Telling people I do Telemark skiing often comes with a lot of questions. Does it hurt yours knees? It’s like cross country skiing, isn’t it? Why do you do it?
The truth is, the feeling I get from navigating a mountain using this traditional skiing approach, activates the buzz I felt when making my first powder turns as a youngster. So, if you were ever thinking of trying out Telemark skiing holidays, here is my personal guide to making it one to remember!
Why Telemark?
At the risk of sounding sentimental, Telemark skiing does make you feel more connected to the mountain. The lunging turn gets you closer to the action, and powder takes on a whole new, ‘surf-style’ feel. While you may be working a little harder, but that feeling at the bar at the end of the day when you’ve really earned your turns, is, for me, another absolute joy.
Sure, if you’re a skilled alpine skier, you’ll easily take to Telemarking. However, in my opinion, once you have a basic grasp of skiing, you’re ready to give telemarking a go! In fact, most alpine skiers say that having a day on Telemark and then returning to their downhill kit has a huge benefit on re-visiting body positioning and helping shed some bad form.
Telemarking is a full body adventure requiring balance, precision and co-ordination on a level that an experienced skier on modern downhill equipment no longer requires. And of course, the boots are far comfier and lighter than downhill ones.
A Brief History of Telemark Skiing
Telemark skiing is named after the Telemark region of Norway, where the discipline originated. Pioneer Sondre Norheim is often credited for first demonstrating the turn in ski races in around 1868. Over the next 80 years, the Telemark style of skiing was the only system for all skiing disciplines, including cross-country and ski jumping. This was until the mid 1950s when the Cubco, Look, and Marker brands introduced the fixed heel system. The market has subsequently shifted hugely to the alpine/downhill style that most would associate with mountain ski holidays. However, the true purists of the ski world stay true to the ideologies of Telemark, and a resurgence is brewing!
Telemarking Ski Kit
More recently, there has been a huge technological advancement in telemark with the introduction of NTN Bindings. These require specific boots, but offer a more user-friendly, adjustable alternative to the ‘classic (aka 75mm) binding’ heel strap binding. The NTN system can be made stiffer and provides a more ‘direct’ feel to the edges than the 75mm system. The traditionists of course swear by the 75mm, and if you are a beginner looking into Telemark skiing holidays, I advise going for the cheaper end. The 75mm does offer a better value for money option.
Safety notice: Most NTN bindings come with various release setting options, whereas the 75mm in 99% of cases does not. If you have had knee injuries etc, it is worth talking to a specialist or your health care provider before renting or buying equipment.
These latest technological developments have really helped to re-invigorate the telemark community and led to more ‘in resort’ shops stocking telemark equipment.
Top Telemark Ski Resorts
The big mountain resorts lead the way. Both Tignes and Val d’Isère, with their diverse terrains and high altitude, are great resorts for Telemark skiing holidays. In fact, the annual Black Shoes event is held towards the end of April in Tignes! This event is a celebration of all that is “old-school” in skiing, and welcomes Telemark beginners and fanatics alike. In Tignes, you can rent your equipment from Mountain Attitude among other shops. If you would like to book a lesson, I can highly recommend Telemark Tracks.
Additionally, Chamonix and Verbier rank among the best ski resorts for telemarking in Europe. Chamonix is a great access point to the wider Mont Blanc ski area. It also offers Telemark lessons for all ages and abilities, so you can explore the mountain in safe hands. Similarly, Verbier is well-suited to Telemark skiing holidays. The ESI ski school is on hand to offer great lessons, and the slopes are vast and varied due to Verbier’s 4 Vallées location! Both Chamonix and Verbier are among the top ski resorts for black runs, so for those looking for an extra challenge, or those with experience on Telemark skis, these are ideal resorts to consider.
Give Telemark Skiing Holidays a Go
If you love the thought of lunging into your turns with the delicacy and precision of a prima ballerina, then Telemark skiing holidays are for you. Feeling your edge grip, gliding like a swan, is a true delight for mountain enthusiasts. Plus, you are sure to impress the average skier, and develop your own skills across the board for snowsports. If you need any more convincing, here are 5 more reasons to have a go at Telemark Skiing.
So, if you’ve been tempted by the joys of Telemark skiing, then why not start planning where to stay? Our Ski Specialists are keen to help you find the perfect luxury ski chalet for your Telemark skiing holidays, so don’t hesitate to get in touch. Send us an email, or give us a call on +44 (0)1202 203650 to begin your Telemark journey!
