NEWS FLASH!  – Saturday February 6th  For all Hok Skiers or  Wannabe Hoks Skiers Altai Skis is having a demo and ski day at Sitzmark Ski Area, probably the smallest most retro ski area in the state. The area is close to our world headquarters in Curlew and has been a favorite for many years with its laid back atmosphere and total absence of hype. It is a ski area for locals and a great fit for a Altai Skis demo and gathering as we have a certain inclination to retro as well 🙂 Demos and activities will run from 10 AM until 3:30PM. We will have demos and lessons in Hok skiing (both up and down) and will offer discounted lift tickets for those interested in joining the Altai Skis program. Also a chance to try a Tiak and learn how to use it.  We will also have a few pairs of Kōms available to try, and lots of 3 pin boots for Hoks and/or Kōms. Lift tickets are optional.   On board will be Keith Wakefield, a long time Hokster and part of the team at Altai Skis , Nils Larsen, Altai Ski owner and cofounder, Lisa Green, Hok Maven, and special guest from the Methow Don Portman, Northwest cross country skiing guru, and recently, a dedicated Hokster. Sitzmark Ski Area Sooo….. Where is Sitzmark? From Oroville, where you would be if you came down through Osoyoos, BC. From Tonasket, if you were coming from the south on Hwy 97. From Curlew or crossing from BC at Grand Forks and also crossing at Midway. From Republic and Highway 20 (this is the very scenic route!). From Colville and traveling north on Hwy 395.   Sitzmark: Openning with a rope tow in the 1950s, Sitzmark  now has a double chairlift and a rope tow. The terrain is a mix of mostly beginner through advanced intermediate with some nice open forest. The area is very kid friendly and has rentals  of alpine gear and snowboards for kids. We will also have some Ballahoks (the kids hok ski) available As well as quite a few of the 125 Hoks. The lodge is small and cozy with a big fireplace. There is food and hot drinks available and brown bags (your own food) are welcome. We will post updates here and on our Facebook page. We hope you can make it and – BRING YOUR HOKS! We will try and do a group picture of as many Hoks in one place as possible – perhaps a Guinness record!                        

If your close by in Canada or the US come to the 6th annual Rail Trail Ski Day. Free demos of xc skis and Hoks for all ages. The location this year is different – This year the event is moved to the trail head at the N end of Curlew Lake (Kiwanis Rd) and will include the rail trail going south over the recently renovated trestle across the lake – this should make for some great views. There also will likely be a Hok route set up as there is excellent low elevation snow this year :-).   Hope you can make it!