Home > Winter

Hoji Sends the Hardest Line He’s Skied … in Homemade Boots

The latest creation from mad scientist and pro skier Eric 'Hoji' Hjorleifson is called the Ridge Pro Boot — watch Hoji test his prototype on a wicked steep backcountry line.
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

When you’ve built a homemade prototype of some sick new backcountry ski boots, there’s only one way to test them — that is if you’re Eric “Hoji” Hjorleifson. And that’s to wear them up onto the face of the steepest, most pillow-laden mountainside you can find and go full send down its hardest line.

“That’s the hardest thing I’ve skied in years,” Hoji said after nailing the descent in his new prototype Dynafit Ridge Pro Boot.

The Ridge Pro Boot is the latest creation from Hoji and Dynafit. According to the brand, they’re as comfortable as a pair of slippers when you’re climbing, but can charge aggressively downhill and handle serious freeride skiing.

Hoji partnered with another ski legend to design these progressive boots, Fritz Barthel, the inventor of the pin binding. This is a boot that was developed by mad mountain scientists for obsessed backcountry skiers like the Hoj.

In Dynafit’s video, Hoji takes to his workshop following the experimental run. He gives a quick and dirty explanation of the new boot.

It’s got a full Grilamid-and-carbon shell, with 120 flex in men’s and 110 in women’s. The floating tongue ratchets down with a dial and cable system. And, of course, they feature the patented Hoji Lock System (which Hoji also designed in collaboration with Barthel).

Just add the Dynafit Ridge Pro Boot to the list of innovations that Hoji has contributed to the world of skiing. His career as a professional athlete has been defined by creativity — both on the slopes and in his workshop, designing, engineering, and dreaming up the next invention. His new Ridge Pro Boot is the latest manifestation of that passion for the sport.

Visit Dynafit to learn more about the new Ridge Pro Boot.

Runtime: 2 minutes

Hoji in "Anywhere from Here"; (Photo/Matchstick Productions)

Hoji Is Still Skiing Better Than You in 'Anywhere From Here'

Most skiers reach a peak at some point in their lives, when they're shredding their hardest, and sending it bigger than they'll ever send again. But not Hoji. Decades into his career, the pro freeskier is still charging harder than anyone, as evidenced in "Anywhere From Here." Read more…

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!