Telemark Skiing is one of the major skiing sports involving a turn called the Telemark Turn and is also known as the “ free heel skiing ”. The skiers use skiing boots which are connected to the skis by the bindings only at the toes with the heels remaining free. When the skiers make the turn, they keep the heel flat on the outside ski while pulling the inside ski beneath the body. The knee remains bend and the heel is raised above the ground level. It is one of the most rhythmic skiing sports.
Telemark skiing was made popular by the Norwegian skier Sondre Norheim and for the first time attracted public attention in 1868. The sport received its name from the Telemark region of Norway where it was mainly practiced. This type of skiing was initially quite popular among the skiers but this popularity waned gradually, taken over by Stem technique. However, it regained much of its lost popularity in the 1990s after its practice was started anew in the 1980s. The skis used for this sport are similar to Alpine skis along with leather ski boots and three-pin bindings . However, cable bindings or hinged plate bindings are also used.
Telemark skiing, because of the adventurous nature, is attracting more and more young skiers with every passing day. The sport is among the most popular skiing activities in the world.
