Altai cut a number of poles this summer and fall, and have been seasoning them since. They are then hand peeled, trimmed, sculpted, and branded (literally). They then finish them with a light linseed oil and a strap at the top. They are very strong and handy to have on any winter adventure in the woods or mountains. Altai will offer a 1 year warrantee on them, and look forward to getting people to try this ancient but incredibly functional and intuitive style of skiing.