Telemark Tips - How long and low do you go?

An Efficient Stance

So who knows what is an efficient stance? We've no idea either but this is our view on what is efficient.

One of the great things about telemark is the fact that we don't care too much as long as we enjoy it, there are various shaps and forms of telemark out there from wedge telemarks to long rider telemark skiers, however if you want to become more efficient then these tips should help you enjoy more of the mountain!

Below are a few pictures of inefficient stances and an efficient stance, please note these are not static positions as a good efficient telemarker should be fluid and constantly moving, the pictures try to highlight bad practice that is common in some telemarkers.

Low Knee Telemark Stance Rider

Ideally the rear knee should not drop below the rear ankle as the rear leg muscles become weak and it is a lot harder to stand up from. A is as far as you should go down B is way too far. This is not only harder to stand up from it is harder to quickly lead change especially in the bumps but it also puts strain on the binding in a forward direction which causes tip dive in deep powder. "Don't let the rear knee drop below the rear ankle"

Long Telemark Stance Rider

When the rear knee drops behind the hips then the rear leg becomes weak and it is harder to put any pressure on the back foot. A is ideal B is way too far back. Note in this position that the rear foot is on tip toes and also cranking the binding in a forward direction which will cause tip dive in powder and a good face full of snow!. "Don't let the rear knee drop behind the hip"

Efficient Telemark Stance Rider

The Rear Knee is in it's ideal lowest position before it starts getting weak, in this position the rear leg can apply pressure effectively to the rear ski in it's "sweet spot" position. Note that the body position C is ideally balanced between both feet which will apply equal pressure on both skis. We have mentioned about the back foot a lot but the front foot can be problematic with new telemarkers leaning the lower leg back beyond B, ideally the front knee should be over the the toes. As mentioned before this is not a static position and as seen in the video below the telemarker is fluid with continuous movement.