The Telemark Skiing Turn is a complex technique that involves several key components to maintain control and execute smooth turns. This comprehensive guide will explore the essential elements of the Telemark Skiing Turn, as well as strategies for improving your technique in various snow conditions.
What is the Telemark Stance?
The Telemark Stance is the foundation of the Telemark Skiing Turn. It involves maintaining a specific weight distribution and body posture to ensure control and stability throughout the turn.
How to Achieve the Proper Telemark Stance?
- Weight Distribution: Maintain a 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear foot, with the rear foot on the ball of the foot and the heel raised.
- Posture: Keep the knees bent and the upper body facing downhill, with the weight evenly distributed between both feet.
How to Execute the Telemark Stride?
The Telemark Stride is the movement pattern used to initiate and control the turn.
What are the Key Elements of the Telemark Stride?
- Neutral Position: Start with a neutral position, then shuffle in the direction of the fall line.
- Pressure on Inner Rear Edge: Apply pressure on the inner rear edge of the front ski to initiate the turn.
What Edging and Steering Techniques are Essential for Telemark Turns?
Proper edging and steering techniques are crucial for maintaining control and executing smooth Telemark turns.
How to Use Edging and Steering Effectively?
- Rear Foot Pressure: Focus on edging and steering with the rear foot, particularly the little toe edge, to control the turn.
- Lead Change: Initiate the turn with the lead foot, but control the turn with the rear foot.
How to Improve Telemark Turns in Different Snow Conditions?
Adapting your Telemark technique to various snow conditions is essential for maintaining control and executing smooth turns.
Telemark Turns in Powder
- Pressure on Inner Rear Edge: Apply more pressure on the inner rear edge of the front ski to help the ski turn in powder.
- Weight Distribution: Maintain a slightly more forward weight distribution to help the skis float in powder.
Telemark Turns on Hardpack
- Edging: Focus on edging with the rear foot to maintain control on hard snow.
- Wedge Technique: Use a wedge technique to slow down and control speed on hardpack.
Telemark Turns on Narrow Trails
- Parallel Turns: Use parallel turns instead of Telemark turns in narrow places to maintain control and avoid obstacles.
Measurements and Recommendations
- Optimal Angles for Telemark Stance: Maintain a knee angle of around 18-16 degrees (minimum) and 143-147 degrees (maximum) for parallel and rotational turns.
- Recommended Weight Distribution Percentages for Rear Foot Pressure: Aim for a 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear foot.