Going telenuts
It was a multitude of functions to simultaneously remember and execute as gravity pulled me precipitately down the mountain. Trees and other skiers were a passing blur as I completed one telemark turn after another, somehow remaining upright — at least, most of the time. But, yes, tumbles and bruises have been an integral part of my telemark learning experience.
Telemark skiing is an invigorating and challenging athletic activity. A mixture of alpine and cross-country skiing, free-heeled telemark skiers use an arcane ski turn of the same name to negotiate precipitous mountain environments. The sport is a relative newcomer to the American ski scene, but you can find a small and growing community of dedicated “telenuts” at virtually any ski area. They stand out as they perform their distinct technique on the trails, followed by leg stretches to relieve “burning” thighs at the base of the mountain. Invariably, these tenacious enthusiasts jump back on the lifts for more.
The root of it
Telemark traces its roots to Norway, the birthplace of skiing. Petroglyphs located in northern Norway confirm skiing was a means of transportation more than 4,000 years ago. Skis were used by hunters and farmers for millennia. In the barren, sparsely populated regions of northern Scandinavia, skiing was often the only means of human social contact during long winters. In the Middle Ages, skiing was adopted for military use, and companies of ski troops were formed in the mid-18th century. Military ski competitions began during that period.
Skiing as a recreational activity originated in Norway in the 1840s and became particularly prevalent in the southern Norway district of Telemark, where ski outings and competitions were a common part of the social and recreational landscape. Due to its popularity, innovative craftsmen developed skis and bindings to meet the burgeoning demand.
As equipment improved, young skiers emerged to challenge the steep hillsides abundant in the valley of Morgedal in the Telemark region. The most famous and reputedly the most daring of these early skiers was Sondre Norheim. Known by many as the “Father of Modern Skiing,” Norheim was also a skilled craftsman. He is believed to have invented the curved ski and bindings with stiff heel bands and credited with developing and introducing the telemark turn. Later in the 19th century, Norheim and other ski enthusiasts from the Morgedal area emigrated from Norway to the U.S., where they introduced their revolutionary techniques and equipment.
About the same time, telemark and slalom skiing, later known as alpine, were introduced to central Europe. The primary focus in both central Europe and the U.S. became the alpine style, and telemark skiing nearly disappeared. However, a resurgence of interest occurred in the U.S. in the 1970s. Telemark skiing was “reinvented” in Colorado, where it was popularized by former Norwegian Olympic ski champion Stein Eriksen. Since then its popularity has grown steadily throughout the world.
A tricky technique
The fundamental difference between alpine and telemark skiing is the position of the heel. In alpine skiing, bindings attach. In telemark, the heels are free from the ski. In fact, telemark skiing is often referred to as “free-heel skiing.” The free heels allow for the telemark turn which is not possible using traditional alpine equipment.
The telemark turn is performed by dropping the downhill ski a little behind the uphill ski while bending the knee and lifting the heel. The heel of the uphill ski remains flat and the knee less slightly bent causing the skier to turn in the direction of the foot on the downhill ski. For example, if the left foot is on the downhill ski, then a proper telemark turn will cause the skier to rotate left. If this technique sounds difficult to execute, that’s because it is — at least for this wannabe. In fact, a multitude of subtle considerations make gliding downhill at unsubtle speeds while performing telemark turns intimidating and challenging.
The best advice is to get professional instruction and then tag along with experienced telemark skiers. Otherwise, expect a very painful learning process. Many local ski areas provide telemark lessons, festivals and clinics. A good source of information is the New England Telemark organization, found online at www.netelemark.com.
Perhaps in its purest form, telemark ski equipment would consist of cross-country or backcountry touring skis and poles, leather boots and free heel bindings. But telemark equipment has evolved far beyond that. The original telemark skis were shorter than alpine skis and parabolic in shape, narrower in the middle than at the ends.
The 1990s brought radical changes to alpine ski equipment. Now, a majority of alpine skiers use shorter parabolic skis and plastic boots which provide a higher level of control and stability.
Except for the free heels, there is little difference between alpine and telemark equipment. Many, if not most, telemark skiers have discarded leather boots for plastic and are using shorter, parabolic skis. The choices are many and vary depending on the intended goals and skills of the user.
