Back on the Powder: IKA Snowkite World Cup Heads to Alto Sangro

The International Kiteboarding Association is bringing world-class snowkite competition back to the global spotlight. Partnering with local organizer Snowkite Roccaraso School, the class has officially locked in the 2027 IKA Snowkite World Cup, taking over the high-altitude terrain of Alto Sangro from 18 to 21 February 2027.

Marking a major return to the Italian Apennines for the first time since 2022, the four-day event trades open water for alpine powder, bringing together the world’s top snowkite athletes and open-fleet contenders for high-stakes racing in one of Europe’s premier winter sports arenas.

Where Regatta Strategy Meets Mountain TerrainFusing the tactical intensity of traditional sailing regattas with the speed of skiing and snowboarding, snowkiting delivers a unique hybrid challenge.

Racers will compete on a buoy-marked course reconfigured daily to match the mountain’s shifting wind and snow conditions. Sweeping across vast plateaux at 1,300 to 2,300 meters elevation, the fleet will navigate technical climbs, high-speed descents, and tight mark-roundings where mountain weather dictates every move.

2027 IKA Snowkite World Cup. Photo Supplied by: The International Kiteboarding Association

Alto Sangro: A Classic Proving Ground

Set in Italy’s Abruzzo region, the Alto Sangro network near Roccaraso is legendary among snowkiters. Boasting massive exposed plateaux, reliable winter breezes, and direct ski-lift access into the racing arenas, it offers the ultimate natural stadium for wind-powered mountain racing.

This World Cup marks a major milestone in establishing a permanent international hub for the discipline, establishing Alto Sangro’s status as the ultimate winter home for competitive snowkiting.

Event Details

Dates: 18 – 21 February 2027

Location: Alto Sangro I Abruzzo, Italy

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