Telemark refers to a skiing technique that utilizes a series of rhythmic body movements. According to Telemark Tips, Norwegian born Sondre Norheim has been credited for developing the Telemark style in the late 1800s. Unlike the traditional alpine skiing position, the Telemark riding stance remains low to the ground. Telemark skiing involves advanced maneuvers, so a basic knowledge of skiing or snowboarding is recommended.
Basics
Maintaining a proper riding stance remains vital for the Telemark skiing technique. Perform a few exercises in a stationary position to get comfortable with the basic movements of Telemark skiing. Bend your knees while leaning back to put pressure on the front of your skiing boots. Extend your right ski forward while sliding your left ski backwards. Lift your heels off the blades of your skis. Insert your poles into the snow for added support. Execute the Telemark "shuffle" by sliding your skis back and forth in the opposing direction. Pull your poles out of the snow and practice the shuffling motion with no supports. Ski half way down a novice ski slope. Rotate your skies to a horizontal position on the mountain face. Travel from one side of the slope to the other while performing the Telemark shuffle.
J-Turn
According to Telemark skiing expert Urmas Franosch, the j-turn refers to a maneuver that allows you to slow the momentum of your skis, while changing directions. Start out in a regular alpine skiing position by placing your skis side by side. Extend your legs to maintain a standing position. Ski down a beginner's slope until you reach a comfortable speed. Lean your shoulders to the left while extending your right ski forward. Stretch your left ski backwards as you begin a left j-turn. Bend your knees to maintain a Telemark stance throughout the turn. Allow yourself to come to a complete stop on the mountain face. Execute a right j-turn by using similar body movements.
Mono-Turn
An effective Telemark training exercise, the mono-turn, combines the left and right j-turn. The mono-turn permits you to maintain a steady pace as you carve back and forth across the face of the mountain. Perform a left j-turn as you travel down a novice slope. As opposed to coming to a complete stop, rotate your shoulders to initiate the movements of the right j-turn. The mono-turn teaches you how to remain on the outside edges of your skis. When riding with your skis flat against the terrain, the likelihood of catching an edge increases.
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