Again this winter, the number of free-heel skiers challenging both commercial ski areas and remote backcountry destinations is increasing. The elite among them have perfected their telemark skills to the extent that they run black diamond trails, carve turns in moguls and conquer the most extreme and dangerous downhill terrain. But this novice devotee is still trying to perfect the elusive telemark turn — primarily on the bunny trails.
Ron Chase is an author and outdoor enthusiast. Visit his website at www.ronchaseoutdoors.com. [log] => migrated from switch_stry_migration.php [revision_timestamp] => 1245433252 [format] => 3 [name] => admin [picture] => [data] => a:1:{s:18:"admin_compact_mode";b:1;} [path] => story/view/2257 [field_mt_story_tagline] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [value] => It’s an old way to ski, but it’s probably new to you [safe] => It’s an old way to ski, but it’s probably new to you [view] => It’s an old way to ski, but it’s probably new to you ) ) [field_mt_story_byline] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [value] => Ron Chase [safe] => Ron Chase [view] => Ron Chase ) ) [field_mt_story_date] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [value] => 2009-01-06T13:24:00 [timezone] => America/New_York [timezone_db] => UTC [date_type] => date [view] => Tue, 2009-01-06 13:24 ) ) [field_mt_story_sidebar] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [value] => Want to get started? A great opportunity will be The Maine Telemark Festival at Sunday River on Feb. 7. For the price of a regular lift ticket, you can demo equipment from several telemark companies or take lessons with a Professional Ski Instructors of America certified teacher (they’re free at 10 am and 1:30 pm). Specialty clinics throughout the day will include: Crossover Clinics (for alpine skiers coming to telemark), Master Clinics, Detect and Correct, Conditions Clinics, Mogul Clinics and Adventure Clinics. Telemark skiing is allowed and encouraged on all Maine ski slopes. Historically, Mt. Abram has been a ski area that has promoted telemark. Sugarloaf has a large tele population and is currently offering lessons and rentals. Two stores currently selling tele equipment are Mahoosuc Bike and Ski near Mt. Abram and Aardvarks in Farmington. [format] => [safe] =>
Want to get started?
A great opportunity will be The Maine Telemark Festival at Sunday River on Feb. 7. For the price of a regular lift ticket, you can demo equipment from several telemark companies or take lessons with a Professional Ski Instructors of America certified teacher (they’re free at 10 am and 1:30 pm). Specialty clinics throughout the day will include: Crossover Clinics (for alpine skiers coming to telemark), Master Clinics, Detect and Correct, Conditions Clinics, Mogul Clinics and Adventure Clinics.
Telemark skiing is allowed and encouraged on all Maine ski slopes. Historically, Mt. Abram has been a ski area that has promoted telemark. Sugarloaf has a large tele population and is currently offering lessons and rentals.
Two stores currently selling tele equipment are Mahoosuc Bike and Ski near Mt. Abram and Aardvarks in Farmington.
[view] =>Want to get started?
A great opportunity will be The Maine Telemark Festival at Sunday River on Feb. 7. For the price of a regular lift ticket, you can demo equipment from several telemark companies or take lessons with a Professional Ski Instructors of America certified teacher (they’re free at 10 am and 1:30 pm). Specialty clinics throughout the day will include: Crossover Clinics (for alpine skiers coming to telemark), Master Clinics, Detect and Correct, Conditions Clinics, Mogul Clinics and Adventure Clinics.
Telemark skiing is allowed and encouraged on all Maine ski slopes. Historically, Mt. Abram has been a ski area that has promoted telemark. Sugarloaf has a large tele population and is currently offering lessons and rentals.
Two stores currently selling tele equipment are Mahoosuc Bike and Ski near Mt. Abram and Aardvarks in Farmington.
