main event: a race across Lake Mille Lacs and back—approximately 28 Miles!

Overview

The Mille Lacs Kite Crossing is designed as an endurance race for all.  Each year we have new racers and veterans alike take to the course.  Each year the weather throws new conditions at the riders, from knee deep powder to a slushy speedway.  We hope you can join us and the community of riders from all over, for a weekend of riding, racing, and enjoying the wind. 

Registration

CLICK HERE for Online Registration.

Important Event Documents:

There are significant cost savings to registering early.
NO REGISTRATIONS will be accepted after friday Feb 28th at Midnight.

Categories:
Pro-Am Class* (see below)
Men’s Open Class Ski
Women’s Open Class Ski
Junior’s (18 and under) Open Class Ski
Men’s Open Class Snowboard,
Women’s Open Class Snowboard
Junior’s (18 and under) Open Class Snowboard,

*Pro-Am; Have you put the extra time and effort into practice, gear selection and preparation for the Race? Want to put yourself and that gear to the test? This category is for you. 
Racers who self-select into this new category for 2020, the most competitive class, will have a shot at the $100 first place purse, and bragging rights of course.

Fees (US Funds)

Early Bird Registration: Before  midnight Feb 1, 2020 $50.00 Racers (under 18yrs $25), Non-Racer Guest $30.00

Standard Registration: Before  midnight Feb 16, 2020  $60.00 Racers (under 18yrs $35), Non-Racer Guest $40.00

Late Registration:  Before  midnight Feb 26, 2020  $75.00 Racers (under 18yrs $50), Non-Racer Guest $50.00

Procrastinator’s Registration: In person on Friday until midnight Feb 28th, 2020  $100.00 Racers (under 18yrs $75), Non-Racer Guest $60.00

Note: Due to preparation for the dinner on Saturday evening, a LIMITED number of on-site registrations will be available on Friday 28th at the check-in at Harbor Inn. Registrations on Friday night are not guaranteed shirt size availability.

Registration includes a swag bag, the Friday night welcome party, on-the-ice activities, the big race, insured riding over the weekend, Saturday night rider party with drink tokens and banquet, and a commemorative T-shirt. Non Racer Guests receive all the above with the exception of the big race.

Event Schedule

Friday 2/28
ALL DAY: Freeride Sessions & socializing (weather/wind permitting)
Check out the conditions, test your wax, check out your competitors

7:00-10:00pm: Welcome Party@ Harbor Inn Sports Bar in Garrison
Check in for registration, sign waiver, receive your timing chip, t-shirt, banquet tickets and swag bag.

Saturday 2/29
10:00am Racers meeting (required for all Racers).  Location:  Adjacent to the Slingshot Tent on the ice.

11:00-2:00 Window – Kite Crossing of Mille Lacs *
24+ mile endurance race (Racer Registration Required)

1:00 – 2:00 Slingshot and Dynamik Kiteboarding Pizza on the Ice 

1:00 – 5:00 Window – SwitchBlade Snowzone Freestyle event *
(Event registration, racer or non racer, required)

1:00 -5:00 Window –  Lakawa Snowkite Racing *
(Event registration, racer or non racer, required)

7:00pm Banquet and Award Ceremony @ Harbor Inn Sports Bar in Garrison

Sunday 3/1 
Backup Race and Event Day
If conditions don’t support racing and other events on Saturday, one or more may be moved to Sunday.  

10:00am TBD Racers meeting (required for all Racers).  

11:00-2:00 TBD Kite Crossing of Mille Lacs *   

1:00 – 4:00 TBD SwitchBlade Snowzone Freestyle event *

1:00 -4:00. TBD Lakawa Snowkite Racing *

4:00 Award Ceremony (Location announced at Racer’s meeting) if racing occurs on Sunday.

ALL DAY: Freeride Sessions

*actual timing and date to be determined Saturday morning 2/29 based on the forecast for the weekend.  We will do our best to minimize overlap of the activities.

Kiteskiing on Mille Lacs

Race

Format: Conditions permitting, the race will be a long-distance, kite race. “Typically, it is a race across the lake and back, varying from 16-28 miles.”

Each racer is individually chipped timed.  Racers must pass over the start line within a 20 minute start window.  All categories of riders complete the race together.

The Race Committee will determine the course based upon the conditions of the day. Details of the race will be provided at the 9 AM Racer’s meeting. If you intend to race, it is mandatory that you attend the Racer’s meeting the morning of the race.

Snowmobile support will be provided along the course. Helmets are mandatory.

