Bridging the Gap: A Comprehensive Review of the Altai Hok Ski with Universal Binding
Inspired by Tradition, Refined for Modern Exploration
Deep in the Altai Mountains of North Asia, skis remain a vital tool for traversing challenging landscapes and navigating deep snow. With this heritage in mind, the founders of Altai Skis created the Hok ($398 for the Universal Binding Package), a modern hybrid that combines the capabilities of snowshoes with the glide of skis, giving birth to a new category: skishoeing. This innovative approach offers outdoor enthusiasts a versatile and efficient way to explore the winter backcountry.
First Impressions & Design
Upon unboxing the Hok Skis, the minimalist design and robust construction immediately inspire confidence. The short length (125 cm) and wide platform are all about stability, ideal for venturing off-piste, while the lack of intricate bindings highlights the user-friendliness of the universal binding system.
Beyond first glance, the Hok reveals thoughtful design elements
Integrated Climbing Skin: A synthetic climbing skin seamlessly integrated into the base provides exceptional uphill grip, eliminating the need for additional skins and simplifying backcountry travel.
Steel Edges & Lightweight Construction: Durable steel edges offer confidence on uneven terrain, while the lightweight cap construction and paulownia wood core ensure effortless maneuverability.
Sustainable Materials & Cultural Significance: The sustainably sourced paulownia wood core and incorporation of organic natural fibers demonstrate the Hok's commitment to minimizing environmental impact. The name "Hok," meaning "ski" in the Tuwa language and pronounced like the English “hawk”, pays homage to skilled skiers of the Altai Mountains, where the inspiration for skishoeing originated.
Performance in the Backcountry
My testing journey through diverse winter landscapes showcased the Hok's exceptional capabilities. The wide platform offered unmatched flotation in deeper powder (best in 6” or deeper), while the base and integrated climbing skin provided superior grip on steep inclines, even surpassing the limitations of traditional snowshoes.
The shorter length and wider stance enabled good maneuverability in tight spaces and dense woods, outperforming lengthy touring skis in these situations. Although the glide couldn’t match dedicated touring skis on groomed trails, the Hok delivered a smooth and enjoyable experience on flat terrain and packed snow.
Universal Binding & Diverse Options
The highlight remains the universal binding, compatible with a wide range of footwear, eliminating the need for specialized ski boots. The simple toe and heel straps allow for effortless strapping in and out, even with gloves on. I used my La Sportiva Blizzard GTX and my only complaint was about the placement of the BOA dial on my shoe overlapped with the ankle portion of the binding. Notwithstanding, the shoe fit well after adjusting the binding to fit and I felt confident on both steep uphills and downhills. I don’t think every shoe is going to work, so I would opt for a waterproof shoe with a little stiffness.
For those looking for a more traditional setup, the Hok includes inserts for 75mm 3pin bindings. Additionally, an adapter plate available separately offers compatibility with Rottefella NNN BC and Solomon BC bindings, further enhancing the ski's versatility for various skiing styles.
Comparisons & Final Verdict
The Hok occupies a unique niche between snowshoes and touring skis. Compared to Snowshoes, it offers superior maneuverability, glide, and grip on inclines. While both have limitations on icy surfaces, the Hok's design provides greater control.
When compared to touring skis, the Hok excels in off-piste exploration and deeper snow travel, providing superior stability and ease-of-use for beginners. The lack of specialized footwear requirements and diverse binding options make it a more accessible and affordable choice. However, touring skis outshine the Hok on groomed trails and in downhill skiing scenarios.
Ultimately, the Altai Hok Ski with Universal Binding redefines winter exploration. Its exceptional performance in deep snow, ease-of-use, and compatibility with various footwear make it an ideal choice for off-piste adventures, casual outings, and backcountry expeditions. The thoughtful design elements, commitment to sustainability, and diverse binding options further solidify its appeal among outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels.
While not intended for high-speed downhill skiing or racing, the Hok opens doors to a new realm of winter experiences, offering a unique blend of control, efficiency, and adaptability for exploring the untracked landscapes beyond the groomed trails.