How to Choose Telemark Ski Gear
Telemark skiing allows skiers to access a wide variety of terrain. Unlike the alpine skier, a telemark skier’s heel is not attached, allowing him to climb up ski slopes and ski down them using the same gear. Because of this, telemark skiing is particularly popular with backcountry skiers. Telemark skiing is also becoming more popular on ski resort slopes. When purchasing gear, consider where you will do most of your skiing—backcountry vs. ski resort, powder vs. groomed runs—but know that telemark gear is particularly versatile.
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Instructions
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Boots
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Determine your boot size by converting your shoe size to mondo size. A link to a mondo size chart is provided in the Resources section.
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Try on several brands of telemark ski boots. Look for a boot that is comfortable and allows little or no heel lift. Select plastic boots if you plan to purchase the more modern, wider skis or if you frequently suffer from cold feet. Consider purchasing leather boots if you plan to use telemark ski gear for touring at least as much as for downhill skiing. Avoid purchasing boots that are tight, because telemark boots don’t pack out as much as alpine ski boots.
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Determine what length of ski you need by measuring your height using a tape measure and weighing yourself on a scale. Log on to metric-conversions.org. Enter your height in inches to convert the measurement into centimeters. Subtract five centimeters from the total if you are an intermediate skier. Subtract 10 centimeters from the total if you are a beginner skier, according to www.backcountry.com. Add five centimeters if you are heavier than average for your height. Subtract five centimeters if you are lighter than average for your height.
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Select a ski with a wide side cut (a ski that has a narrow middle and is wide at the top and the bottom) if you prefer to ski on soft snow or if you use plastic telemark boots. Select a narrower ski if you prefer hard-packed snow and use leather ski boots.
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Shop for telemark ski bindings. Consider purchasing cable bindings that have a toe-in entry and a cable that attaches to the back of the boot with a heel clip. The G3 Targa is a highly rated binding for telemark skiers who use plastic boots and who downhill ski. Save money by selecting less expensive three-pin bindings, which are best used for touring because they do not provide enough support for fast, downhill skiing.
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Purchase knee pads. Try on several pairs to find a good fit.
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Select adjustable poles, particularly if you plan to use your telemark ski gear for touring and downhill skiing. Lengthen the pole when you downhill ski and shorten it when climbing.
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Purchase a ski helmet that fits well and doesn’t wiggle on your head. Look for helmets with easily adjustable vents so you can let in more air on warmer days and block out air on cold days. Look for an ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials) rating to ensure safety.
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References
Resources
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