🚀 go-pugleaf

> I just recently missed a chance to try telemarking (the technique) 
> out. Anybody had experience? Is "telemarking" really a special
> "dance step" or a "way of life", in your mind? Is it fun?
> -- 
> Jon 'Big J' Alexander, U. of Toronto Comp. Serv.


I recently took my chance to try telemarking, and I had a gas.  I 
took a weekend-long intensive at (here's the plug) Alpine Skills
Institute in Norden, California.  The lessons were entirely on the
slopes of a nearby downhill resort, Donner Ski Ranch.

I am an intermediate level alpine skier, but I have become increasingly
devoted to nordic skiing over the years.  I also like to get out into
the "backcountry", including camping.  Hence my motivation for the
course was to learn how to turn those sticks off the beaten track.

After having so much fun, I can see many people's motivation for
learning to telemark as an end in itself.  It is a very graceful
turn, or it feels that way to me.  I feel as if I am somehow
closer to a human being with that equipment than with alpine gear --
I feel like an android without my normal range of foot and ankle 
freedom.  And with loose heels, one can TOUR, again my original 
motivation.  Now I plan to orient much of my nordic fun to take
advantage of my new interest -- though I believe that the heavier
variety of nordic gear (lug-soled boots, metal edge skiis) helps 
in telemarking, at least for the beginner.

- Dave Longerbeam

-- 
David Longerbeam @ Zehntel Automation Systems, Walnut Creek, CA
{ihnp4,ucbvax}!zehntel!davel