Archive / 2023

20231212-P1100716

Altai Skis Adjustable Ski Poles

We just go our new ski poles in. We have been working on these for the last year as many of our users still prefer to use two poles rather then our single poles (Tiaks) for skiing the Hoks. Our view is that two poles work great for cruising around on low angle terrain and for those coming from the snowshoe world. If you are a dedicated skier and look at (or for!) hills as something to go down – we recommend the single pole for the Hoks. For more on this check out this article – Tiaks We have worked with a Finnish supplier who has several poles he has developed. This one is a 2 piece (our preference) with an adjustment length to 150cm. The poles are manufactured in China. Specs on the poles are as follows: 7000 series aluminum. Adjustable to 150cm. Two sets of baskets(one powder basket and one a standard snowflake). Rubber boots for summer walking use. Cam locks for the length adjustment. Cork grips with foam extension for sidehill hand adjustment. Cost is $79.95 New Poles ! These are adjustable to 150 cm

The BC side view

New Boots! Three models of 75mm (3pin) boots from Alico.

                                          Altai Skis Alico Boots, the Mountain, BC, and Tour. We have been having a hard time finding a good selection of 3pin boots over the last few years so last year (after some testing) we brought in some Alico boots for a trial run. The boots did well and the quality was excellent. Alico is an old Italian boot company and had worked with Karhu Skis years ago as well as built a lot of nice leather telemark boots back in the day. They are located in the northern part of Italy (just south of the Dolomites) and are part of the traditional boot making culture that has existed there for generations. This year we have brought in 3 models tailored to what we think works best for our skis. The three models we are stocking are the Mountain, the BC, and the Tour. There is a lot more information on the web page – New Alico Boots The BC is the best all-around for the Hoks really good support and a great mix of tourability and downhill control. The Tour is a great entry level boot for the Hoks – sturdy, great touring and great for general use. The Mountain is for skiers with more a downhill skiing focus. Taller and stiffer then the BC and with an added ankle strap for more support, it will still tour well and get you where you want to go. Go to New Alico Boots

Making a fresh trail on Boulder

Altai Skis Backcountry Ski and Hok Festival 2023

Saturday February 18th from 10AM to 3PM on Boulder Pass Altai Skis Backcountry Ski and Hok Festival 2023 Events and Activities Saturday, February 18th from 10am to 3pm – Demos of Altai Skis Hoks with universal pivot bindings (will fit any flexible soled shoe) as well as Hoks with 3 pin bindings, some 3 pin boots available. Demos also on the Altai Kom ski with 3 pin and 3 pin cable binding – Bring your own skis or snowshoes as demos are generally not available to use for the whole day. There will be clinics, tips, and tours throughout the day. – Learn how to better use the Hoks, both uphill and downhill. – Learn the many uses of the Tiak (single pole) – There will be some short Tours of the area for all levels of skiers. – Bring your own food for the day, there will be some fire pits going in the main area to the north of the pass. – There will be a raffle drawing for al those attending so make sure you sign up when you get there  All ages and abilities are welcome Boulder Pass is a Washington State Sno-Park so a Sno-Park pass is required to park at the pass. We will have discounted day passes as well as season passes available there for all who sign up. LLooknig north from Hok Mt Deep in the burned forest Looking west Tracks through Boulder Pass area xzcx Sentinel Summit Kick turn up the hill Fun! Climbing to Sentinel Heading down MORE INFORMATION Boulder Pass had a very intense fire come through in 2015, burning especially hot around the pass area. Most all of the trees were killed in the areas we ski. As sad as this was it has made for incredible skiing, with most of the small wood and slash consumed in the fire. This has created a landscape where one can ski pretty much anywhere, particularly after a snow base has formed.  The terrain at the pass offers everything from flat roads and groomed trails to fairly steep and adventurous backcountry lines. The verticals around the pass are not too big – 300-500 vertical feet mostly – ideal for the no transition up and down ability of the Hoks. There is no avalanche hazard to speak of in the Boulder Pass area as well.  It would be hard to design a more ideal area for all levels of Hok skiing. The terrain is made for exploring with lots of ups and downs but nothing to big or difficult. The views are excellent and skiing is mostly through open skiable forest (mostly burned). Lots of animal tracks in the winter too, moose, deer, rabbits, ermine, marten, coyotes, and the occasional lynx or bobcat. Best of all, if you like solitude its easy to pick a direction and not see another track all day. Activities Boulder Pass is a rustic site with no indoor amenities. There are two outhouses and we will have some pop up tents for boots and equipment. There will be a large campfire as well.  Camping on site is permitted, expect winter camping conditions. Places to stay in the region. Lodging in Curlew/Republic AirBNB Ferry County Colville and Kettle Falls  Grand Forks, BC (closest good sized town!) There are place available on AirBNB and VRBO as well. Curlew is pretty much a one horse town. There is a drive in restaurant – Tugboats. There is a recently upgraded bar downtown – The Curlew Saloon – that serves burgers (bison burgers!)and a good simple menu. Other amenities include a library, card lock (takes credit cards) gas station, post office, and some nice old buildings ( the Ansorge Hotel is especially nice). The store (downtown) is now open again until 6 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays. Republic is the county seat (Ferry County) and has several restaurants (good pizza)and an excellent Brew Pub . There is also a good food store (Andersons), and a Coop.  Grand Forks, BC is the closest town with full amenities to Curlew and Boulder Pass. It’s a larger town (4000+) and has quite a few good restaurants as well as a number of motels. Remember if you are crossing the border that you need a passport or and enhanced drivers license. The border crossing between Curlew and Grand Forks is open from 8am to 8pm. It is about a 15 minute drive between Curlew and GF. Kettle Falls and Colville are both reasonably close to the pass (less then an hour)and have a variety of restaurants and hotels. Great coffee in Kettle Falls at Crandalls  Travel Routes to get here. Main routes from the west (Seattle, etc) are up Hwy 97 to Tonasket then Hwy 20 east.  From the east (Spokane, etc) travel northwest on Hwy 395 all the way to Boulder Creek Rd. From Canada travel to crossings: from the west- Osoyoos (24 hours), Midway (9am-5pm), Grand Forks (8am-8pm). From the east Laurie (8am-12am).  Curlew to Boulder Pass – 15 minutes  Colville to Boulder Pass – 50-55 Minutes Kettle Falls to Boulder Pass – 40-45 Minutes  Republic to Boulder Pass -35-40 minutes  Wenatchee to Boulder Pass – 3.5 hours  Orville to Boulder Pass – 1 hour 35 minutes Spokane to Boulder Pass – 2 hours and 20-30 minutes  Grand Forks BC to Boulder Pass – 35 minutes – Border is open 8 AM to 8PM, you need a passport or an enhanced drivers license.  Other places to check out for skiing (Sherman Pass ).  The 18th is the Saturday of Presidents Day weekend so anyone coming from out of the area should check out the area for other skiing opportunities. Sherman Pass is the highest all season pass in the state at 5575 ft. The pass is on Hwy 20 and sits between Republic and Kettle Falls. There is excellent backcountry skiing for intermediate to advanced. Much of the area is forested, but there are some areas that have potential avalanche hazard. For those unfamiliar with the area there is an excellent Sherman Peak loop trail (6 miles) to the south and to the north a trail