Telemark is a noble and elegant way of skiing, which worships the mountain by planting the knee in the snow in each turn.
The telemark technique is based on a support on the outside ski of the turn and a genuflection of the inside leg of the turn, causing the heel of that leg to be raised. It is a physically and technically demanding sport, but it gives the skier unique sensations at each turn. Are you ready to discover the skiing technique that represents the origin of alpine skiing? Let’s go!
Origin of telemark: Scandinavia
Its beginnings come from Norway, its precursor being Sondre Norheim, considered the father of modern skiing. He used the “angel” technique after flying 33 metres in a trampoline jumping event in Iverslokken (1868), surprising the public by the elegance of the landing. Today, telemark-style landing technique is still valued in jumping events.
Telemark – as well as being a province of Norway with the same name – is a type of snow sliding that has a differentiating characteristic with alpine skiing: it has bindings that allow the heel to be lifted and boots that allow the foot to be more articulated.
The beauty of its technique and freedom of movement is bringing the free heel back into fashion in ski resorts.
Telemark: elegance, centrality and freedom of movement
Watching a telemark skier chaining turns in the snow can remind us of dance thanks to its elegant, rhythmic and dynamic movements.
However, its technical and physical demands meant that at the beginning of the 20th century, the telemark skiing technique was superseded by alpine skiing. It was Matias Zdarky who perfected a binding that kept the entire sole of the boot in contact with the ski, and as a result, the parallel technique of the Austrian school was consolidated to the present day. Although telemark was a minority practice, its development and expansion was revived in the United States(Crested Butte – Colorado) in the 1970s.
The real driving force behind telemark skiing in recent times has a name and a surname: Paul Parker.
The famous skier dazzled with a majestic descent at the Interski held in Italy in 1983. There he stunned all his rivals by showing his skill and elegance on a very difficult slope, descending with the telemark skiing technique.
Moreover, the step technique, which is reminiscent of the cross-country skiing position, was also widely used by skimo skiers during the descents. Since then, the fusion of telemark and backcountry skiing has made it increasingly common to see experienced skiers performing telemark turns “with a free heel” both in off-piste areas and on the slopes of the resorts.
Telemark and the racing world
Telemark, for the moment, is not an Olympic sport. It is a discipline included in the competitions of the International Ski Federation (FIS) in the specialities of sprint and classic in both individual and parallel since the year 2000. It has also been included in Spain in the competitions organised by RFEDI since 2003.
In competition, the two most common telemark events are:
- Sprint
The Telemark sprint event is performed in two giant runs, including a jump that can be up to 15 metres long, which must be received with the step technique in order not to be penalised. At the end of the downhill, the skier must face a cant, exit in the opposite direction and finish the race by performing the skater’s pass.
- Classic
This is the most popular telemark event and is performed in a single run, with a longer course than the sprint event.
The sport of the free heel
As we have already mentioned, the main factor that differentiates telemark from alpine skiing is located in the heel. This discipline allows the athlete to move and slide down the slopes with a free heel (freehill), as the binding does not block the back of the boot and pivots on its front part. This frees up the joints to the maximum, both ankle and knee flexion and hip joint mobility.
Although a priori the issue of the heel may seem an irrelevant factor, the truth is that it completely conditions both the technique and the material. Some of you may be wondering: does having a locked heel make such a big difference? We invite you to try walking, running, jumping or dancing without extending your ankle. You will see that the movements are neither harmonious nor natural. And this happens in biomechanics with any part of the body, if a joint is blocked, it influences the dynamics of the rest.
And the truth is that this is one of the greatest attractions of telemark: the freedom of movement. Not forgetting the proximity to the snow in every turn. If there is also powder snow, you can enjoy the contact with the ‘white gold’ and an incredible sensation of floating and mimicry with the snowy environment.
Are you ready to learn more about this beautiful downhill technique? Let’s start with the telemark equipment: lift up your heels and let’s go down!
Telemark equipment
In order to practise this sport, it is necessary to use specific telemark equipment. With the exception of a few hybrid models, alpine skiing equipment is not incompatible with telemark skiing. Similarly, specific ski touring equipment is not compatible with telemark skiing, as it may deteriorate or even break when attempting to descend in telemark mode.
However, the evolution of equipment and demand has led to the existence of hybrid touring-telemark boots and bindings that are proving to be a great success among fans of both disciplines.
Here are the bindings, boots and poles that you can use to enjoy this noble skiing discipline.
Telemark bindings: 75mm and NTN
To simplify, we can say that there are two types of bindings: the 75 (the traditional one) which is attached to the toe of the telemark boot with a ‘duckbill’ and is anchored to the back of the boot by means of a turnbuckle. On the other hand, there is the NTN (New Telemark Norm), which is attached to the toe cap but also to the sole. Both require specific boot types that are not compatible with each other.
