For the 2nd year in a row, the Sitzmark Ski Area near the small community of Havillah in northeast Okanogan County will host a day of instruction and demos of Altai Skis ski/snowshoe hybrid Hoks and other Altai snow-sliding gear. Dubbed the Hok Festival, the free event on Saturday, January 28 includes activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with optional discount lift tickets available for participants who want to ride the lift.
The Hok combines the maneuverability and ease of use found in snowshoes with a ski’s efficiency of sliding over snow and down hills. Hok’s uphill climbing power come from a climbing skin built into the base of the ski and a lightweight design. The Hok Festival will include instruction on how to go up and downhill on a pair of Hoks and how to use a Tiak, which is a single pole that is used in the Altai region of China with the traditional skis that the Hok design was borrowed from. Koms, Altai Skis light backcountry touring ski with a positive-grip, no-wax base, will also be available for demo.
All ages and abilities are welcome at this free event. For more information, visit http://altaiskis.com/blog-2/or call Altai Skis at their Curlew, Wash. headquarters at 509-779-0030. //
