Telemark Skiing

Telemark Skiing - Also known as free-heel skiing 

Telemark skiing, also known as 'free heel' skiing, is the form of skiing where the heel is not fixed down, and the skier uses a unique kind of turn. The term 'telemark' actually refers specifically to the turn - the act of advancing one ski then the other whilst both legs are flexed then extended, with the skis almost parallel and equally weighted. Telemark skiing was first introduced by the Norwegian Sondre Norheim, who is today considered the father of the sport after pioneering these new fluid turns in a ski jumping competition, and is named after the Telemark region in Norway.

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Telemark Skiing - Use of special turns whilst descending a slope 

The telemark turn is a technique to enable smooth, fast turns on a variety of surfaces, and allows for more control over the skiers movements. Practiced properly, telemark skiing is a very rapid and graceful way to descend a mountain, and is often used in cross-country skiing because of the great balance and increased control it gives. The telemark turn is weighted 50-50, and is led with the heel flat on the outside ski, while the inside ski is pulled under with a flexed knee and raised heel. To turn left, the skier leads with the right ski and put it in front of the left one whilst balancing almost half of his weight on the right ski with the heel flat. The skier tucks the left knee up, and taking the left heel off the ski, uses the left ski pole on his left side to help him turn around. 

 

Telemark Skiing - Experience a different sport, new feeling of freedom 

The sport gives skiers a whole new sensation and a real feeling of freedom, working especially well off-piste. Downhill skiers who can confidently ski parallels can learn the new technique, and the sport has enjoyed a relative revival in recent years. In terms of equipment, modern telemark skis are almost the same as alpine skis and after much development have moved from long and skinny to shorter and wider, but remained lighter and softer, with metal edges. The bindings attach the ski to the ski by the toe only. Special telemark boots are required due to the bending and flexing of the foot, providing adequate support as well, and have a 'duckbill' at the front to attach the binding into.

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