Hoks in the whites (NH)

[Rickg707]

Hi folks,

I would love to hear from people out there who have hoks and use them in white mountains. I'm curious to know what trails you use them on. I'm looking for some good spots with enough steepness to get some momentum for turns and hopefully not too much flats to get there, since there's minimal kick and glide with them.
thanks all.

[AdamA]

Hey - something I have experience in!

If you want to try with a tiak, it is super fun when there is fresh snow. If you want to try without one, leave them at home.

[Rickg707]

Hey - something I have experience in!

If you want to try with a tiak, it is super fun when there is fresh snow. If you want to try without one, leave them at home.

thanks for your reply. not fun without a tiak? I've seen videos, but don't understand how different it would be, except for leaning back a little. does the ski somehow not perform well without it? and what about going up with tiak? , seems would be awkward. lastly, where in new england do you use them? thanks again.

[AdamA]

Hey,

Probably should have clarified - if you are skiing on trail for most mountains in the Whites, it is super important (IMO). It provides a balance point and speed control that is essential for those skinny and steep New England trails.

Last week I skied Avalon by Crawford notch. Super fun, but wouldn't want to do it without that tiak. Going up is no problem. I use it like a staff and look like a knockoff gandalf.

If you are serious about getting a pair, I would consider selling you mine. I like them, but won't use them enough to warrant. I've got them rigged with 3 pins.

[Rickg707]

Hey,

Probably should have clarified - if you are skiing on trail for most mountains in the Whites, it is super important (IMO). It provides a balance point and speed control that is essential for those skinny and steep New England trails.

Last week I skied Avalon by Crawford notch. Super fun, but wouldn't want to do it without that tiak. Going up is no problem. I use it like a staff and look like a knockoff gandalf.

If you are serious about getting a pair, I would consider selling you mine. I like them, but won't use them enough to warrant. I've got them rigged with 3 pins.

Thanks. I also should have clarified- I have a pair. I’m looking for good places in the whites to use them. I have xc backcountry skis for flat, gentle rolling trails and AT gear for Sherbie, Cardigan and the like. Looking for a sweet spot for the hoks. I was thinking if they'd be good for wildcat valley trail or avalanche brook trail. Avalon is a good suggestion. Others? Thanks.

[stilltryin]

IMO, Hoks are best for NO trail -- poking around in the woods -- but I can't speak for the Whites.

[blitzskier]

yes I have the hoks and a tiak, great combo for powder and bushwacking new hills..
i ordered their poles and will try next. but for max stability and speed control the tiak is the way to go!
i like that it has many other uses not just skiing. depth gauge in powder, beater/poke stick for the unruly, works great for super deep powder that you fallen into, gives lots of support for climbing up and out of stuff, learning to leave Alpine skiing behind and going full Mongrolian skier and the price is right!
these are snow shoes not skis..