Why do I Telemark???

Besides the cliché half-binding/half-brained hippy statement: “because the turn looks and feels so sweet dude,” I telemark because it is a key to unlock the hidden treasures of the mountains and because it allows access the backcountry. Telemarking allows me to enjoy mountains, and express myself better than I could do with tradition alpine skiing. “Then why don’t you just A.T.” you might ask? We all know that A.T. means “Almost Telemark.” I feel that A.T. doesn’t allow the seamless and fluid movement through the mountains, that telemarking does. I believe that A.T. is a great way for beginners to experience touring, but why not loose that clunky heelpiece?

To me, telemarking is like using handwritten calligraphy instead of type: it’s more technically challenging, it boasts additional style, and it contains an individual flair unique to each artisan… Plus it just looks cooler. Duh!!!

Haig Glacier

November 25, 2008 | Categories: Articles | Tags: A.T, access, addition, Air, All, alpine, alpine skiing, artisan, backcountry, cliché, Conor, conor davis, cool, Davis, doesn, dude, duh, flair, handwritten calligraphy, heelpiece, hidden treasures, hippy, Hot, key, mean, mountain, mountains, movement, Plus, ski, skiing, statement, style, tele, telemark, telemarking, tour, touring, tradition, turn, way | Comments Off