You've probably noticed - there are lots of tele-babes out there. You've probably also noticed that women almost always have different body types and skiing styles than men. Until recently though, women have had to settle for skis, boots, and bindings designed by and for men.

Telemark ski, boot, and binding manufacturers have finally caught on and recognized the need for Women's Specific gear. Better late than never right? Now we've got skis designed to flex for women's weight and skiing style, boots built around a women's last and lower leg shape, and bindings that fit smaller boot sizes. This year we have our widest selection yet of women's specific telemark skis, boots, bindings, ski poles, packs and more!

So what really makes a Women's Specific telemark ski different? - Generally, it's the flex. Women's skis are usually a little softer flexing throughout - some more noticably in the tip, others are softer just in the tail. Softer flexing skis are easier for lighter weight skiers to handle, particularly in turn initiation. Softer tails keep the skis from "washing out" at the end of the turn. Women's skis also tend to be lighter weight, because usually to soften the flex a sheet of metal or some other core material was removed.

Do all women need Women's Specific tele skis? - Absolutely not. Although most women do prefer these skis - many stronger, more aggressive skiers find that Women's Specific skis are too soft. These skiers are often best off sticking with standard men's skis. Similarly, lighter weight/less aggressive male skiers often find they prefer a women's ski - if they can get past the ski names and graphics. However, you will see a lot more women on "unisex" skis than you see men on women's skis!

What makes a Women's Specific telemark boot different? - Women generally have narrower feet than men, particularly in the heel. Also, most women have a different shape calf and lower leg. Women's Specific boots are built to address these differences. They are narrower, with slightly lower and wider cuffs. Women's boots are also a little softer flexing - since women usually have less body weight to flex a boot with.

Do all women need Women Specific tele boots? - Again, absolutely not. Women with wider feet and skinny lower legs often fit better in men's boots. Some women also just prefer the support provided by a stiffer flexing, bigger unisex boot. Usually it is shorter women who benefit most from women's specific tele boots mainly because the calf muscle doesn't fit right in boots meant for a longer lower leg. Just like with skis, some male skiers are better off in women's boots - usually boys or men with exceptionally narrow feet.

Are Women's Specific bindings actually different from men's? - Not really. The G3 Roxy is the same binding as the Targa - it has the same stiffness cartridge. It's just got a shorter cable that fits better on small boot sizes. Similarly, the Rottefella Cobra R6 is designed for ANY lighter weight skier or those using smaller/lower cuffed plastic boots. The R6 does have a slightly softer flexing compression spring cartridge than the unisex version, the R8.

Babes in the Backcountry is dedicated to educating women in outdoor skills to enable them to become more knowledgeable, self reliant and confident in the backcountry. We are women who want to share our love of the outdoors and our skills with other women. www.babesinthebackcountry.com

Ultimate Groove has instructional clinics in telemark skiing for women, while emphasizing adventure, camaraderie and fun. www.ultimategrooves.com

Check out our Events page for a complete schedule of clinics offered by Babes in the Backcountry, Ultimate Groove, and others.