Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms 

Active Stance

A dynamic and balanced body position that allows the skier to adapt to terrain and manage pressure. In telemark, this typically involves slight flexion in all joints with weight evenly distributed between both feet.

Angulation

The lateral separation between the upper and lower body used to manage edging. It allows the skis to tip more effectively while the upper body remains balanced over the base of support.

Back Pedal

A movement pattern where the skier retracts the front leg and extends the rear leg in a cycling motion to initiate a lead change or manage terrain, especially in bumps or steep conditions.

Base of Support

The area beneath the skier where balance is maintained—between and under the skis. A stable base allows for effective pressure management and edge control.

Blocking Pole Plant

A strong pole plant used to stabilize the upper body and maintain a downhill-facing torso while the legs steer underneath, often used in steep or variable terrain.

Centre of Mass (COM)

The point at which the skier’s mass is concentrated. Effective skiing involves actively moving the COM to manage balance and pressure through the turn.

Core Movement

The coordinated engagement of the torso and hips to guide balance, edging, and steering. Core movement supports the skier’s control and connection to the snow.

Edge Engagement

The process of tipping the skis to use the ski edges to grip the snow and shape the turn. It should be progressive to maintain smoothness.

Edge Release

Flattening or reducing edge angle to transition between turns. Essential for initiating the next movement without unnecessary resistance.

Edging

The act of tipping the skis to grip the snow. Effective edging requires a combination of inclination and angulation.

Extension / Flexion or Retraction

Movements of the legs to lengthen or shorten the body’s height. Used to manage terrain, pressure, and lead changes.

Flex Pattern (Ski)

The distribution of stiffness along the ski’s length, affecting how it bends during turns. A balanced flex supports control and responsiveness in telemark stance.

Lead Change

The telemark-specific transition where one ski moves forward and the other backward to form the characteristic telemark stance. Can vary in size, speed, and timing depending on terrain and intent.

Pressure Management

The ability to control and redistribute pressure through the skis to maintain grip and flow. Includes techniques like flexion, extension, and adjusting weight between skis.

Rhythm

The timing and flow of movements from one turn to the next. Important for maintaining smoothness, especially in bumps or powder.

Scissoring

The fore-and-aft separation of the skis in the lead change. Effective scissoring involves a balance between both skis and helps maintain a stable base.

Sidecut / Ski Design

Refers to the shape of the ski that determines its turning radius. Telemark skis use sidecut to help carve turns, especially when edging is combined with pressure and steering.

Simultaneous Steering

Turning both skis at the same time using coordinated leg movements. Promotes parallel ski positioning and stability.

Ski-to-Ski Balance

Maintaining connection and balance between both skis, especially important during transitions and uneven snow conditions.

Stacking

Aligning the body in a way that bones support the load, reducing muscular effort. Particularly relevant on the outside ski during turns for strong pressure control.

Steering

The coordinated use of the feet and legs to guide the skis through the turn. Steering is preferred over the term “rotation” in this manual and emphasizes control rather than twisting or forcing the skis.

Supple

A quality of movement that is soft, adaptive, and responsive. Encouraged in all terrain types, particularly in variable snow conditions.

Tip / Tipping

The act of initiating a turn by tipping the feet and skis onto their edges. A key component of edge engagement.

Tour Mode

A binding feature that allows the heel to lift freely for uphill travel. Used in telemark setups for backcountry skiing.