Telemark cross-country skiing takes fitness and strength. Northern Europeans and Scandinavians used cross-country skiing as a means of travel during snowy winters. Telemark originally referred to the smooth turning technique skiers used traveling downhill. Today, special races and leagues celebrate the hybrid type of skiing that combines classic cross-country and alpine downhill skiing.
Origins
Skiing was more than just a sport to the citizens of countries such as Norway and Finland. Cross-country skiing was daily transportation in snow-bound areas. Finland used elite cross-country ski units to battle Russian tank units in World War II, according to the book "First Strike: Preemptive War in Modern History." Cross-country skiing allows skiers to traverse rough terrain quickly, and today elite skiers wind their way between trees and over hills for sport.
Telemark Turn
The telemark turn lends its name to the style of ski races held today. In a classic telemark turn, the skier puts his weight on the downhill ski, and bends his knee on the uphill ski. The resulting movement is a smooth turn typical of the style. Telemark style replaced the older method of turning, which required those on skis to plant sturdy poles into the ground, steering as they went. Sondre Norheim was a farmer in the Telemark region of Norway in the latter part of the 1800s. Modern skiers credit him with inventing and developing the more graceful telemark style of skiing.
Other Elements
Telemark ski competitions have elements that require specialized skills and techniques. The classic telemark race has a steep section that requires skiers to wind their way around race flags as they descend. The section is similar to slalom in alpine style skiing. Skiers also negotiate ski jumps during the race. The last main element of the race is a classic cross-country section in which skiers race across an undulating landscape, according to Skiinghistory.org.
Equipment
Telemark cross-country skiers have boots that attach to the skis at the toest. The boots heels move up and down independent of the skis, enabling the telemark turn. Skiers can make forward and backward motions as well as side to side movements. The skis used in telemark skiing are wider and sturdier than the flexible classic cross-country touring skis. They share similarities with alpine downhill skis but they taper in the center section to help accommodate the sweeping turns. Ski poles in classic telemark races are longer than in alpine downhill because skiers use them to help propel themselves uphill and across flat terrain.
Potential
Telemark skiing is like an obstacle course on snow, combining aspects of downhill, jumping and classic cross country skiing. According to the United States Telemark Skiing Association, increasing numbers of downhill alpine skiers or cross-country enthusiasts turn to telemark skiing to take on new challenges as well as to improve their overall ski skills. Although telemark skiing is not an Olympic sport, many competitors travel to compete in international skiing championships.
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