Paul Smith
Telemark skiing or telemarking is re-gaining in popularity as the ski slopes get crowded because it allows a skier to get away onto fresh territory and enjoy the freedom of unspoiled snow. Also known as 'free heel' skiing, it uses a toe hold binding that gives the heel freedom to rise allowing the skier to have one ski behind the other and use the telemark turn. Using the 'on one knee' telemark turn gives the skier better control over rough undulating terrain so making it ideal for ski touring up in the fresh snows where other skiers would avoid. More flexible weight distribution gives greater flexibility to deal with uneven surfaces.
The name comes from the Telemark region of Norway where it was made popular in the late nineteenth century. Telemarking continued in popularity for quite some time before alpine skiing almost replaced it. But today it is seen as a good alternative to downhill skiing for the more adventurous skier who wants to ads variety to the sport.
As with all types of skiing, the equipment used continues to make advancement in design and function. Whilst the skis have followed modern trends the bindings allow for greater ingenuity and many modern variants of the toe hold binding are being offered. The telemarking boots have to be different to accommodate the different bindings and a more flexible sole to allow freedom to pivot at the toe. Many telemarkers choose alpine skis and not thinner skis like the cross country or nordic ski. The ski poles are similar to alpine again being much shorter than cross country ski poles.
So for a different skiing experience check out the Telemarking equipment available in our online store.
