Telemark skiing (original) (raw)

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Skiing technique

"Telemarking" redirects here; not to be confused with Telemarketing.

Telemark skiing is a skiing technique that combines elements of Alpine and Nordic skiing, using the rear foot to keep balance while pushing on the front foot to create a carving turn on downhill skis with toe-only bindings. Telemark skiing is named after the Telemark region of Norway, where the discipline originated.[1] Sondre Norheim is often credited for first demonstrating the turn in ski races, which included cross country, slalom, and jumping, in Norway around 1868. Sondre Norheim also experimented with ski and binding design, introducing side cuts to skis and heel bindings (like a cable).[2]

Skier demonstrating Telemark skiing technique during freeride descent.

In the 1800s, skiers in Telemark challenged each other on "wild slopes" (ville låmir); more gentle slopes were described by the adjective "sla." Some races were on "bumpy courses" (kneikelåm) and sometimes included "steep jumps" (sprøytehopp) for difficulty. These 19th-century races in Telemark ran along particularly difficult trails usually from a steep mountain, along timber-slides and ended with a sharp turn ("Telemark turn") on a field or icy lake.[3]

Telemark skiing (colloquially referred to as "tele skiing" or "tele-ing") was reborn in 1971 in the United States. Doug Buzzell, Craig Hall, Greg Dalbey, Jack Marcial, and Rick Borcovec are credited with reintroducing the style after reading the book Come Ski With Me by Stein Eriksen. Telemark skiing gained popularity during the 1970s and 1980s.[2]

Telemark Skiing Equipment

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Telemark skiing equipment refers to the specialized gear used in the sport of telemark skiing, a discipline that combines elements of alpine and Nordic skiing. Characterized by its distinctive free-heel technique, telemark skiing requires skis, boots, and bindings that allow for both stability and flexibility, as well as adaptations for different terrains such as groomed slopes, backcountry, and deep powder.

The evolution of telemark equipment reflects the sport’s heritage, beginning with leather boots and simple bindings in 19th-century Norway, and advancing to modern high-performance gear designed for versatility, safety, and innovation.

Telemark skis bridge the gap between alpine downhill performance and cross-country agility. Their design emphasizes versatility, allowing skiers to transition between lift-assisted slopes and backcountry terrain. Design Features: Width, sidecut, camber, and rocker profiles are optimized for both carving turns and floating in powder.

Telemark boots are defined by a bellows-like flex point at the toe, enabling the knee-bending motion of the telemark turn while providing necessary support.

Early models were leather, prioritizing flexibility but offering limited support. The introduction of plastic boots in the 1990s (e.g., Scarpa, 1992) improved durability, stiffness, and downhill control.

Telemark NTN binding system — modern precision.

Telemark bindings secure the boot at the toe while leaving the heel free, distinguishing them from alpine systems. The choice of binding influences ski control, responsiveness, and uphill mobility.

Specialized Equipment

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Modern Developments

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Telemark equipment continues to evolve, with manufacturers experimenting with lightweight composites, advanced plastics, and hybrid binding systems. The market is shaped by a balance of tradition and innovation, catering to both classic freeheel skiers and modern freeride athletes.

The Telemark FIS Classic competition is the most demanding Telemark race discipline, combining speed, endurance, and technical mastery.

Originally made popular as a mode of backcountry transportation, Telemark skiing is now a World Cup sport focused on carving. At its core, the Telemark discipline combines elements of Alpine racing, Nordic skate skiing, and ski jumping. World Cup Telemark is offered in a number of race formats, including Classic, Sprint Classic, and Parallel Sprint. A typical Classic Telemark race involves a jump that must be landed in a lunged position, a series of gates, a skate section, and a 360 degree banking turn known as the reipeløkke.[4]

Telemark Racing was governed by the International Telemark Federation (ITF) until 1995, when Telemark skiing was officially recognized by the Federation International de Ski Telemark committee (FIS). The first FIS Telemark World Championships were held at Hafjell, in Lillehammer, Norway.

Today, Telemark Racing is organized by FIS and by national sport committees such as the United States Telemark Ski Association,[5] and the British Telemark Ski Team.[6]

The Telemark FIS Parallel Sprint race combines the elegance of Telemark skiing with thrilling head-to-head competition. Skiers demonstrate powerful free heel skiing technique, agility, and speed as they race side by side in this dynamic event.

The FIS Telemark Committee have announced that their proposal for Telemark Parallel Sprint and Team Parallel Sprint is to be included in a FIS proposal to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The proposal was approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS) at the Congress held in Costa Navarino (Greece) May 2018. However, in a July ruling, the IOC voted not to include the Telemark Parallel Sprint in the 2022 Beijing Games.[7]

  1. ^ Halvor, Kleppen (1986). Telemarkskiing: Norway's Gift to the World. Oslo: Samlaget. ISBN 8252128548. OCLC 19461028.
  2. ^ a b Droste, Patrick; Strotmann, Ralf (2003). "Look Back". Telemark Skiing. Translated by Peter Musch. Oxford: Meyer & Meyer Sport. pp. 11–21. ISBN 9781841260822. OCLC 492425134.
  3. ^ Bø, Olav (1993). Skiing throughout history. Oslo: Samlaget. ISBN 8252138853.
  4. ^ "What is Telemark Racing? - USTSA - United States Telemark Ski Association". USTSA. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  5. ^ "United States Telemark Ski Association". USTSA. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  6. ^ "Speed ski + telemark - British Ski and Snowboard". www.gbtelemark.co.uk.
  7. ^ "Winter Olympics 2022: Will telemark skiing make its debut in Beijing?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 December 2018.