Telemark skis are a special type of ski that features a clipless heel similar to the bindings in a cross-country ski. They are popular for backcountry and touring purposes, although they have traditionally been used for alpine skiing as well. The clipless heel allows for greater flex in the legs and, ultimately, an improved ability to carve through turns. Many of the dimensions of telemark skis are similar to that of other ski types, but you should take into account some specific factors when choosing telemark skis. The most important characteristic of a telemark ski is its length.
Step 1
Determine your skill level. Skill level is a determinant in the length of your skis. The more experience you have, the longer your skis will be relative to your size. Beginners will have the shortest ski length. Advanced and expert skiers will have longer skis.
Step 2
Stand a ski on its end and see how far up your body it extends. The head method of measurement is a popular and simple measuring stick. Beginners should find a ski that reaches the chin. Intermediate skiers should look for nose-level skis, and advanced skiers should get skis that reach the forehead.
Step 3
Select the waist of your skis based on the turning ease that you want when changing direction in the snow. A thinner ski waist leads to easier turning around sharp corners, but the speed tends to be reduced. On the other hand, wider waists are much faster but less adept at turning sharply. If you are a beginner, a smaller waist is better because you are unlikely to need high speeds while skiing. An experienced skier, on the other hand, is better able to turn on wider waists while keeping high speeds.
Step 4
Make adjustments to the length of the ski based on your weight. A heavier build will result in a longer ski. This can be difficult to gauge on your own, particularly when examining skis from different manufacturers. For this reason, a ski pro or specialty ski shop is your best option for properly sizing your skis.
Tips and Warnings
- Many ski specialty shops feature ski-sizing charts that can help you find the optimal ski size for your body and skill level.
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