Telemarking & Ski Touring
Telemark skiing is a skiing technique that combines elements of Alpine and Nordic skiing, using a squatting motion, on downhill skis.
Telemark skiing is named after the Telemark region of Norway where the discipline originated.
Sondre Norheim is often credited for first demonstrating the turn in skiing races, which included cross country, slalom, and jumping, in Norway around 1868. You will often hear ‘Free the Heel’.
Is Telemark Skiing for me?
Telemark skiing is not easy and is more difficult than normal alpine skiing requiring good balance and a lot of strength in the legs. However, many skiers convert to telemarking looking for a new challenge, or because of the ‘surfy’ feel associated with telemarking in powder. A good telemarker will look fluid, graceful and smooth, and is the envy of many on the mountain.
There’s no reason why you can’t try telemarking and it’s worth taking a few lessons and renting equipment before investing in all the gear. When comfortable on the equipment and you are happily cruising around “freeing the heel”, you will never look back.
Why Telemark?
The modern equipment that is now being used allows for touring, alpine and telemark skiing. You can travel anywhere utilising all of the techniques and it looks great! Are you bored of normal skiing and want a good work out? Why not have a go and “free the heel”….
Darren, the owner of the Glenshee Ski & Board School, is our resident Telemark Instructor and is always looking to take customers out to learn the telemark techniques. If equipment is required, this can be arranged through Braemar Mountain Sports: braemar@braemarmountainsports.com.
For further information regarding telemark tuition, please email Darren: bookings@skischoolglenshee.co.uk
Ski Touring at Glenshee
Long before the first ski lifts were built, ski mountaineers have been chasing winter and following the wind and precipitation to find the best descents on a given day. Now with the introduction of lightweight equipment, ski touring has become immensely popular and access from the Glenshee Ski Centre could not be better.
You can start your journey from the Ski Centre at 2000ft and are very quickly onto some great snow. You can purchase a ski touring lift pass from the lift pass office which will give you access to 3 lifts during the day but please stay well clear of the pisted runs, especially when going uphill.
There are numerous Munros and hills to climb in Glenshee with some fantastic descents – you will not be disappointed. The wilderness feeling whilst out on the Glas Maol area, for example, is second to none. Wide open terrain which looks something like the moon, and if you catch the snow just right, your descents will be memorable.
You have the safety of the Ski Area close by but never underestimate the Scottish weather which can close in quickly and it will prove difficult for anyone if you are not correctly equipped.
For further information and guided trips, please email Darren: bookings@skischoolglenshee.co.uk
Full equipment can be hired from Braemar Mountain Sports: braemar@braemarmountainsports.com.
