How to select the best telemark ski when telemarking? Skis work a little differently when mounted for freeheel - here we'll explain what you need to consider to make the best choice. Alpine and AT ski design has improved immeasurably over the last 10 years and the same criteria used when choosing a ski for fixed heel use also apply when selecting on for telemarking.
Since the heel is not locked down it's easier to be launched forward over the ski tips. Using a longer length ski, generally the same as the height of the skier, or a little longer, will give much better directional stability, particularly offpiste.
It takes more effort to apply the same power to the ski edge when freeheeling, due to the reduced boot-ski contact and the less direct contact between the 75 mm boot / binding system compared to alpine bindings. The NTN and especially the 2-pin telemark (Meidjo, TTS, Moonlight) provide superior power transfer but still not quite alpine levels. Particularly for beginners learning telemark, it's better to use a medium width ski which will allow them to feel the sensations of making the two skis carve the same arc easier than a wider ski. We recommend skis with waists less than 100 mm, and preferably 85-95 mm and with a medium flex for beginners. The telemark ski and bindings category pages have filters to help you select the correct skis and bindings for your needs, but should you like some help then please get in touch, our knowledgeable and friendly team is here to help.
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