What is a telemark turn?
Skiers use a turn called a “telemark” turn to negotiate a slope. Telemark is special turn that can only be done on cross country skis as the heel needs to be free to get into the telemark position.
Where can you do Telemark?
Telemarking can be done on resort downhill ski runs, on groomed cross country trails or on any ungroomed hills. While the telemark turn can be done on any form of cross country ski, specific telemark skis are wide, metal edged and just like downhill skis. Telemark boots have a lot more ankle support than track skiing or touring boots, often have a plastic shell but are still lighter (usually) than downhill boots.