Telemark Skiing
The name Telemark is taken from the Norwegian region
of the same name where the telemark technique was first
developed. During the late 1800's the telemark ski turn
was developed by Sondre Norheim in Norway as a technique
of turning on skis while descending the mountain.
Telemark ski equipment differs in some key ways from the
more common alpine ski equipment that most skiers are
familiar with. The telemark bindings that hold the telemark
ski boot to the telemark ski are fixed only at the front
and the telemark ski boot is held in place with a cable
looping around the heel. Telemark skiing is often referred
to as freeheel skiing because the telemark ski boot heel
is not attached and extends away from the telemark ski
during a turn. The telemark ski boots that are used in
telemark skiing are generally made of a softer plastic
than alpine boots and occasionally it is still possible
to see telemark skiers wearing leather telemark boots.
A softer shell is required as a great deal of flexing
occurs during a telemark turn. Telemark skis themselves
are very similar to the alpine variety with steel edges,
although telemark ski manufacturers will produce a softer
ski with greater flex, again to aid the telemark turn
technique.
When ski equipment started to develop in the early part
of the 20th century the need to use a telemark turn was
no longer required. This is because the bindings that
most alpine skiers are familiar with today were introduced
into the market and became instantly popular. The telemark
technique was replaced by the stem turn and the parallel
turn that we are familiar with today. Gradually skiers
turned to the new style of binding which allowed the skier
to perform at higher speeds and with more control.
Learning to telemark is relatively easy for someone who
is already comfortable with downhill or alpine skiing.
The basic principles of stability, edging and pressure
remain the same, although there are some fundamental differences.
During the initiation of the turn the outside telemark
ski is slid forwards from the inside telemark ski. This
forces the heel on the inside ski to be lifted as it trails
behind the outside ski. The balance of pressure between
the two skis during the turn varies between 50/50 and
80/20 depending on the conditions.
Telemarking has grown into a worldwide sport enjoyed by
thousands of people. New developments in equipment mean
that it is possible to telemark ski with the same degree
of speed and control as on alpine ski equipment. Telemarking
is also easily adapted to ski touring due to the fact
that the heel is free and more and more skiers are combining
the two disciplines in search of freedom and enjoyment.
