Telemark Skiing
Over the years, skiing moved from being a mode of transport to a leisure activity. In the 1870s, Sondre Norheim from Morgedal in Telemark revolutionised skiing and introduced the discipline we know today as telemark skiing.
Telemark ski equipment differs from normal alpine ski equipment that most skiers are familiar with. Telemark skiing is often referred to as free-heel 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.
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.
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.
Telemarking is enjoyed by thousands of people the world over. Advances in equipment have aided the degree of speed and control for the telemark skier. Telemarking also adapts well to ski touring due to the fact that your heel is free and more and more skiers are enjoying the freedom these two disciplines offer.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN TO TELEMARK ?
If you want to learn to Telemark then refer to any of the ski instructor professionals above.
» SIMPLY SELECT YOUR SKI RESORT ABOVE
» SELECT YOUR SKI INSTRUCTOR / SKI SCHOOL
» THEN SEND YOUR MESSAGE ENQUIRY DIRECT
We wish you a safe and fun experience Telemarking.
» TOP