If you are looking for telemark bindings, you will notice that the few shops that offer this type of material, mainly have the NTN both for sale and for rent, although the classic and genuine ones are undoubtedly the 75mm.
75mm telemark binding
The telemark binding par excellence is the 75mm. They are considered the most versatile, lightweight and versatile free heel bindings. It is also worth noting that the tension curve offered by its spring provides an extraordinary feeling of freedom when descending.
Two designs of classic 75 bindings, one with duckbill entry (the most traditional) and the other with NTN boot pins, also called LowTech 75 Telemark. It is less common and is used by touring and telemark enthusiasts for its light weight and the feeling of freedom that its tension spring transmits..
The 75 binding model can be found with a duck bill or with pins, although the first option is the most common. The springs can be adjusted to increase their stiffness.
Telemark NTN binding
On the other hand, the NTN is generally heavier and it is complex to transmit power to the inside ski with the NTN platform. Although in its favour we can assure that it allows to ‘easily’ drive the ski, it doesn’t have the oscillations typical of the 75 tensioners and provides a safer feeling to the skier.
On the other hand, the tension of the flexor that is positioned on the sole is constant, allowing you to bring your knees very low and it is an ideal binding for beginners as well as for fast descents (it is the most used in competition). Another point in its favour is that most of the NTN telemark bindings have a brake so that if you fall the ski won’t go too far and they ‘always’ incorporate the step-in and release system.
Both systems offer models that prevent you from having to bend down to remove/attach the bindings (step-on). If you are going to practice SkiMo combined with telemark, you should know that there are compatible blades, to climb steep areas more safely. If you need to access a steep area with crampons, you should be aware that not all crampons are compatible with NTN or 75mm boots. Crampons with a ‘straps’ system are the most recommended (no BOA).
The latest trend in telemark bindings is the so-called ‘LowTech’. It has the pin system in the toe of the boot and you can find it without tensioning cables (NTN) or with them (75mm). It is the lightest – and most fragile – version available and is widely used by ski touring and telemark enthusiasts.
There are many options and more and more brands are offering quality telemark bindings (Bishop, Rottefella, 22Designs, Meidjo by M Equipment, …). Depending on the type of feeling and use, you will have to decide between the following options, among others:
- Telemark bindings with cables or N75 cartridges: for use with N75 hard shell boots in alpine touring or in ski resorts, even on steep slopes. The cables can be removed for ascent.
- Telemark N75 bindings with cables or cartridges and a detachable seal (e.g. 7TM Power Tour): more range of movement on the ascent thanks to the seals.
- N75 without cables with soft N75 boots: ideal for nordic hiking.
- NTN hard boots with NTN bindings (the boot is compatible with a standard alpine binding): widely used in ski resorts.
Boots for freeheelers
Telemark boots are specifically designed for ‘freeheel’ skiing. The most traditional are the telemark 75 boots. Their elongated, square-shaped toecaps are a specific distinctive feature. Duckbill ‘ boots not only allow the robust toe of the boot to be attached to the telemark binding, but also widen the base of support where support is most predominant. The most important brands that manufacture specific boots to enjoy telemark are Scarpa TX PRO, Crispi, Scott,…
On the other hand, you will find NTN telemark boots that can be compatible with alpine ski bindings. These do not feature the ‘duck bill’ and are more similar to alpine boots with pins at the front. Both the 75 and NTN can be found with either 3 or 4 hooks. The 3-hooks are usually lighter and the 4-hooks are stiffer, designed for better foot hold and off-piste access.
If you look at the picture, you will see that in both models the arrangement of the hooks is different from the alpine ones. The first hook closest to the toes is after the telemark flex zone, called the flex or bellows. On the other hand, you will see that there is one in the ankle flexion area, in order to favour the contact of our foot with the insole at all times.
What is the difference between Telemark boots and other boots?
The main differentiating feature of telemark boots with respect to those used exclusively for alpine or touring, are the axes or places where the boot flexes.
Alpine and touring boots have one flex/articulation axis, telemark boots have two. This is because alpine and touring boots only allow dorsiflexion of the ankle. In these boots, the malleolus of the tibia and fibula can articulate with the talus, and the weight of the body can rest on the tibiae.
However, telemark boots offer the same dorsiflexion as touring and alpine boots, but also facilitate flexion of the 14 phalanges of the foot (the toes have three phalanges, except for the big toe, which has two).
Telemark skis
There are three main categories of telemark skis: those dedicated to ski touring, freeride and telecarving. As you can imagine, not all the best ski brands are specialised in telemark and there are only a few that have specialised in this beautiful discipline. However, don’t panic, if you are a beginner, almost any ski can be used to enjoy the ‘free heel’ by installing the right bindings.
However, if you are looking for something very specific, you can follow the advice below. For example, hiking or ski-touring skis have many similarities with touring skis because of their lightness, straight lines and length. Downhill skis for off-piste skiing are wider and are designed to facilitate flotation on untreated snow. Finally, those used for on-piste carving are heavier and have well marked carving edges (they can be found with lifts) to facilitate turns driven on the groomed slopes of a ski resort. As in any other discipline, if the budget is not enough, any old ski can be suitable for beginners.