Race rules will be provided at registration, reviewed in detail at the Racer’s Meeting, and will be monitored.

New for 2020

This year will have a free text blasting service to update racers and guests during the event weekend about meeting locations, race and mini event starts, delays and other important announcements. Text the keyword KITEXING to +1 [833] 419-0634 (Toll Free) to opt-in to this free service. Click here for Terms and Privacy Policy. We estimate you may receive around 15 texts during the weekend event, subject to additional texts if the race gets rescheduled to Sunday or other delays present themselves. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to end or HELP for help. 
Please refrain from texting questions to this service.

General Freeride Sessions

The entire weekend is full of freeride sessions.  The big lake, with occasional massive drifts and ice heaves, and snow as far as the eye can see, creates some great freeriding. 

Other Activities

Conditions permitting, we and our sponsors will offer one or more of the following:

  • Gear Demos (run by our kite sponsors onsite)
  • Tandem Races
  • Instructional clinics
  • Switchblade Snowzone Freestyle Competition
  • Lakawa Snowkite Racing
  • Lessons (through our sponsoring schools)

Venue

The event venue is in Garrison Bay just out from Garrison, Minnesota. Garrison is a fairly small town right on Lake Mille Lacs.  It is located approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes north of Minneapolis/St Paul. 

An ice road, accessible for most vehicles, will take you out to the event site out on the ice. The entrance is located just north of town, look for the Kite Crossing Banner.

If you feel your vehicle cannot take you onto the ice, parking will be available on the road. A friendly rider may assist you with a ride out onto the ice. Please park in the designated areas for the safety of the riders.

Accommodations

Accommodations in Garrison range from a few hotels to Airbnb or VRBO. 

Many of the riders stay at the Garrison Inn, which does provide a discount to riders if you let them know when you make your reservation.  Book early as it typically fills up fast.

Lodging in Garrison

Kiteboarder getting some air at the 2016 Kite Crossing

Volunteers

Are you a kiter not planning to race, the friend or loved one of a racer, or just a fan of kiting and want hang out with some cool people? WE NEED YOUR HELP! The Crossing is organized and run by volunteers and we need more volunteers during the race weekend to make it all happen! Work as little as an hour and will give you something special back in return or if you can work a few hours, the banquet dinner and more is on us! In addition to people who will greet and direct, do set ups and tear downs, help at the Start/Finish, WE ALSO REALLY NEED SEVERAL VOLUNTEERS WITH SNOWMOBILES TO HELP ON THE RACE COURSE. Willing to help? CONTACT US

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

FAQs

Can I just come up and ride at the event?

Yes please join us.  We realize the race isn’t for everyone.  The weekend is full of free riding, clinics, mini competitions, gear demos and more.  We have Non Racer Registration fee that is significantly less. 

Do I have to pay the full registration if I just want to race and go home?

Yes. 

If I come up Saturday morning how do I register?

If you plan to come up Saturday only, register prior to the 26th online, you’ll be able to pick up your registration materials on Saturday morning.   

If I can’t complete the race, how do I get back to the venue site?

We have support snowmobiles all along the race course.  If you are unable to complete the race , they will assist you in returning to the start/finish.

First Timers

What to bring – Kite quiver, pump, warm clothes including a second set of dry clothes, Skis or snowboard, harness, helmet, snow jacket and pants, boots, socks, goggles, gloves (w/ in-liners because no one wants to ride with cold fingers), warmth packs, cell phone

Note that the crossing event is dependent 100% on the mother nature: Wind – cold – slush – snow – ice, are all part of the game, please adjust your expectations and bring extra gear as the weather demands.

What to expect – Great vibes and fun on the lake. Vehicles will be parked on the frozen lake, but the road to the will be plowed and accessible for car traffic. Still use common sense and be on the look out. The race organization is not responsible for the stuck vehicles.

How long does the race take – Depending on the wind and race committee decision, expect 2-3 hours of racing during mid-day Saturday and/or Sunday. There will be snowmobiles on the ride which can assist any racers at their own discretion.

What happens after – There is a banquet on Saturday where the awards will be given along with dinner and some free swag.

Few other tips:

  • Check and converse with other riders, ask questions about the size of the kite they are planning to use, perhaps even wax. Note that having big kites does not always mean that you go fast, but may not go upwind fast enough.
  • Secure your spot on the ice, make sure you and your kite are not blocking other riders. Respect gets respect.
  • Understand and ride the race course and follow the advice of the race volunteers. Be safe and have FUN!

For sponsorship or Press Inquiries, call 952-594-5395