What is Telemark Skiing?
Telemark skiing uses a different boot and binding than standard downhill (alpine) skiing, and the big difference is the heel is free and able to lift off the ski in telemarking. The boot has the ability to flex across the top of the forefoot and the binding allows the heel to move up and forward with the flex of the boot. As the telemark skier links turns the uphill ski will move back in the stance and the heel will lift up while both knees bend.
Telemarking is a versatile skiing style that allows the freedom to ski both at the resort and in the backcountry. Free heels allow for easy climbing and open possibilities for efficient touring, hut to hut trips, and lap after lap of backwoods powder stashes. You definitely don't have to leave the resort to have a blast on tele skis, and it can also be a great challenge for a skier just looking to try something new. When performed properly the telemark turn can be smooth and graceful; it's not the easiest way down the mountain, but it sure is fun!
Most telemark boots have a duck bill front that slides into the toe plate and a bellows over the forefoot that allows for that deep forward flex. There's a broad range of boots from the lower profile Garmont Kenai, to the four buckle uber stiff Scarpa T-Race, depending on your needs. This range accommodates a variety of different potential uses, skiing styles and ability levels. Most bindings attach at the heel via a cable system.
A new telemark system called NTN – the New Telemark Norm – does away with the duckbill and the heel attachment and uses an innovative “second heel” under the instep to attach the boot to the binding. The older system is called “75mm” or “3-pin,” and it is not compatible with NTN.
Telemark skis are more similar to their alpine cousins than are boots. There are a few tele-specific ski models, but the lines have been blurred in recent years and most manufacturers are making skis that are equally comfortable with telemark or alpine-touring bindings. Depending on the skier's ability and needs, either option could work great. Skis come in a variety of widths, lengths, sidecuts (turning radius), weights, and early rise, catering to every style and need. Telemark specific skis tend to have a softer flex pattern than a similar alpine model. This is because in a telemark turn the skier is unable to get the same tip pressure on the skis with the heel free as when making a turn on alpine gear. Choosing the right ski is really all about understanding your own ability and selecting a pair of skis that works well for you.
What equipment do I need?
All you really need to start telemark skiing is a pair of skis mounted with tele bindings and some tele boots. Many ski areas now offer telemark rentals, and the prices are similar to an alpine setup. If you enjoy it, you'll probably want to purchase a set. We a great selection of new and used telemark equipment and we can help you pick the best gear for you. If you are interested in trying telemark skiing without purchasing a whole new setup, consider checking our consignment shop for high quality used gear, including our own used demo skis. One thing to bear in mind is that skis, boots, and bindings all need to match performance wise. For example an older model soft flexing boot will not be powerful enough to drive a newer style big stiff ski, so it’s important to piece together your new setup with the performance of each item in mind. As always, if you need any help please give us a call at 970.468.5687.
How do I learn to telemark?
You may have heard it's really hard; however, advances in telemark equipment have made the sport much easier to learn. Plastic boots and shorter skis with increased sidecut significantly shorten the learning curve. If you've got a solid alpine skiing background, you can probably be laying down some nice tele turns in a couple of days. If you're starting from scratch it may take a little longer, but reasonably athletic people usually do great. Take a lesson if they are offered at your local ski area, and try to follow more accomplished skiers down the hill. You'll be surprised how much you can learn just by watching. The most important thing is to get out there and have fun while the rest takes care of itself!
