Telemark skiing is a form of skiing named after a region in Norway. Telemark skiing, also known as free heel skiing, is used by the Royal Marines and other NATO armed forces working in Arctic regions. Telemark skiing is a recreational activity, a popular sport and also a mode of transport.
Equipment
Telemark skis are very similar to alpine skis in shape and dimension but only have toe bindings so that your heel is free to lift. Lifting your heel is essential in performing a telemark turn. Telemark boots are more flexible than regular ski boots and allow you to bend your ankles forward so that you can rise onto the ball of your foot. Telemark skis can be used for downhill skiing and also cross-country skiing. To provide traction when traveling uphill, telemark skis are fitted with removable coverings called skins. Skins originally came from seals but are now synthetic. Telemark skiers also use regular ski poles but telemark traditionalists still use a long single pole called a lurk.
Telemark Turns
A telemark turn is a very distinctive maneuvre that differs significantly from an alpine turn. In a telemark turn, your skis are held parallel and hip-width apart but your weight is placed on your downhill ski, which is held forward of your uphill ski. Your uphill leg is bent, your heel lifted and the ski is controlled with your forefoot. When viewed from the side, this type of turn looks like a series of polite curtsies or shallow lunges and works equally well on or off piste.
Telemark Skiing Competition
Like alpine skiing, telemark skiing is a competition sport as well as a form of recreation and travel. Telemark competition events include giant slalom, long and short course cross country, wilderness racing, jumping and uphill racing. A variety of levels of competition range from regional events to the annual Telemark World Cup. All official telemark competitions are regulated by the International Ski Federation.
Military Telemark Skiiing
Telemark skiing is used by many armed forces when patrolling or fighting in arctic conditions as telemark skis can be used on most types of snow conditions and terrain. Because of the upright body position used when telemark skiing, military skiers are able to carry heavy back packs in relative comfort, which allows them to be self sufficient for long periods of time in very inhospitable conditions. NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, undertakes regular troop training exercises in Norway, the home of telemark skiing.
References
- "Telemark Skiing"; Patrick Droste and Ralf Strotmann; 2002
- "Free-heel Skiing (Telemark Techniques for All Conditions)"; Paul Parker and Yvon Chouinard; 2002
- "The Essential Cross-Country Skier"; Rick Lovett and Paul Petersen; 1999
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