Have you ever sat on a chairlift, watching the snow covered silhouette of a skier arch graceful and harmonious Telemark turns as though they were dancing with the mountains? If that mountain gypsy got you thinking “I wish I could do that,” or “I want to give that a try,” the time is now!
The 2011/2012 ski season is upon us and skiers and snowboarders here in Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range have many unique opportunities to explore the Telemark turn. The following free-heel programs are easy ways to try out Telemark skiing:
Alta Ski Resort Telemark Workshops
Alta Ski Resort’s Telemark Workshops are offered at 1:00 p.m. each Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday for beginner and intermediate telemarkers.
• Beginner workshops teach alpine skiers and snowboarders the basics of the Telemark turn on gentle terrain.
• Intermediate workshops allow students to hone their skills on more challenging terrain.
• 2011/12 price – $65 (does not include Alta Lift Ticket).
Participation in classes is on a first-come, first serve basis. For additional information call the Alf Engen Ski School at 801-799-2271.
Alta Youth Telemark – AYT
Once again in 2012, Alta will be offering its Alta Youth Telemark Program to children from age 10-16. The program will consist of 10 Saturdays beginning January 7 and ending on March 17, 2012. Children who are strong alpine skiers or experienced youth telemarkers are encouraged to participate in this unique opportunity to learn the free heel turn at a young age!
The AYT Program will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. over 10 Saturdays from January 7-March 17, 2012.
Cost is $740 (Season Passes are sold separately).
• AYT looks to assemble a variety of youth interested in mastering the Telemark turn while making lasting friendships with other children.
Brighton Resort Telemark Workshop
Brighton will offer two Telemark Workshops in January and February 2012. The workshops allow beginners the opportunity to master the basics of the Telemark turn, while intermediate and advanced Telemark skiers will continue to hone their skills on varied terrain.
Classes will feature the same instructor each week. The rate for each workshop is $175, which will include a full-day lift ticket for each class date and brunch the first morning of the workshop.
Brighton Sunday Telemark Workshop Session Dates (9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.):
• January 8, 15, 22, 2012
• February 26, March 4 & 11, 2012
Classes with only one student will be 1.5 hours. Students must be registered at least 2 weeks prior to the class. For more information contact the Brighton Resort Ski School at 800-532-4731 Ext. 209.
Park City Mountain Resort Tele Tuesdays
Tele Tuesdays are back! Each Tuesday night from January 10-March 20, 2012 Park City Mountain offers an introductory “Learn to Telemark Class“ as well as Intermediate and Advanced Workshops for teleskiers of all ages.
Those interested in joining PCMR for “Tele Tuesdays” need not worry about expensive equipment rentals. White Pine Touring offers a special ½ off rate for Telemark rentals at their shop located at 1790 Bonanza Drive in Park City.
Learn To Telemark
• Ideal for skiers who have never tried telemark or are working on forming their stance.
• “Learn to Telemark” workshop is $30 and includes a PCMR First Time Chairlift Ticket. Skiers should purchase their ticket at the Payday Ticket Windows prior to 5 p.m. and meet at the bottom of PCMR’s Payday Lift at 5 p.m.
Intermediate & Advanced Workshops
• Work on and perfect the parallel telemark turn under the watchful eye of instructors.
• Intermediate and Advanced Workshop’s require a PCMR day/night lift ticket and the purchase of a $30 Lesson Ticket at the Payday Ticket Window by 5 p.m. Workshops also meet at the bottom of the Payday Lift at 5 p.m.
Sundance Ladies Day Telemark Clinics
Sundance Resort continues a tradition of women’s only Telemark clinics in Utah with its Ladies Day Telemark Clinics. Each clinic will cost $180 and include four sessions from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as well as a full day lift ticket for each class. Choose from:
Ladies Day Telemark Session 1 (January, 2012)
Guests may choose either:
Tuesdays – January 10, 17, 24, 31
Thursdays – January 5, 12, 19, 26
Ladies Day Telemark Session 2 (February, 2012)
Guests may choose either:
Tuesdays – February 7, 14, 21, 28
Thursdays – February 2, 9, 16, 23
*For more information or to schedule a Sundance Resort Ladies Day Telemark Clinic, call the Sundance Nordic Center at 801-223-4170.
With great options at Alta, Brighton, Park City and Sundance – don’t let another season pass by without taking a stab at one of the oldest ski turns. As they say, “Free the heel, free the mind!”