) ) [field_mt_story_images] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [fid] => 18 [list] => 1 [data] => Array ( [description] => photo credit: Ron Chase [title] => 3182_579254R1056.jpg ) [uid] => 1 [filename] => 3182_579254R1056.jpg [filepath] => story_images/3182_579254R1056.jpg [filemime] => image/jpeg [filesize] => 56373 [status] => 1 [timestamp] => 1245272238 [nid] => 846 [view] => ) [1] => Array ( [fid] => 19 [list] => 1 [data] => Array ( [description] => photo credit: Ron Chase [title] => 3183_126226R10916b.jpg ) [uid] => 1 [filename] => 3183_126226R10916b.jpg [filepath] => story_images/3183_126226R10916b.jpg [filemime] => image/jpeg [filesize] => 38605 [status] => 1 [timestamp] => 1245272238 [nid] => 846 [view] => ) ) [last_comment_timestamp] => 1245433252 [last_comment_name] => [comment_count] => 0 [taxonomy] => Array ( [13] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 13 [vid] => 1 [name] => Home [description] => [weight] => 0 ) ) [build_mode] => 0 [readmore] => 1 [content] => Array ( [field_mt_story_tagline] => Array ( [#type_name] => __mt_tms_story [#context] => full [#field_name] => field_mt_story_tagline [#post_render] => Array ( [0] => content_field_wrapper_post_render ) [#weight] => -3 [field] => Array ( [#description] => [items] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [#formatter] => plain [#node] => stdClass Object *RECURSION* [#type_name] => __mt_tms_story [#field_name] => field_mt_story_tagline [#weight] => 0 [#theme] => text_formatter_plain [#item] => Array ( [value] => It’s an old way to ski, but it’s probably new to you [safe] => It’s an old way to ski, but it’s probably new to you [#delta] => 0 ) [#title] => [#description] => [#theme_used] => 1 [#printed] => 1 [#type] => [#value] => [#prefix] => [#suffix] => [#children] => It’s an old way to ski, but it’s probably new to you ) [#title] => [#description] => [#children] => It’s an old way to ski, but it’s probably new to you [#printed] => 1 ) [#single] => 1 [#attributes] => Array ( ) [#required] => [#parents] => Array ( ) [#tree] => [#context] => full [#page] => 1 [#field_name] => field_mt_story_tagline [#title] => Tagline [#access] => 1 [#label_display] => hidden [#teaser] => [#node] => stdClass Object *RECURSION* [#type] => content_field [#children] => It’s an old way to ski, but it’s probably new to you [#printed] => 1 ) [#title] => [#description] => [#children] =>Want to get started?
A great opportunity will be The Maine Telemark Festival at Sunday River on Feb. 7. For the price of a regular lift ticket, you can demo equipment from several telemark companies or take lessons with a Professional Ski Instructors of America certified teacher (they’re free at 10 am and 1:30 pm). Specialty clinics throughout the day will include: Crossover Clinics (for alpine skiers coming to telemark), Master Clinics, Detect and Correct, Conditions Clinics, Mogul Clinics and Adventure Clinics.
Telemark skiing is allowed and encouraged on all Maine ski slopes. Historically, Mt. Abram has been a ski area that has promoted telemark. Sugarloaf has a large tele population and is currently offering lessons and rentals.
Two stores currently selling tele equipment are Mahoosuc Bike and Ski near Mt. Abram and Aardvarks in Farmington.
[#delta] => 0 ) [#title] => [#description] => [#theme_used] => 1 [#printed] => 1 [#type] => [#value] => [#prefix] => [#suffix] => [#children] =>Want to get started?
A great opportunity will be The Maine Telemark Festival at Sunday River on Feb. 7. For the price of a regular lift ticket, you can demo equipment from several telemark companies or take lessons with a Professional Ski Instructors of America certified teacher (they’re free at 10 am and 1:30 pm). Specialty clinics throughout the day will include: Crossover Clinics (for alpine skiers coming to telemark), Master Clinics, Detect and Correct, Conditions Clinics, Mogul Clinics and Adventure Clinics.
Telemark skiing is allowed and encouraged on all Maine ski slopes. Historically, Mt. Abram has been a ski area that has promoted telemark. Sugarloaf has a large tele population and is currently offering lessons and rentals.
Two stores currently selling tele equipment are Mahoosuc Bike and Ski near Mt. Abram and Aardvarks in Farmington.
) [#title] => [#description] => [#children] =>Want to get started?
