Telemarking: The EssentialsSM

Students Per Instructor: 1, 2 or 3
Course Length: 2 Days (approx. 8 hours per day)
Seasons Offered: Winter
Alpine Mastery Method: Ski Mastery - Level II
Prerequisites: Backcountry Basics or comparable experience

Course Summary: This course will help you add the telemark turn to your collection of nordic backcountry skiing skills..

Reservations

Course Description:
The renaissance of the versatile telemark turn has been luring skiers into the backcountry in search of new skiing horizons. On the first day we’ll introduce you to this classic turn through our own carefully structured teaching progression. Learning the telemark turn first in controlled conditions, we'll focus on developing good technique and power. Once you are turning comfortably, we'll progress to tighter skiing situations and variable snow conditions where your new skills will pay big dividends.

The second day will be devoted to applying the skills introduced on the first day to skiing situations encountered along a classic backcountry tour. We'll use the telemark turn both on and off trail to acheive better control than would be possible with other techniques. We’ll also cover the use of climbing skins for long uphill stretches. Boots, bindings and skis must provide good support for you to learn the skills we present in this couse. Required equipment for this course is discussed on our Ski Equipment page.

If you've done some backcountry skiing and you have good downhill control using the snowplow (wedge) you’re ready to add the telemark to your backcountry retertoire!