How to Carve Turns on Telemark Skis

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Check out the grooves left in the snow by a good telemark skier - they're the result of a carved turn. Doing them yourself will not only allow you to turn quickly, but will make you look good, too.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Ski Clothing
Telemark Ski Equipment

Step 1

Find a hill and begin gliding down it.
Step 2

Begin a turn so that you're facing sideways across the hill.
Step 3

Assume the correct turning stance. In the C-stance, your feet and head face down the hill while your hips remain close to the hill.
Step 4

Bend sideways at the hip so that at every turn, your body will form the "C" shape.
Step 5

Reach way out with your hands and plant your poles downhill when turning. This will force your upper body to be bent in the downhill direction.
Step 6

Concentrate on keeping your upper body and all of its weight over your skis (you'll accomplish this by staying in the "C" stance).
Step 7

Notice that your skis will now grip to the snow and carve out turns.
Step 8

Practice carving by making quick turns in the correct stance.

Tips & Warnings

If your skis are chattering and bouncing in the snow, remember that your weight should be over your skis in the "C" stance.
Look at your tracks to see if you carved a turn. There will be deep grooves cut in the snow, and you'll feel the difference by having more control over your telemark skis.
Skiing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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