A great opportunity will be The Maine Telemark Festival at Sunday River on Feb. 7. For the price of a regular lift ticket, you can demo equipment from several telemark companies or take lessons with a Professional Ski Instructors of America certified teacher (they’re free at 10 am and 1:30 pm). Specialty clinics throughout the day will include: Crossover Clinics (for alpine skiers coming to telemark), Master Clinics, Detect and Correct, Conditions Clinics, Mogul Clinics and Adventure Clinics.
Telemark skiing is allowed and encouraged on all Maine ski slopes. Historically, Mt. Abram has been a ski area that has promoted telemark. Sugarloaf has a large tele population and is currently offering lessons and rentals.
Two stores currently selling tele equipment are Mahoosuc Bike and Ski near Mt. Abram and Aardvarks in Farmington.
[#printed] => 1 ) [#single] => 1 [#attributes] => Array ( ) [#required] => [#parents] => Array ( ) [#tree] => [#context] => full [#page] => 1 [#field_name] => field_mt_story_sidebar [#title] => Sidebar [#access] => 1 [#label_display] => hidden [#teaser] => [#node] => stdClass Object *RECURSION* [#type] => content_field [#children] =>Want to get started?
A great opportunity will be The Maine Telemark Festival at Sunday River on Feb. 7. For the price of a regular lift ticket, you can demo equipment from several telemark companies or take lessons with a Professional Ski Instructors of America certified teacher (they’re free at 10 am and 1:30 pm). Specialty clinics throughout the day will include: Crossover Clinics (for alpine skiers coming to telemark), Master Clinics, Detect and Correct, Conditions Clinics, Mogul Clinics and Adventure Clinics.
Telemark skiing is allowed and encouraged on all Maine ski slopes. Historically, Mt. Abram has been a ski area that has promoted telemark. Sugarloaf has a large tele population and is currently offering lessons and rentals.
Two stores currently selling tele equipment are Mahoosuc Bike and Ski near Mt. Abram and Aardvarks in Farmington.
[#printed] => 1 ) [#title] => [#description] => [#children] => [#printed] => 1 ) [#children] =>It was a multitude of functions to simultaneously remember and execute as gravity pulled me precipitately down the mountain. Trees and other skiers were a passing blur as I completed one telemark turn after another, somehow remaining upright — at least, most of the time. But, yes, tumbles and bruises have been an integral part of my telemark learning experience.
Telemark skiing is an invigorating and challenging athletic activity. A mixture of alpine and cross-country skiing, free-heeled telemark skiers use an arcane ski turn of the same name to negotiate precipitous mountain environments. The sport is a relative newcomer to the American ski scene, but you can find a small and growing community of dedicated “telenuts” at virtually any ski area. They stand out as they perform their distinct technique on the trails, followed by leg stretches to relieve “burning” thighs at the base of the mountain. Invariably, these tenacious enthusiasts jump back on the lifts for more.
The root of it
Telemark traces its roots to Norway, the birthplace of skiing. Petroglyphs located in northern Norway confirm skiing was a means of transportation more than 4,000 years ago. Skis were used by hunters and farmers for millennia. In the barren, sparsely populated regions of northern Scandinavia, skiing was often the only means of human social contact during long winters. In the Middle Ages, skiing was adopted for military use, and companies of ski troops were formed in the mid-18th century. Military ski competitions began during that period.
Skiing as a recreational activity originated in Norway in the 1840s and became particularly prevalent in the southern Norway district of Telemark, where ski outings and competitions were a common part of the social and recreational landscape. Due to its popularity, innovative craftsmen developed skis and bindings to meet the burgeoning demand.
As equipment improved, young skiers emerged to challenge the steep hillsides abundant in the valley of Morgedal in the Telemark region. The most famous and reputedly the most daring of these early skiers was Sondre Norheim. Known by many as the “Father of Modern Skiing,” Norheim was also a skilled craftsman. He is believed to have invented the curved ski and bindings with stiff heel bands and credited with developing and introducing the telemark turn. Later in the 19th century, Norheim and other ski enthusiasts from the Morgedal area emigrated from Norway to the U.S., where they introduced their revolutionary techniques and equipment.
