Eastern Mountain Sports Telemark Ski Lessons, Rentals & Demos
Telemark skiing, also known as “free-heel” skiing, is rapidly growing in popularity throughout the skiing community. Unlike alpine skiing equipment, the telemark binding only connects the boot to the ski at the toe which allows comfortable striding. The telemark turn was developed around the mid 1800’s in the telemark region of Norway as a means of steering and controlling speed on the downhill run, while modern telemark equipment provides enough support to make parallel turns possible, the telemark turn provides more stability and control throughout the turn and provides a new challenge at Cranmore.
Cranmore has partnered with Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) located at Settler’s Crossing on Route 16, North Conway to offer telemark instruction on select dates throughout the winter.
To take telemark lessons at Cranmore, please call ahead to EMS for a reservation at 800 310 4504. On the day of your lesson, pick up your skis and meet your instructor at the North Conway EMS Store. You can purchase a Cranmore lift ticket at EMS or once you arrive at the mountain, or use your Cranmore or Threedom season pass if you have one. Your lesson takes place on the slopes of Cranmore.
The cost for each of these programs is $35.
Intro to Telemark Lessons
If you're coming to Telemark from a cross-country skiing background or with little or no skiing experience at all, then this is the program for you. We'll start with getting used to the new equipment and quickly move through the basics of edging and edge transitions, snowplowing, sideslipping, and parallel skiing on easy terrain. We'll move on to apply these skills in learning the telemark turn, focusing on proper body position throughout. As you become more and more comfortable on the skis, we'll work on linking turns and start tackling more challenging terrain. You'll leave with a solid grasp of Telemark skiing equipment and technique, and a taste for a new and exciting sport! A great way to embrace winter in the Northeast.
January 4, 5, 20, 22
Feb 8, 9, 17, 19, 29
March 14, 15
Telemark Skiing for Alpine Skiers
Are you an alpine skier looking to try something new? Want to explore the backcountry or make those same old groomers exciting again? Come try out Telemark skiing in this fun two-hour lesson catered specifically to current alpine skiers! We'll start by doing some alpine skiing on our Telemark skis, practicing sideslipping, edge transitions, and carving round turns without having your heel locked in. We'll work up to the full-fledged Telemark turn, focusing on body position and making sure to weight the skis as evenly as possible. We'll be on the lookout for the dreaded "fake-a-mark!" By the end of the clinic you'll be working on linking Telemark turns and you just might choose to never go back to alpine... Either way, learning Tele will force you to work on your technique and balance, and will actually make you a better alpine skier in the end.
January 4, 5, 20, 22
Feb 8, 9, 17, 19, 29
March 14, 15
Intermediate Telemark Skiing
Did you catch the Telemark bug in one of our beginner classes? Or are you just looking for some updated technique advice from our PSIA certified instructors with years of teaching experience? Join us and refine your technique through drills, games, and one on one instructor feedback. You may be asked to spin in circles, ski a mogul run, or try backwards Tele, all in the name of fun and learning! We'll also go over techniques to help you manage challenging terrain or ice. This course will really help cement your skills as a Telemark skier.
January 4, 5, 20, 22
Feb 8, 9, 17, 19, 29
March 14, 15
