| Telemark skiing definitely a physically demanding | | | | The early 1990’s marked the beginning of the |
| sport as its best described as doing squats as you | | | | firmer, stiffer boot still offering flexibility |
| ski, downhill. As K2 is quoted saying ‘if it were | | | | demanded by the telemark turn. Some |
| easy, it would be called snowboarding’. | | | | telemarkers are still using the soft leather boot, |
| Telemark skiing remains a minority sport, despite | | | | but the most commonly sought after boot is |
| the improvement in equipment and ultimately in | | | | made of polymer, creating a stiff boot with |
| where the telemark ski can take you. The | | | | flexibility built in the forefoot of the boot. |
| telemark ski turn originated in a region in Sweden, | | | | Telemark skis are lighter and more flexible than |
| called the Telemark region, in the late 1800’s. | | | | alpine skis, yet similar in their width. Most ski |
| In the early 1900’s north Americans adapted | | | | manufacturers are creating their own selection of |
| the sport modifying Nordic skiing on slopes. | | | | Telemark skis since the physical demands of |
| In the 1980’s telemark skis looked similar to | | | | Telemark skiing differs greatly from alpine skiing. |
| alpine skis, yet used a soft leather boot, similar to | | | | Access is not limited to the ski slopes with |
| a Nordic ski. Boots were originally made with three | | | | telemark skis. Telemark skiing is also your |
| pin holes at the bottom of the front of the boot | | | | passport to the backcountry. With skins on your |
| which would secure into pin bindings. This is why | | | | telemark skis, you can climb into the alpine, |
| telemark skiers are often referred to as | | | | remove your skins and ski down on untouched |
| “pinheads”. Now, cable bindings allow the | | | | powder. Be sure to gear up in insulated thermal |
| boot to slide in (without the pins) while restraining | | | | underwear, proper outerwear and carry survival |
| the boot with a cable suspension system. This | | | | gear. |
| allows for more control with the telemark ski | | | | With great form and telemark skis there are no |
| turns. | | | | limits in snow country. Free your heal. |