How to Ski Trees on Telemark Skis

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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The biggest incentive to telemark skiing through trees is to find the powder stashes that remain there long after everything else is tracked out.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Practice quick, short-radius turns on a groomed or open slope. A short-radius turn is a short turn used to control speed.
Step 2

Enter the trees slowly and look for patches with a good amount of turning room between trees.
Step 3

Look down the slope and plan a few turns in advance so you can ski through any obstacles.
Step 4

Start making short-radius turns, skiing around the trees.
Step 5

Look through the trees at the open spaces for areas to turn. This works better than looking at the trees and trying to steer around them.
Step 6

Be aware of your surroundings. For example, slow down and give yourself time to look around if you're entering a thick patch of trees.
Step 7

Fall back on your hip or rear end to stop if your only other option is to hit a tree. Or quickly drop a knee and steer both skis uphill to stop if space permits.

Tips & Warnings

The snow in the trees will usually be different from that of ski trails or open areas. Once you get into the trees, stop and check out the type of snow you'll be skiing.
Telemark skiing is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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