Odyssey Resorts Larsmont Cottages in Two Harbors is offering a new way to explore the North Shore during these snowy winter months, this time using Hok skis.

Inspired by an ancient ski technique pioneered in the mountains of Siberia, hok skiing combines the advantages of snowshoes and skis.

“They’re a combination of downhill skis, cross-country skis and a little bit of snowshoe. They have a freestanding back end so your foot can still flip up a little bit similar to a cross-country ski,” explained outdoor recreation specialist Brendan Flynn.

The excursion also has a way of bringing even people up from the Twin Cities to recharge and reconnect with nature, all while making memories.

“We are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary at this beautiful countryside. We are just hoping to see that and just really looking forward to trying out this new sport,” said Santos Juan and Amy Christiansen.

This past weekend’s group went up Hawk Hill just outside of Knife River, a great spot to see plenty of wildlife and fauna, including the calming quietness of the winter woods.

“I’m up here to enjoy the beauty of nature, the peace, and just have some time to just be in nature. I was looking for an opportunity to learn more about hok skiing. They provided this wonderful tour this morning and a little bit of a learning opportunity, so it was perfect,” said participant Michelle Latourelle.

Tours run throughout the winter season with Friday morning half-day tours and Saturday morning two hour tours.

“It’s a good mix for everybody. The skis are a good mix of everything and so is the the trail. The experience is a good mix for anyone from the beginner outdoorsmen, all the way to the experience person,” concluded Flynn.

For more information and to sign up for hok skiing through Odyssey Resorts CLICK HERE.