Key Takeaways

• Proper clothing, layering, and protective gear are essential for staying safe in cold mountain conditions.
• Helmets, goggles, and visibility aids significantly reduce the risk of serious injury on the slopes.
• Skiers should always choose trails that match their skill level and current conditions.
• Weather, visibility, and fatigue can quickly change how difficult a trail feels on any given day.
• Following the NSAA Responsibility Code helps prevent collisions and keeps all skiers safer.

photo credit: Funcarver116 / Wikimedia Commons / CC0

Key Takeaways

• Telemark skiing combines elements of Nordic and alpine skiing, using a free-heel binding that enables a distinctive, flowing turn style.
• The discipline traces its roots to 19th-century Norway and has experienced a modern resurgence as both a resort and backcountry sport.
• Proper equipment selection, especially boots and bindings, plays a critical role in comfort, control, and learning progression.
• The telemark technique relies on balanced knee movement, steady upper-body posture, and rhythmic transitions between turns.
• Beyond physical fitness benefits, telemark skiing is known for its welcoming culture and emphasis on freedom and connection to the mountains.