Getting Stoked on Telemark. Telemark skiing is a distinct and dynamic style of skiing defined by its “loose heel” technique. Unlike alpine skiing, where the boot is fully secured to the ski, telemark bindings leave the heel free, similar to cross-country skiing. This increased range of motion enhances manoeuvrability, particularly on varied terrain, and offers a unique blend of power, fluidity, and grace.
A Brief History of Telemark Skiing
Skiing has been used for thousands of years for transportation, hunting, and sport. While the exact origins of telemark skiing are difficult to pinpoint, Sondre Norheim, born in 1825 in Morgedal, Norway, is widely credited as the father of modern telemark skiing. His revolutionary telemark turn transformed skiing from a simple mode of travel into a dynamic and artistic pursuit.
Norwegian emigrants helped spread skiing worldwide, including to New Zealand, where gold miners in the 1860s and 1870s used skis to navigate the snowy terrain of Central Otago. Early polar explorers, many of whom passed through New Zealand en route to Antarctica, also helped popularise skiing. By the early 20th century, ski clubs were forming, and by the 1930s, the sport was booming.
