Ever since moving to Colorado, I've been quite intrigued by telemark skiing. What is this crazy free heel business that a rare subset of adventurers is doing??
When my alpine skis were stolen a year ago, I eventually sucked it up and bought a crappy telemark setup from Craigslist ($100 for skis and bindings that were a little too old, $40 for boots that were a little too small (resold!)) and joined the Colorado Mountain Club ($107) to get telemark lessons ($50) and avalanche training ($240). Then came some newer skis ($200) and some skins ($100) and leashes ($20). Then, eventually, new tele boots with thermomoldable liner ($120) and thermomolding ($10). All-in-all, about $1000 for the gear and knowledge to TELEEEEEEEEE!!!
And, I'm just having the best of times doing it. I've been up 4 times this season so far (not too shabby for earlier season), and while the first few days were just sort of getting my feet wet, yesterday Charter and I skiied a solid 16,000' at Breck! Lunges are coming in, and tele is sort of starting to make at least some sense! :D I'm planning to go at least once a week for the rest of the season once I'm back, and at that point, I should be a pretty solid telemark skier. Can't wait, can't wait!
When my alpine skis were stolen a year ago, I eventually sucked it up and bought a crappy telemark setup from Craigslist ($100 for skis and bindings that were a little too old, $40 for boots that were a little too small (resold!)) and joined the Colorado Mountain Club ($107) to get telemark lessons ($50) and avalanche training ($240). Then came some newer skis ($200) and some skins ($100) and leashes ($20). Then, eventually, new tele boots with thermomoldable liner ($120) and thermomolding ($10). All-in-all, about $1000 for the gear and knowledge to TELEEEEEEEEE!!!
And, I'm just having the best of times doing it. I've been up 4 times this season so far (not too shabby for earlier season), and while the first few days were just sort of getting my feet wet, yesterday Charter and I skiied a solid 16,000' at Breck! Lunges are coming in, and tele is sort of starting to make at least some sense! :D I'm planning to go at least once a week for the rest of the season once I'm back, and at that point, I should be a pretty solid telemark skier. Can't wait, can't wait!
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