Learning the telemark turn on cross country skis

By Keith and Heather Nicol

The tele turn is a fine addition to your x-c downhill skills

       The telemark turn is an elegant way to descend a slope and I find that many cross country skiers want to try out this turn. But it isn't without its difficulties on skinny skis. I find that CANSI (Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors) telemark progression a good place to start and the video below shows some of its key components. The telemark turn is fun to do and makes climbing uphill worthwhile if you can get in a few turns on the descent. Before you launch into doing full fledged linked turns, practice the telemark stance on the flats and then gradually add speed as you become more comfortable with the turn. For more nordic ski tips see:    http://www2.swgc.mun.ca/~knicol/nordic%20main.htm  
 For lessons, clinics or CANSI ski instructor courses on cross country skiing contact me at: knicol@swgc.mun.ca   For other nordic skiing instructional videos see: http://www.youtube.com/user/k2nicol


Thanks to Rossignol skis and boots, Infinity Ski Poles and Cross Country Newfoundland and Labrador for sponsoring the following video on learning the telemark turn on cross country skis: