Alt. Skis is performance. Inspired by aeronautic technologies, our high-end skis push established boundaries of durability, versatility and performance. ALT. skis are designed and handmade in Montreal, Canada. Internationally recognized for its aeronautic innovative engineering savoir-faire, the city offers Alt. Skis competitive advantage on research and development, on materials and on cutting-edge technologies. We’re also proud to benefit from one of the most progressive communities of freeskiers in the world. Timeline 2008-2009: While working for a high-end carbon fiber bicycle frame manufacturer, engineer Simon Bergeron envisioned a way to translate his knowledge into skis. His vision led him to build in the beginning of 2009 a ski press, which enabled him to put together the first ever carbon fiber Alt. ski. 2009-2010: In the quest of building the best possible ski using the latest technologies, Simon explored different types of fabrication processes and ways to optimize the usage of the carbon fiber. He also used various types and combination of woods while continuing testing the skis on and off-hill. With a rigorous development schedule and his everlasting passion, Simon obtained results that were impressive. 2010-2011: Confident with a product that has been r&d for more than two years, a test campaign is put together with the help of some of the most influential skiers in Canada. Over 2010-2011 winter, numerous pairs of skis were tested by dozens of skiers. Gathering all feedbacks, Simon produced a series of demo skis to test during summer 2011 in New Zealand. The last adjustments were made, and a line of 3 exceptional carbon fiber freeride ski models is ready to hit the market for 2011-2012. - website December 2011

Altai Skis represent a convergence of utility and adventure in backcountry ski design. Founded by Nils Larsen and Francois Sylvain, Altai Skis is focused on design inspired by the true spirit and utility of backcountry skiing. Larsen and Sylvain are both ski industry veterans who have worked extensively together in the past. They believe that the easily accessible, everyday backcountry is generally overlooked by much of the current equipment offered. “We believe that the term ‘backcountry’ can and should include the patch of woods behind your house or the hills just out of town. The name Altai Skis was inspired by the ski culture found in the Altai Mountains of northern Asia. Since 2005, Larsen has been documenting an indigenous ski culture in the regions that dates back thousands of years. The local culture’s go-everywhere, do-everything skis is the inspiration for Altai Skis. Sylvain brings 12 years of ski design and construction experience with Karhu and Line skis to Altai Skis. His designs are highly regarded in both alpine and nordic ski categories. Larsen has been at the forefront of the backcountry ski scene for the last 20 years and started working at Karhu Skis in the early 1990’s. Together, they developed the majority of telemark, backcountry, and XCD skis that Karhu released in the last 10 years." We both had extensive experience in the ski industry and had worked together designing nordic and backcountry skis for over ten years. We felt there was a great potential for skis designed for what we like to call ‘pocket backcountry’, the skiing many skiers have ready access to close to where they live. In both Quebec (Francois’ home) and NE Washington (Nils’ home), skiing out the back door or close to it offers us excellent and easy access to the winter world. We set to work on new designs, with the goal of creating easy to use and accessible gear to match the often overlooked skiing possibilities hiding in plain view. Nils has been working on a documentary project on indigenous skiers in the remote Altai Mountains of Northern Asia since 2005. The ski traditions in the area date back thousands of years, possibly to the origins of skiing. The skiers in the Altai still use one ski design for all their skiing, whether it’s a short trip to feed their livestock, over the hill to visit a neighbor, or a two week hunting expedition deep into the rugged mountains. All skiing in the Altai is ‘backcountry’. This was the inspiration for Altai Skis, it defines the spirit of our company and it will drive our designs into the future. - from the website May 2011

All models are adaptable made to order, in hardness and in width. curve alone it and the rays of curve remain irremovable, and as for the decorative, we can personify your skis " If you know what you want, we shall enjoy to accomplish it ". Our production is restricted, command beforehand, not to miss your season....

"Conventional skis are, by design, difficult to control skidding and sliding devices at the edge angles used by virtually all beginner to advanced recreational skiers. This makes recreational skiing essentially a skidding, sliding sport. Unfortunately, this skidding and sliding is exhausting and a very uncomfortable sensation for many people. Most frequently they are out of control. It is not surprising that “feeling out of control” is the reason most often cited by those who have given up the sport. The Anton Gliders are designed for total control. A unique patented shape combined with a very sophisticated full suspension system enables the Anton Gliders to easily carve and go precisely in the direction that they are pointed. The reality and sensation is one of being in total control. Even in icy hard pack conditions the Anton Gliders can create railroad tracks in the snow that provide total lateral stability. Equally important, when intentionally skidded, the independent front and rear suspension systems continue to maintain even and consistent tip and tail pressure regardless of mistakes in stance and balance. Together with the under-the-boot edges, this allows the beginner to advanced skier to easily and totally control a skidded maneuver like an expert."

Why choose custom skis? The biggest difference between custom made skis and mass produced is the performance, responsiveness and reliability. Once you have skied on custom made you will never buy mass produced again. Every person is an individual and as such skis slightly differently. We can make each pair of skis individually tailored to your needs style of skiing and expectations, allowing you to become truly involved in the making and design of your own skis. Your skis feel so responsive that they feel like they are an extension of your legs giving you confidence and control in every move you make. They give you improved agility in challenging terrains, reduced stress and impact on the body. Longer endurance allowing you to ski that extra mile. Each pair of skis are truly individual. There will never be another pair exactly the same on the mountains. Although you can use our top sheet designs no two pairs will ever be identical. If you have your own design if it is possible to adapt it to fit the skis you require we will do it. If you have an idea for a design you would like we can work on it emailing sample designs for you to choose from. Whatever Shape, Style, Length, Camber you require we will endeavour to make them for you. Each pair of skis will be customised for you and have the manufacture date and who owns the skis printed on them unless you instruct us not to. Below is a video snippet into how we make our skis.

- From website, September 2011

"Our passion for snowboarding affect our daily actions and allows extremely lively and driving organic boards. The input of our European boarder X-teams and riders like Mike Basich, Rob King will be our boards in a constant evolution to be better, so divisive, vibrant shapes with excellent processing. Arbor processed only natural products, which is extremely durable and regenerative. We are committed to prudent management of the environment for the production of our boards, and decks. We support and participate in our organizations, the reforestation of Koa plantations to restore the natural balance. We develop Topsheets different and unique for our wooden boards, which the uniqueness of each driver underscore Arbor. Each of our Topsheets is less than 2.6 Kubikinch Koa wood. The Arbor Topsheet veneer comes from resources, which invariably environmentally explored (for example, wood, sawmill leftovers, etc.)."