Altai Information

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. More information can be found at the website www.altaiskis.com.