Which telemark skis to choose?
The choice of telemark skis depends on the skier’s level and the type of use. There are multi-purpose skis (90-105mm skis), freeride skis (the wider the better) and ski-touring skis (90-105mm skis with a weight of more than 1.5kg). In general they tend to have similar characteristics to alpine skis, flexible, reactive and with little torsion in their longitudinal axis. They may have a hole or anchoring system in the tip, as some telemarkers use them for ski mountaineering routes. In this case, the weight is relevant. The extra weight you have to carry on the ascent is proportional to the feeling you are looking for on the descent. Think that under 1.3kg per ski (without bindings) the skis will be less reactive and will probably have bindings with toe pins (less versatile).
To enjoy off-piste skiing in telemark mode, single rocker or double rocker skis are recommended. The former offers extra safety when ascending and descending. Backcountry enthusiasts, on the other hand, will probably prefer double rocker skis.
Example of skis for telemark skiing: Movement Axess 86, ideal for rando-touring as well as classic and telemark.
Telemark poles
Telemark poles can be the same as those used for alpine skiing, although ideally they should be slightly longer. Telescopic touring poles are not recommended, as there can be a drag phase in the pole that helps balance in turns and this type of pole can end up bent.
A note, in classic style, the poles are advanced and slightly open, accompanying the trunk compensation. On the other hand, in modern style, the inner baton must be open, low and almost dragging. The other pole, the outer pole, should be carried with the arm quite extended and forward.
Telemark skiing techniques
Telemark is a discipline for experienced athletes with a high technical level in alpine skiing. To descend the snowy slopes, the skier can choose between two main types of telemark skiing technique: Nordic/classic or alpine/modern. In both, the projection of the knees on the ground should always be further forward than the ankle joint. In this way, we will release tension in the knee and also the turns will be more fluid. Another of the most important factors in telemark is undoubtedly the centrality and the homogeneous distribution of weight between both legs.
Nordic or classic style.
Telemark skis for classic style are usually wider: they will offer more stability, more safety in the skid phase but less manoeuvrability. They are ideal for off-piste areas and untreated snow. In Nordic style, the trunk is offset, there is a slight hip counter-rotation and there is a predisposition to skidding. In this case, the skis may have carving but the difference in height will be slight, providing wide turning radii. Although they are no longer used, traditional skis without carving can also be used. In Nordic or classic style, a hazel stick, called Pachón or Lurk, can be used to facilitate centring, balance and make contact with the snow on the inside of the turns.
Alpine or modern style
Alpine telemark style skis are usually shorter, more manoeuvrable, but provide less buoyancy off-piste. They offer good on-piste performance although they are less suitable for untreated snow and virgin snow.
These telemark skis are narrower, being wider in the tip and tail than in the skid part, although this is generally not very pronounced due to the enormous difficulty of transitioning in short turns driven in telemark mode. The skis are more reactive, the turn is driven and the body is always oriented to the direction of the turn.
Most successful telemark skiers
Determining the best telemark skiers in history can be subjective, as it depends on several factors such as competitive achievements, influence in the sport and technical skills. Telemark, being a form of Nordic skiing that combines elements of alpine and cross-country skiing, has had several notable exponents over the years.
Here are some telemark skiers, four from Norway, who we consider to be outstanding for a variety of reasons:
- Kjetil André Aamodt (Norway): Although best known for his achievements in alpine skiing, Aamodt has also demonstrated exceptional telemark skills.
- Johnny Gällivare (Sweden): Known for his impeccable technique and his ability to teach and promote the sport.
- Karine Falck-Pedersen (Norway): One of the most accomplished competitors on the telemark racing circuit.
- Chris Davenport (USA): An extreme skier who has demonstrated exceptional telemark skills, especially in difficult terrain and backcountry conditions.
- Amie Engerbretson (USA): Known for her freeride and telemark skiing skills, excelling in both competition and cinematic skiing.
- Tobias Müller (Germany): Müller has been a leading competitor on the world telemark circuit, known for his many consistent victories and achievements in international competitions.
- Amélie Reymond (Switzerland): Reymond is one of the most successful telemark skiers, with numerous world titles to her name. Her dominance in international competitions has made her an iconic figure in the sport.
- Phil Lau (France): Along with his brother Sven, Phil Lau has been a prominent figure in telemark. He has achieved significant success in competitions worldwide, standing out for his technique and skills.
- Sigrid Rykhus (Norway): Rykhus has been a formidable competitor in telemark, achieving multiple successes in international competitions, including world championships.
- Trym Nygaard Løken (Norway): Løken is another Norwegian skier who has made a remarkable contribution to telemark, winning medals in international competitions and demonstrating a high level of skill and technique.
