For those of you that have never tried telemark skiing, you don’t know what you’re missing. The ability to get anywhere on the mountain with a cross-country motion is rejuvenating.
If you’re an alpine skier and you think you might be a little out of balance, get on a pair of telemark skis and you will quickly get centered. The sensation of not being locked into an alpine ski where you can lever against the back of your boot will really help you find that sweet spot under the ball of your foot.
I often hear people comment that they only get to the mountain if it’s “perfect conditions.” For some that is a blue bird day with no wind, and for others that is 10 inches of fresh powder on a weekday with no crowds. Whatever your perfect conditions might be, I recommend thinking outside the box and experiencing a different way to explore the mountain this weekend.
Learning a new method of getting down the mountain will not only improve your balance in your normal skiing and riding, but it will also allow you to work muscles in ways you normally don’t work them. Since you’re basically doing lunges down the mountain, your quads, hamstrings, glutes and core all get a fabulous workout. And, ladies, the best part of all is that it’s just before you’ll be in that bathing suit at the spring break beach vacation you have planned at the end of the month.
This Saturday, Purgatory Resort will host a Telemark Festival for telemark skiers of all abilities, including beginners. The class sizes should be relatively small, and they will be separated according to experience and ability. For only $79, you will receive instruction from Purgotory’s certified telemark instructors as well as complimentary video movement analysis from your instructor. Morning and afternoon yoga sessions will be offered, as well as an après-ski celebration. In order to register for the event, contact the Purgatory Snowsports School at 385-2149 or ski_ride@purgatoryresort.com.
If you have questions, comments or a specific topic you would like to see covered over the ski season, email Tex at justin@wellsgroupdurango.com.
