» Telemarking

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.