Telemark bindings are a type of ski binding used by telemark skiers. Telemark skiing, a form of downhill skiing, allows the heel to be free. Similar to cross-country ski bindings, telemark bindings connect the toe of the boot to the ski. This allows you to make telemark-style turns where the heel lifts off the ski to allow the uphill knee to bend.
Types
There are two main types of telemark bindings: three-pin bindings and cable bindings. Three-pin bindings use a leather boot with a duckbill on the forefoot. The duckbill's holes are lined up with the pins and secured in place by a locking bail. Cable bindings have a spring loaded cable that goes around the boot heel. This style of binding offers more control than a three-pin telemark binding while still providing heel movement and side-to-side stiffness. This style of binding typically is used with a hard shell boot.
Cable Bindings Explained
A telemark binding is attached to the ski at the base of the toes using a toe plate. The toe plate is typically made of steel. Attached to the toe plate is a rigid sidebar or cable that goes around the heel. A compression spring is mounted on the sidebar on either side of the foot. This spring is adjustable and holds tension to allow the skier to transfer turning power from the foot to the ski. A heel riser sits on the ski below the heel of the boot to support the back of your foot when you are not turning.
Benefits
Telemark skiing is a challenging form of downhill skiing and is considered, by some, the purest form. Because the telemark binding allows more movement of the heel during a turn, the skier benefits from a more efficient application of the three primary skiing movements: pressure, edging and rotary.
Ski Movements Skills
Because the heel is lifted, the skier pressures the ball of the foot more effectively. This improves rear foot control, which allows for better weight transfer and edge changes necessary for turning. Edging is easier with a telemark binding because the skier can use angulation, or a stacked body position, to tip the skis on edge without using the center of mass to move down the fall line, typical in alpine skiing. Telemark bindings also promote better rotary, or turning power, from the feet because you can change lead quickly and direct the ski in a different direction. This skill is useful in heavy snow conditions or steep terrain.
Considerations
Telemark skiing is a demanding and fun style of skiing and deciding on the type of telemark binding you need should be based on the type of boot you use. Leather boots are softer and more comfortable but do not offer the performance of hard-shell boot. You should also consider weight of the telemark binding. Because cable-style bindings offer better performance, they are heavier than three-pin bindings.
Member Comments