Telemark ski

What is telemark skiing?

Free heel, genuflexion, unique style, freedom of glide, telemark skiing is now a discipline in its own right. Technical but accessible, it combines balance, fluidity and elegance. 

Where does this discipline come from?

Telemark skiing was invented in Norway at the end of the 19th century. It was a carpenter, Sondre Norheim, who revolutionised the way people travelled by inventing a very special type of binding. In the heart of Telemark County, he came up with the idea of making it easier for the inhabitants to get to the market town by tackling the rugged terrain of the valley. Inspired by walking, his telemark bindings freed the foot and facilitated conversions while bending the knee. The ancestor of modern skiing, telemark skiing conquered the United States in the early 20th century. 

Today, telemark skiing is renowned for its versatility on all types of piste, from steep slopes to powder. What's more, having a binding that lifts and light, flexible ski boots give you a real sense of freedom on the slopes. A physically demanding sport, it introduces a completely new technique: genuflexion. With the knee bent, the skier flexes the inside leg to give momentum before the turn.

8 reasons to try telemark skiing 

Here are 8 reasons why you should try telemark skiing: 

1. discover a new sport

2. try out new equipment

3. join the "free heel, free spirit" community

4. learn to genuflect

5. improve your balance and control

6. ski on all types of terrain thanks to the versatility of skiing

7. master a difficult sport and feel a sense of achievement

8. discover a style of skiing in its own right

Our advice on choosing telemark equipment

To help you choose the right telemark equipment, here are a few tips on how to get the most out of telemark skiing. As with downhill skiing, the equipment you choose depends on your level, height and weight. For telemark boots, the unit of measurement is the same as for alpine skiing, the mondopoint. You can find the size chart here. 

If you're just starting out in telemark skiing, we recommend that you choose a pair of skis that are the right size for you, to optimise balance in flexion and conversions. Finally, for poles, we suggest that you take a pair 5cm shorter than your alpine ski poles.

Why choose Ski Occas for your telemark equipment?

At Ski Occas, you'll find a wide selection of used telemark skis to help you learn or improve your telemark skiing. Fully serviced and repaired, all the ski equipment offered on the site is maintained by a team of passionate experts in our workshop, to give you the best possible skiing experience. Benefit from second-hand skis at the best price while doing your bit for the planet with reconditioned ski equipment. Find a selection of men's, women's and children's ski packs online, as well as second-hand snowboards and a catalogue of ski jackets to equip the whole family at the best price.