About the same time, telemark and slalom skiing, later known as alpine, were introduced to central Europe. The primary focus in both central Europe and the U.S. became the alpine style, and telemark skiing nearly disappeared. However, a resurgence of interest occurred in the U.S. in the 1970s. Telemark skiing was “reinvented” in Colorado, where it was popularized by former Norwegian Olympic ski champion Stein Eriksen. Since then its popularity has grown steadily throughout the world.
A tricky technique
The fundamental difference between alpine and telemark skiing is the position of the heel. In alpine skiing, bindings attach. In telemark, the heels are free from the ski. In fact, telemark skiing is often referred to as “free-heel skiing.” The free heels allow for the telemark turn which is not possible using traditional alpine equipment.
The telemark turn is performed by dropping the downhill ski a little behind the uphill ski while bending the knee and lifting the heel. The heel of the uphill ski remains flat and the knee less slightly bent causing the skier to turn in the direction of the foot on the downhill ski. For example, if the left foot is on the downhill ski, then a proper telemark turn will cause the skier to rotate left. If this technique sounds difficult to execute, that’s because it is — at least for this wannabe. In fact, a multitude of subtle considerations make gliding downhill at unsubtle speeds while performing telemark turns intimidating and challenging.
The best advice is to get professional instruction and then tag along with experienced telemark skiers. Otherwise, expect a very painful learning process. Many local ski areas provide telemark lessons, festivals and clinics. A good source of information is the New England Telemark organization, found online at www.netelemark.com.
Perhaps in its purest form, telemark ski equipment would consist of cross-country or backcountry touring skis and poles, leather boots and free heel bindings. But telemark equipment has evolved far beyond that. The original telemark skis were shorter than alpine skis and parabolic in shape, narrower in the middle than at the ends.
The 1990s brought radical changes to alpine ski equipment. Now, a majority of alpine skiers use shorter parabolic skis and plastic boots which provide a higher level of control and stability.
Except for the free heels, there is little difference between alpine and telemark equipment. Many, if not most, telemark skiers have discarded leather boots for plastic and are using shorter, parabolic skis. The choices are many and vary depending on the intended goals and skills of the user.
Again this winter, the number of free-heel skiers challenging both commercial ski areas and remote backcountry destinations is increasing. The elite among them have perfected their telemark skills to the extent that they run black diamond trails, carve turns in moguls and conquer the most extreme and dangerous downhill terrain. But this novice devotee is still trying to perfect the elusive telemark turn — primarily on the bunny trails.
Ron Chase is an author and outdoor enthusiast. Visit his website at www.ronchaseoutdoors.com. [#title] => [#description] => [#printed] => 1 ) [#title] => [#description] => [#children] =>
It was a multitude of functions to simultaneously remember and execute as gravity pulled me precipitately down the mountain. Trees and other skiers were a passing blur as I completed one telemark turn after another, somehow remaining upright — at least, most of the time. But, yes, tumbles and bruises have been an integral part of my telemark learning experience.
Telemark skiing is an invigorating and challenging athletic activity. A mixture of alpine and cross-country skiing, free-heeled telemark skiers use an arcane ski turn of the same name to negotiate precipitous mountain environments. The sport is a relative newcomer to the American ski scene, but you can find a small and growing community of dedicated “telenuts” at virtually any ski area. They stand out as they perform their distinct technique on the trails, followed by leg stretches to relieve “burning” thighs at the base of the mountain. Invariably, these tenacious enthusiasts jump back on the lifts for more.
The root of it
Telemark traces its roots to Norway, the birthplace of skiing. Petroglyphs located in northern Norway confirm skiing was a means of transportation more than 4,000 years ago. Skis were used by hunters and farmers for millennia. In the barren, sparsely populated regions of northern Scandinavia, skiing was often the only means of human social contact during long winters. In the Middle Ages, skiing was adopted for military use, and companies of ski troops were formed in the mid-18th century. Military ski competitions began during that period.
Skiing as a recreational activity originated in Norway in the 1840s and became particularly prevalent in the southern Norway district of Telemark, where ski outings and competitions were a common part of the social and recreational landscape. Due to its popularity, innovative craftsmen developed skis and bindings to meet the burgeoning demand.
