Anyone using Atlai Hoks CC skis?

[stevep1954]

i have a pair ordered and was wondering what users think of them?

 

[CoHiCntry]

Just got mine in the mail the other day. Getting a lot of snow now, won't be off for a couple days... I'll let you know once I try them out!

 

[VernAK]

Please keep us tuned in......I'm getting old but still have use for something on that order.....bindings are my next question.

 

[mtwarden]

I'm on my third season of use- they blow away traditional x-country setups in steeper and rougher terrain; they climb well save very steep and icy conditions- I've talked to them about making a removable crampon setup, but nothing yet

I've found that headed up drainages times are roughly equal to snowshoeing (maybe a little quicker), but descending they are much quicker

I think if you were a downhill skier (I'm not) you would catch on quicker on the downhill stuff- I still take some spills on the downhills. One that has helped in that area is using a traditional tiak- a single long wooden pole (in lieu of a pair of trekking poles)- I use it like a rudder to help turn, but can also auger it in to slow my descent

they do completely replace snowshoes (very rugged country you'll want shoes), but a very effective way to cover country in the winter

 

[VernAK]

Some place I have that video of the Russian trapper making his own wide skis and using them rather than snowshoes....can't remember the name of it.......will post when I find it.

 

[hodgeman]

Some place I have that video of the Russian trapper making his own wide skis and using them rather than snowshoes....can't remember the name of it.......will post when I find it.

That's a segment out of "Happy People: A Year in the Taiga" by Werner Herzog.

 

[mtwarden]

^ yup- great documentary!

picture of the tiak

 

[VernAK]

That's the video...interesting!

mtwarden.....tell me about your bindings.

Thanks

 

[mtwarden]

I'm using their universal bindings- can use any boot with this setup; if you're an accomplished skier already- you might be better off with going with a 3 pin setup- you can get stiffer telemark boots and also the ability to lock the heel in

I bought the 125's and liked them right off the bat, found a really good deal on a pair of used 145's and bought those- if I'm going with my wife I use the 145's and she the 125's- if I'm by myself I'll use either depending on the snow- powder the 145's give me more flotation

 

[VernAK]

Thanks for the info!