The Telemark Turn

The Telemark turn is the original and oldest turn where one ski then the other is advanced in front of the other. Long ago, when skis were solid wood, very much longer and very difficult to turn, this technique in effect created one long ski with a variable radius and it was the only technique to change the direction of your skis without lifting them out of the snow and stepping them round. (Photo:Mark Simpson)

You'll see from the photo on the previous page the iconic telemark image of the heel of the back foot being lifted off the ski. If you haven't seen anyone telemarking it looks something like a series of curtsies whilst stepping down the slope. Try walking downstairs in a zig-zag, changing direction on each step and you'll get the idea. For anyone new to skiing this stepping forwards can feel very natural and stable.

Now that we have modern skis that seemingly turn by just thinking about it, we don't need to use the telemark turn to change direction any more, so why do we? There are a couple of jolly good reasons. The first one is because it feels fantastic. It's the nearest thing to soaring whilst still on the ground. Telemarking in powder is one of life's truely awesome experiences. There will be no wiping the smile off your face after you've done your first tele run in powder. If this isn't enough, it's great to have another skill. Telemarking on piste is good fun and it gives you more variety in your skiing.

Telemark Myths

One myth about telemark skiing is that you don't have to telemark everywhere. With modern equipment, someone on telemark gear, skiing parallel will be indistinguishable from an alpine skier. You can do everything on telemark gear that you can do on alpine gear but more. Those free heels allow you to get around much more easily when it comes to the up slopes and it may even tempt you to expore the great outdoors with your new found freedom. You'll see kids in the terrain park too, skiing switch and doing everything that their chums can do on alpine gear. Some claim that telemark skiing is hard on the knees. Whilst all skiing is hard on the knees, don't forget that when you telemark, one knee get's a rest in every turn!

Some of the English indoor snow centres now hire telemark equipment so why not give it a try?

"FREE THE HEELS.....FREE THE MIND!"

Achilles