As equipment improved, young skiers emerged to challenge the steep hillsides abundant in the valley of Morgedal in the Telemark region. The most famous and reputedly the most daring of these early skiers was Sondre Norheim. Known by many as the “Father of Modern Skiing,” Norheim was also a skilled craftsman. He is believed to have invented the curved ski and bindings with stiff heel bands and credited with developing and introducing the telemark turn. Later in the 19th century, Norheim and other ski enthusiasts from the Morgedal area emigrated from Norway to the U.S., where they introduced their revolutionary techniques and equipment.
About the same time, telemark and slalom skiing, later known as alpine, were introduced to central Europe. The primary focus in both central Europe and the U.S. became the alpine style, and telemark skiing nearly disappeared. However, a resurgence of interest occurred in the U.S. in the 1970s. Telemark skiing was “reinvented” in Colorado, where it was popularized by former Norwegian Olympic ski champion Stein Eriksen. Since then its popularity has grown steadily throughout the world.
A tricky technique
The fundamental difference between alpine and telemark skiing is the position of the heel. In alpine skiing, bindings attach. In telemark, the heels are free from the ski. In fact, telemark skiing is often referred to as “free-heel skiing.” The free heels allow for the telemark turn which is not possible using traditional alpine equipment.
The telemark turn is performed by dropping the downhill ski a little behind the uphill ski while bending the knee and lifting the heel. The heel of the uphill ski remains flat and the knee less slightly bent causing the skier to turn in the direction of the foot on the downhill ski. For example, if the left foot is on the downhill ski, then a proper telemark turn will cause the skier to rotate left. If this technique sounds difficult to execute, that’s because it is — at least for this wannabe. In fact, a multitude of subtle considerations make gliding downhill at unsubtle speeds while performing telemark turns intimidating and challenging.
The best advice is to get professional instruction and then tag along with experienced telemark skiers. Otherwise, expect a very painful learning process. Many local ski areas provide telemark lessons, festivals and clinics. A good source of information is the New England Telemark organization, found online at www.netelemark.com.
Perhaps in its purest form, telemark ski equipment would consist of cross-country or backcountry touring skis and poles, leather boots and free heel bindings. But telemark equipment has evolved far beyond that. The original telemark skis were shorter than alpine skis and parabolic in shape, narrower in the middle than at the ends.
The 1990s brought radical changes to alpine ski equipment. Now, a majority of alpine skiers use shorter parabolic skis and plastic boots which provide a higher level of control and stability.
Except for the free heels, there is little difference between alpine and telemark equipment. Many, if not most, telemark skiers have discarded leather boots for plastic and are using shorter, parabolic skis. The choices are many and vary depending on the intended goals and skills of the user.
Again this winter, the number of free-heel skiers challenging both commercial ski areas and remote backcountry destinations is increasing. The elite among them have perfected their telemark skills to the extent that they run black diamond trails, carve turns in moguls and conquer the most extreme and dangerous downhill terrain. But this novice devotee is still trying to perfect the elusive telemark turn — primarily on the bunny trails.
Ron Chase is an author and outdoor enthusiast. Visit his website at www.ronchaseoutdoors.com. [#printed] => 1 ) [links] => Array ( ) ) \m -->
Descending precariously down the steep, snowy slope while aggressively kneeling alternately right and left on skis, was an exhilarating, yet mentally and physically consuming experience. Concentrating on my balance, I reminded myself, “Rear heel raised, knees over toes, weight on the rear foot, upper body facing downhill, skis close together and parallel.”
It was a multitude of functions to simultaneously remember and execute as gravity pulled me precipitately down the mountain. Trees and other skiers were a passing blur as I completed one telemark turn after another, somehow remaining upright — at least, most of the time. But, yes, tumbles and bruises have been an integral part of my telemark learning experience.
