SportsParadise

SportsParadise is a snowkiting school in the Upper Engadine, run by Sports Paradise GmbH, which is registered in Pontresina. Students meet at the school, Via Chantunela 1 in Silvaplana (Surlej), and the information desk is open daily at the Hotel Steffani in St. Moritz. Depending on the wind direction, lessons take place on Lake Silvaplana, which usually freezes around mid-January and then offers a wide open area, on the Bernina Pass near Lej Nair (Lago Nero), or in Sils on the snow-covered meadows by the Furtschellas cable car. The same team also runs kitesurfing and water sports bases in Italy (Dervio on Lake Como, Bari Sardo in Sardinia) and a ski school in St. Moritz.

Beginner lessons last three hours, in groups of up to four students, with kite and harness provided: they start with theory, equipment and safety, then kite-flying exercises without skis, before moving on to skis or a snowboard. The school says it follows the VDWS teaching method and teaches in English, German or Italian. The offer also includes private lessons, a package for kitesurfers who can already ride upwind (half an hour of introduction, then equipment for the day), guided freeride sessions on the Bernina Pass for independent snowkiters, and snow wing lessons, using a hand-held wing on skis or a snowboard, run in collaboration with the Silvaplana windsurfing school.

The school rents out snowkites and harnesses (Flysurfer, Peter Lynn, GIN and HQ kites), wings, skis and snowboards, ice skates and snowshoes. Participants bring their own skis or snowboard, a helmet (compulsory) and ski clothing, and must have liability insurance. If the wind cuts a lesson short, the lost hours are given back as a voucher. Children's activities and fitness sessions round off the winter programme.

Snowkiting season: December to mid-April. Lessons start every day at 10 am or at an agreed time, depending on the wind and weather forecast; the school tells students which spot to go to by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Meeting point at the school, Via Chantunela 1 in Silvaplana, or at the Lej Nair car park on the Bernina Pass for lessons on that spot. Parking at the school costs CHF 5 a day and must be booked.

Information desk open daily at the Hotel Steffani in St. Moritz. Phone and WhatsApp: +41 78 975 88 05; Italian number: +39 333 175 9628.