Telemark Skiing - The BEST Kind of Skiing in the World!

Telemark skiing is for sure one of the most fun winter sports ever invented! When you go skiing or snowboard you may see these pinheads coming down the hill as if they were dancing. You ask yourself, "Why are those guys putting themselves through so much pain?" The answer: Because telemark skiing fun and addictive." Telemark skiing, also called free heeled or freeheel skiing, was invented by the Norwegians in the 1700s and became popular there in the 1800s when Sondre Norheim, often called the Father of telemark skiing" won several metals for his skiing achievements.

The First Time I Went Telemark Skiing Was Rough

I first tried telemark skiing in when I was about 10 years old in New Hampshire at a small mountain near the Canadian border called the Balsams. I rented some old straight skis and leather boots. There was nobody to teach me. I had seen people telemark skiing before and was very curious. So, I headed up the hill and gave it a shot! What happened? I could not turn, fell and ate snow! At that time I thought I would never try telemark skiing again. Fast forward about 20 years. A few years ago I spent a ski season in the Colorado rockies. I skied almost every day that season. I started on my traditional fixed-heel alpine skis which I'd been using since college. Boring. I wanted something new. So, I bought a snowboard. While my skiing friends gave me a lot of grief for taking up snowboarding I actually enjoyed it. But, after having grown up on skis since elementary school I did not like having my legs and feet fixed into place. Besides the heel-toe movement transitions I felt that snowboarding lacked the possibility for physical movement. And, I admit - I was hopeless on moguls on a snowboard!

Today's Telemark Skis Totally Rock!

So, after snowboarding for a while I again wanted something new. After watching the "cool" telemarkers and paling up with a ski buddy who swore that telemarking was the the best and most fun way to go down the mountain I set my sights on getting a pair of telemarks myself. I went from store to store and couldn't believe the prices! Just to get up and running on entry-level skis, boots and bindings would cost me at least $1,000! My wallet just couldn't accent that and I had to hold off. But, finally I got my lucky break: A demo shop and my mountain was selling off that season's demo skis, including telemarks. I think I paid about $200 for a pair of demo K2s, including bindings, which were still in great condition. I bought a new pair of Scarpa boots for about $300.

Anyways, the mountain did not offer telemark ski lessons and I found myself in the same situation as when I was 10 years old in New Hampshire: I had to head up the mountain and go for it on my own. But, what happened this time? Wow! I simply dropped the knee of the uphill ski, lifted the heal and the turn simply happened! I was making acceptable telemark turns on my first run! Why? It's all in the equipment. Modern telemark skis are much shorter and have a parabolic shape, making it much easier to do more-controlled sharper turns. And, today's hard plastic boots with comfortable interior lining make are much more comfortable and give you better control over the ski. Furthermore today's spring bindings also offer much more control over the ski.

Get Started Telemark Skiing NOW!

If you're looking to try something new I'd strongly recommend trying telemark skiing. Equipment cost can be a big issue as buying telemar skis, boots and bindings can run up to $1,000. TelemarkSkiShop.info offers excellent deals on both new and used equipment and is definitely worth visiting.

Learn More About Telemark Skiing

• Different Forms of Skiing
• The Best Sport on Earth is Snowskiing
• Skiing Fitness
• Skiing for Fun - Tips for an Enjoyable Day on the Slopes
• How to Save Money on a Ski Trip
• Where to Buy Used Ski Equipment Online
• Advanced Skiers Guide to Skiing Breckenridge

Happy turns friends and stay safe on the slopes :-)