Telemark skiing is an invigorating and challenging athletic activity. A mixture of alpine and cross-country skiing, free-heeled telemark skiers use an arcane ski turn of the same name to negotiate precipitous mountain environments. The sport is a relative newcomer to the American ski scene, but you can find a small and growing community of dedicated “telenuts” at virtually any ski area. They stand out as they perform their distinct technique on the trails, followed by leg stretches to relieve “burning” thighs at the base of the mountain. Invariably, these tenacious enthusiasts jump back on the lifts for more.
The root of it
Telemark traces its roots to Norway, the birthplace of skiing. Petroglyphs located in northern Norway confirm skiing was a means of transportation more than 4,000 years ago. Skis were used by hunters and farmers for millennia. In the barren, sparsely populated regions of northern Scandinavia, skiing was often the only means of human social contact during long winters. In the Middle Ages, skiing was adopted for military use, and companies of ski troops were formed in the mid-18th century. Military ski competitions began during that period.
Skiing as a recreational activity originated in Norway in the 1840s and became particularly prevalent in the southern Norway district of Telemark, where ski outings and competitions were a common part of the social and recreational landscape. Due to its popularity, innovative craftsmen developed skis and bindings to meet the burgeoning demand.
As equipment improved, young skiers emerged to challenge the steep hillsides abundant in the valley of Morgedal in the Telemark region. The most famous and reputedly the most daring of these early skiers was Sondre Norheim. Known by many as the “Father of Modern Skiing,” Norheim was also a skilled craftsman. He is believed to have invented the curved ski and bindings with stiff heel bands and credited with developing and introducing the telemark turn. Later in the 19th century, Norheim and other ski enthusiasts from the Morgedal area emigrated from Norway to the U.S., where they introduced their revolutionary techniques and equipment.
About the same time, telemark and slalom skiing, later known as alpine, were introduced to central Europe. The primary focus in both central Europe and the U.S. became the alpine style, and telemark skiing nearly disappeared. However, a resurgence of interest occurred in the U.S. in the 1970s. Telemark skiing was “reinvented” in Colorado, where it was popularized by former Norwegian Olympic ski champion Stein Eriksen. Since then its popularity has grown steadily throughout the world.
A tricky technique
The fundamental difference between alpine and telemark skiing is the position of the heel. In alpine skiing, bindings attach. In telemark, the heels are free from the ski. In fact, telemark skiing is often referred to as “free-heel skiing.” The free heels allow for the telemark turn which is not possible using traditional alpine equipment.
The telemark turn is performed by dropping the downhill ski a little behind the uphill ski while bending the knee and lifting the heel. The heel of the uphill ski remains flat and the knee less slightly bent causing the skier to turn in the direction of the foot on the downhill ski. For example, if the left foot is on the downhill ski, then a proper telemark turn will cause the skier to rotate left. If this technique sounds difficult to execute, that’s because it is — at least for this wannabe. In fact, a multitude of subtle considerations make gliding downhill at unsubtle speeds while performing telemark turns intimidating and challenging.
The best advice is to get professional instruction and then tag along with experienced telemark skiers. Otherwise, expect a very painful learning process. Many local ski areas provide telemark lessons, festivals and clinics. A good source of information is the New England Telemark organization, found online at www.netelemark.com.
Perhaps in its purest form, telemark ski equipment would consist of cross-country or backcountry touring skis and poles, leather boots and free heel bindings. But telemark equipment has evolved far beyond that. The original telemark skis were shorter than alpine skis and parabolic in shape, narrower in the middle than at the ends.
The 1990s brought radical changes to alpine ski equipment. Now, a majority of alpine skiers use shorter parabolic skis and plastic boots which provide a higher level of control and stability.
Except for the free heels, there is little difference between alpine and telemark equipment. Many, if not most, telemark skiers have discarded leather boots for plastic and are using shorter, parabolic skis. The choices are many and vary depending on the intended goals and skills of the user.
Again this winter, the number of free-heel skiers challenging both commercial ski areas and remote backcountry destinations is increasing. The elite among them have perfected their telemark skills to the extent that they run black diamond trails, carve turns in moguls and conquer the most extreme and dangerous downhill terrain. But this novice devotee is still trying to perfect the elusive telemark turn — primarily on the bunny trails.
Ron Chase is an author and outdoor enthusiast. Visit his website at www.ronchaseoutdoors.com.