SE Minnesota unconventional Ski build..? HOk + Xplore

[consular_ship]

I'm in SE Minnesota.. Winters here are hit and miss, and snow conditions vary greatly.. When we get snow, and keep snow, I want to take advantage! Most of my usage will be exploring State and County Land, and hopefully learning a little bit of telemark on my own, when i find clear areas to play..

I was luck enough to have a shop close by who rented a HOK 125 with universal bindings, and loved the unique freedom to explore the local woods vs exploring with snow shoes.
I quickly recognized that the universal binding, and my winter boots, are not enough for what I want to do.

I want to find a 'performance' dedicated boot/binding.
I also want a longer ski, so i can have a little bit more of a Ski feeling for downhill and traversing sections, with out sacrificing too much on my ability to climb.
We have Smaller hills around here.. I have no interest in Skins at the time being.

As of now I'm narrowing down my research and gut feelings to the build of:
Altai Hok 145 + Xplore Binding + XP Alaska
I am aware that the bindings won't fit the pre-taped mounting holes in the skis. =( (i have friends who can help)
https://us-store.altaiskis.com/product/ ... lank-skis/

I haven't seen too much mention online with people using this binding with a wider skis and i do have a concern that the wide ski could introduce more torque on the xplore binding, beyond what it should be able to contain...
Any thoughts on this?

I reached out to Altai for their impression of the Xplore. They tried the xplore, but went back to preferring and recommending the 3pin setup.. beyond their Universal Binding
( I do appreciate their customer feedback and attention to my questions, but I do take their personal experience with a grain of salt. )

I only have 3pin experience with Older x-country skis which were my parents.. I never liked those things. Yeah they were older shoes... but still.. the duck bill thing was annoying imo.

The NNN-BC bindings... Yuck as well.. I use to have traditional x-country skis with those bindings.. hated the little Pin contact point.

I really like the concept of the Xplore pivot point and the wider points of contact. I do agree.. the Boot goes a LONG way with the reality of your experience.

A lot of my trail braking will be kick and glide through dense woods. so i'm fairly confident with the Alpina XP Alaska boot choice.
I have three boots coming to my house (size 43-45), so i can pick the boot that fits the best, and return two..

from the little i understand on a true 'back country' telemark binding and boot, that would be way overkill for what i want.

Any general Thoughts?

On a side note, I intend to make a Taik Pole, but also have ski poles as an option as well..

Also, Thanks to TomM for all his Youtube reviews on this newer xplore system! Those Vids have helped a Lot!!

Respectfully, & with excitement for more snow!
Joshy Josh

Yo, yo JoshyJosh! You got any secret glades down in the beautiful Minnesota bluff country you wanna share with this vertically starved fellow Minnesotan? Help a bro out !

I’m in SW Wisco, so somewhat similar terrain. Check out any public land that’s classified as a goat prairie or oak savanna that was control burned recently. Most conservation groups post their activity on social media so you’ll know when it’s been cleaned up. The western side of the Baraboo Range and northern Military Ridge/Oococh Mountains have some great spots too if you find yourself on the other side of the mighty Mississippi.

OP: go with or t4s as others have suggested with 3 pin hardwires or switchbacks, and some fat, metal-edged fish scales like sbounds, panoramas, or ultravector bc

[a-wet-sock]

That's an excellent notion! To tour this region would be awesome..

Once I can build my comfortability more, I'll keep this in mind =)

[mca80]

That's an excellent notion! To tour this region would be awesome..

Once I can build my comfortability more, I'll keep this in mind =)

I'm guessing snow conditions are non-existent there this season.

[Krummholz]

Hi @a-wet-sock

Did you ever decide on a ski / boot combination?

[a-wet-sock]

Thank you peoples of 'Telemark Talk' for your input into this! Yes, It did give me enough confidence to continue with my build.

Hok 145 + Rottefella Xplore + Alpina xp Alaska (used) + Leki Telescoping Poles.
I haven't added it up yet..

I was able to help mount the bindings at a local ski shop this last weekend. *Shout out to Tyrol Ski and Sport located in Rochester, Mn.*

We Couldn't find the exact headed screws in his stock for these bindings to go into the pre-treaded inserts in the skis.. I went to the HW store and picked up stainless screws close to our final fit... Ground them down with the bench grinder and cordless drill . Custom screws...

We were around 38 degrees that day, but with sunlight left, took them out to a nearby county park...
2 hours later, I ran it through similar route as i did with the smaller Hoks.

It was VERY enjoyable. With the wide range of snow that we get here... i think these will be very fun right out the back door in the rolling farm fields..

As a work from home person now...
The ability to get out when conditions are right.. and get back to work in an 'hour or so' .............. PRICELESS.

More testing to perform. We get 4-8 inches of snow Wed into Thursday.

Even though I'm odd to the true Telemark style.. I hope you can accept me into the mix as the explorer of the uncommon. =)

I Want to give a better review of my experience in a few weeks.

Thank You.