Learn Telemark Skiing Tips and Techniques – A GUIDE

Winter is such a cool time. Isn’t it? Winter calls for a good and joyful experience of skiing adventures. However, various skiing techniques come with their forms and styles. Have you ever heard of telemark skiing? Well, even if you’re a beginner, worry not. Here, we are going to explain the basics of this kind of kind of skiing. Most importantly, how you can use this ski technique in your ski area; hence, let’s dive straight into our cold skiing adventures. So, you can ski around the Telemark lodge.

What is Telemark Skiing?

This skiing is a flexible style that blends Nordic and Alpine aspects. It is distinguished by a free-heel setup and a squat-like stance. Compared to standard alpine skiers, Telemark skiers use boots clicked into toe bindings that leave the heels free, bending their knees with each turn. This innovative method offers freedom and control, allowing skiers to explore a variety of terrain, from black diamond lines to backcountry slopes, and feel the rush of making telemark turns.

A Look Back into History

Now, you must be wondering about the history behind popular telemark skiing. Originating in the Telemark region of Norway, telemark skiing has a rich history based on Sondre Norheim’s inventive methods. With his graceful telemark turn, deep knee bends, and smooth ski movements, Norheim established a new standard for skiing, emphasizing a peaceful coexistence with the mountain and the natural world. In the 1970s, telemark skiing came back in the western United States due to skiers looking for off-trail experiences and a return to skiing’s original roots despite the widespread adoption of alpine skiing techniques.

DO YOU KNOW? 💡

Influential people like Dickie Hall, whose commitment to resurrecting telemark skiing in New England through workshops and training, was a major factor in its resurrection. 

Telemark Ski Tips and Techniques

Becoming a proficient telemark skier takes a combination of talent, balance, and technique. Hence, you must learn how to telemark ski efficiently.

• Telemark Position: The basic telemark ski stance is balancing your weight equally between your front and back feet in a curtsey position. Maintaining balance during the turn is essential for maintaining control and stability.
• Angulation and Balance: Proper angulation is required to maintain balance and control when turning. To obtain the angulation required for carving turns, bend and twist at the waist. Picture holding an orange between your hipbone and rib cage to visualize the proper posture.
• Lead Change Dynamics: Timing is everything when switching between skis during a turn. A dynamic lead change avoids balance loss and ensures seamless transitions. However, stability and possible falls may arise from a lead change that is not carried out dynamically.
• Upper Body Stability: Control and stability depend on your upper body remaining still and level. Picture yourself holding a lunch tray level, your chest pointing downward and parallel to the fall line. This stance improves overall ski performance by reducing needless movement.

Telemark Skiing Lessons & Practice

Many of you must be telemark skiing professionals; however, at the same time, many of you are just deciding whether to go skiing or not. You must be wondering, is Telemark skiing hard? Well, we must encourage you to go telemark skiing as it is truly a wonderful experience. With its elegant and flowing technique, telemark skiing provides a singular and satisfying experience on the slopes. Both beginning and seasoned skiers can greatly benefit from telemark ski instruction.

• Build a Versatile Skill Set: Learning to telemark ski improves your skiing by teaching you a new technique from alpine skiing. Thanks to your adaptability, you can confidently tackle a range of terrain and situations.
• Boost Balance and Coordination: The unique telemark turn, which entails a deep knee bend and a forward-leaning stance, requires high balance and coordination. Becoming proficient in this method can enhance your general balance and coordination on the slopes.

Equipment Used for Telemark Skiing

Here is a look at some of the equipment you need to use specifically for Telemark skiing.

Boots

Without a doubt, the most important gear is telemark boots. There are no pressure areas and a snug fit.

• To stop movement, the heel cup should fit firmly.
• Sufficient flexion for the telemark position.
• Depending on your skiing preferences and ability level, consider the stiffness level.
• Examine the plastic for wear, particularly if you’re purchasing old boots.

Bindings

There are two primary varieties of Telemark bindings: NTN and 75mm (duckbill). Depending on what works with your boot model, make your choice.

• Consider whether a regular binding will do for resort skiing or if you need a binding with a walk mode for backcountry skiing.
• For beginners skiing, boot compatibility dictates which binding system (NTN or 75mm) to use rather than performance differences.

Skis

• Telemark skis may have a somewhat different flex pattern and sidecut from alpine skis to suit the telemark ski turn.
• Your skill level, preferred terrain, and skiing style influence your chosen ski.
• Consider the ski length, width, and construction of the skis based on your anticipated use of backcountry ski as a good choice.

Poles

• This skiing typically calls for longer poles than alpine skiing because of the wider stance.
• Select poles with pleasant grips and sturdy construction.
• Perhaps adjustable poles are better for uneven terrain or backcountry skiing.

Skins

• Climbing skins are necessary to ascend slopes if you intend to ski in the backcountry.
• Make sure your skis are fitted correctly and attached.
• For longevity and usability, take into account the adhesive and material quality.

Ski Apparel and Accessories

• For comfort and safety when telemark skiing, standard items like helmets, goggles, gloves, and suitable layers are crucial.
• Consider investing in specialized telemark gloves or knee pads for even more comfort and safety.

Depending on your preferences and goals for skiing, you may also consider buying extra gear, such as backpacks, backcountry-specific gear like touring bindings and light skis, or avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe).

The Bottom Line

As we come towards the end of the Telemark skiing adventure, one thing is certain: We stand on the edge of innovation in the skiing world: telemark skiing is about to make a comeback. As gear advances in other areas come to a standstill, attention is increasingly focused on Telemark.

So, get ready to own the Telemark turn, embrace the free heel, and forge your route down the hills. Skiing is the way of the future, and those brave enough to try it will find an exciting journey.

SKI UP THE SNOWY SLOPE!