Altai Hok skis

PowderPanda

Staff member
No.. never met anyone using them either. That said, I think they are primarily alternative to snow shoes.
 

idsnowghost

Staff member
I see people using them all the time at the conservation areas when we have snow in town. Seem like the perfect tool for that type of skiing. Maybe take them up Canfield?

You just missed the Hok Fest up at Boulder Pass near Kettle Falls a couple weekends back.
 
Much better option than snowshoes, I'd say, except on a really solid crust. I've got a couple friends with them. One can make a pretty decent tele turns with them and the other doesn't ski at all, which makes for great comedy when he's heading downhill.
 
Anyone have any experience with Altai Hok skis?
I use the Hok’s from time to time. I was very skeptical at first because they are a serious compromise, however they have their place. I will use them if there is not enough snow from where you start your hike/ ski. They are also a great gateway tool to get your friends out of snowshoes and in to skies. Bill
 
Anyone have any experience with Altai Hok skis?
I have had the 145 cm Hoks for two years and use them for backcountry and resort fitness laps.

I ski them with the Scarpa T4 boot and Voile 3-pin binding (no cables). I use a tiak pole for downhills and adjustable poles for touring.

There was definitely a learning curve coming from alpine skiing to short ski/free heel/single pole skiing, but after a few laps of flailing, I confidently shred them in a variety of conditions. The Hoks excel in powder, planing really well with their pronounced upturned tip (also very good at breaking trail). I absolutely love the built in skin that allows for transition free skiing on rolling terrain and don't mind it slowing me down a little when going downhill.
 
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Thanks for the info. I'm also transitioning from alpine and have learned they are pretty challenging to use on groomers. Any tips on good beginner side country terrain?
 
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