Crust Ski skate ski boundary waters northern minnesota

Unique Ski Experiences You Can’t Miss

There are many options for skiing beyond basic alpine and cross country.  Groomed trails are great but so are frozen rivers, powder covered ridges, and crust covered lakes. Check out these three twists to traditional alpine and nordic skiing.

backcountry Hok Ski on Northshore Minnesota

1. Backcountry Hok Skiing:

Break trail and go your own way with the Altai Hok Ski.  Cruise the woods, bomb the hills or take to the frozen rivers. With a partial climbing skin integrated into the base, the ski climbs with ease. The skin also makes the ski slower and easier to control than traditional skis. The ski’s shorter, wider design make it incredibly maneuverable, ideal for any ungroomed terrain.  This is truly an all-purpose backcountry tool. This skis requires no groomed areas, no lifts, no tickets. Stop in the shop to try and pair or buy your own before the winter is over.

Skijoring with the dog skiing bwca Northshore Minnesota

2. Skijoring:

Do you want to get outside with your furry friend.  You both can get a high speed work out with this exciting ski sport. Skijoring is a sport in which a dog (or dogs) assist a cross-country skier. One to three dogs are commonly used. The cross-country skier provides power with skis and poles, and the dog adds additional power by running and pulling. The skier wears a skijoring harness, the dog wears a sled dog harness, and the two are connected by a length of rope. There are no reins or other signaling devices to control the dog. Your dog will be a great fit if motivated by its own desire to run, and will learn to respond to the your voice for direction. We have a whole line of gear to get you and your pup into this winter sport.

Crust Ski skate ski boundary waters northern minnesota

3. Crust Skiing:

Late winter’s freeze/ thaw cycle creates the conditions for this high speed skate skier’s dream. The deep snow on our lakes are thawing during the day and refreezing over night.  The result is a slick crust with minimal resistance that maximizes a skate skier’s glide.  Take to the closest frozen lake and fly like the wind.

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