I am from MSP and will be heading up to the BWCA in a couple of weeks, preferably in the Western Part of the BWCA.

I am looking to do a 2-3 day ski tour with my Hoks 145s.

A loop would be nice, perhaps 15-20 miles/day. Portages are fine too.

Any suggestions on the location? Thank you.

with that time frame and estimated miles per day i would make a trip up to curtain falls. i have never been there in the winter. i have never seen these skis, looks like a good idea. let us know how they work for you. in my experience 15-20 miles a day may be a bit optimistic, but much depends on your style of tripping.

Thank you for your kind suggestion. I will check it out in my book and maps.

Hoks are not really skis, but something similar to gliding snowshoes.

Take a flexible junior-sized "big fat" powder ski with 110 mm underfoot and attach a piece of climbing skin to the bottom. Lots of flotation with good glide, but too flexible to ski downhill.

I will travel with a light kit used for winter ultras (Arrowhead and Tuscobia) so that those miles are no big deal.

Thanks again.

bigmitch

can you send a photo or a link to these floating skishoes?!

http://bedrockandparadox.com/2012/03/17/145-altai-hok-review/

http://www.altaiskis.com/blog/

My recent observations regarding my Hoks are found on:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=71564

quote Sobi: "can you send a photo or a link to these floating skishoes?!"

The Hok by Altai Skis
See also Marquette Backcountry ski

Thanks for the links. Man, why don't I own a pair already. This looks incredible!!

I used the Hoks on my first winter weekend solo last year. Great ski/snowshoe combo. I only sunk 1/4" on 15" of snow. Also liked that I could do mixed terrain and get into areas that I couldn't do with nordic skis.

BTW, did you do Tuscobia or Arrowhead?

Yes, I have been at the AHU and Tuscobia four times each.

Mostly on foot, but also on skis and bike.

Unfortunately, I missed the fun at the 2013 AHU.

Seems like the Hoks would be the "secret weapon" this year for all but the fastest bikers. From now on, I will pack them in my vehicle just in case a foot of heavy wet snow is dumped during the race.

How about yourself?