Introduction to Telemark Skiing

What

New telemark skiers will learn about their ski equipment, how to move around on flat terrain, and begin developing an athletic stance. There are two types of beginners:

1. Skiers with prior alpine experience – Familiar with skiing fundamentals but need to adapt to telemark equipment and stance.
2. Skiers with no previous skiing experience – Must learn basic skiing skills along with telemark movements.

All students need to become comfortable with their telemark equipment and learn the telemark stance to set themselves up for success.

Why

For first-time telemark skiers, everything is new—from free-heel bindings and flexible boots to how the skis interact with the snow. Understanding and becoming comfortable with the free-heel mechanism is crucial before progressing to slopes.

A structured warm-up prepares students physically and mentally by introducing fundamental movement patterns.

Example Warm-up Activities:

• Walking, jumping, and turning the legs
• Rotating the upper body
• Tipping the legs side to side
• Shifting weight from foot to foot
• Playing games or using obstacle courses for engagement

Additionally, understanding the differences in bindings is important:

• 75mm bindings have a left and right ski.
• NTN bindings do not have designated left/right skis.

How

First impressions matter—use a relaxed and engaging approach when introducing equipment and movements.

• Ensure all students have properly fitted gear and that bindings are adjusted correctly.
• Build trust and confidence by making the introduction fun and interactive.

Progression of Movement:

Skiers will develop all four fundamental movements (fore/aft, vertical, lateral, and rotational) through progressive drills:

1. One ski sliding – Understanding weight shifts and balance.
2. Walking and skating – Developing mobility with telemark skis.
3. Sidestepping – Learning grip and control.
4. Rotational movements – Steering and turning the legs to adjust direction.
5. Bullfighter turns – A simple way to turn around efficiently.

Technical Know-how

What’s New?

• Learning how the free-heel system affects mobility.
• Developing all four movements (fore/aft, vertical, lateral, rotational) for telemark skiing.

Performance Tips:

• Skis & Boots: Introduce the free-heel feel—help skiers get comfortable balancing and shifting weight.
• Body Position: Build an athletic stance that allows for movement and balance.

Key Skills & Development:

Situational Understanding

• Use flat terrain in a beginner area.
• Ensure boots and bindings are properly adjusted.
• If using wider skis, recognise that steering is easier, but edging requires more effort.
• Keep speed slow so skiers can focus on balance and movement.

Active Stance & Balance

• Develop fore/aft balance along the entire foot.
• Use vertical movement to engage the ankle, knee, hip, and spine.
• Combine fore/aft and vertical movements to establish an athletic stance.

Lead Change & Foot-to-Foot Balance

• Shift balance between feet, a key skill for executing the telemark stance.
• Begin with walking exercises, both with and without skis, to develop foot-to-foot balance.

Edging

• Introduce lateral movement to tip the feet and legs from side to side.
• Use sidestepping to develop grip and balance.

Steering

• Develop rotational movement to help skiers turn their legs and skis.
• Encourage experimentation with different ski directions.

Ski-Snow Interaction

• Keep minimal edge angles to ensure smooth movement.
• Use steering angles to control mobility.
• Introduce sidestepping to create a platform angle for grip and stability.