Telemarking 2002
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by Dena FoltzWhen I think of all the work I put into learning how to Telemark on a pair of skinny Karhu 210cm Skis(I’m 5’4’’) and leather boots, I am slightly resentful of the technical advances made in Telemark gear in such a short time. But I’ve also developed a serious appreciation for the advances in gear. It is hard to imagine that Telemarking can get any more fun, but any of this gear will make you a believer. The person who receives any one of these products will be as happy as if they were getting fresh turns on Christmas morning. Do you know an especially old-school pinner? Bring their gear up to date. These products will floor the people who think that plastic boots and shaped skis are cutting edge Telemark gear.
Rossignol Mega Bang Telemark Skis
If skis get much wider, they are going to have to start calling them something else—anyone have a suggestion? Rossignol Mega Bang Telemark Skis are nothing short of voluptuous—Dimensions: 123, 90, 110. They are so fat they probably won’t even fit under the tree. This is the hottest gift of the season.
G3 Climbing Skins with Tip and Tail Connection
Now that you’ve got those nice, new fat skis, you are going to need some fat skins to go with them. G3 Climbing Skins are ideal for really fat skis thanks to the flexible tip connection. Relative new comers to the climbing skin scene, G3 has produced a product that is holding its own along side other brands of high performance skins. The most innovative things about the G3 line are its water-phobic nylon yarns that virtually eliminate water retention and ice build-up, a new type of adhesive, and a hassle-free tip and tail connection system (something you’ll really appreciate in the backcountry). And their red color fits with the holiday theme!
Scarpa T2 Telemark Boot 2002
Need a boot that will take you on all your adventures? Scarpa T2 has long been the standard for backcountry skiers, with good reason. I didn’t think you could improve on the ideal all-around boot, but the 2002 model is noticeably different. Aside from increasing torsional rigidity and engineering a stiffer cuff, they’ve added an extra buckle. The third buckle provides extra stability and support for ripping in and out of bounds. Buy these boots and benefit from tele boot design that’s been years and years in the works.
G3 Targa T/9 Telemark Binding
These binding are made of aerospace alloy—so you can really fly! Seriously though, the G3 Targa T/9s are the lightest and strongest Telemark bindings available. New innovations in skis are allowing us to ski more aggressively and the G3 T9s are keeping binding technology in sync so that us lucky skiers can really go all out. These are the Mac Daddy of Telemark bindings.
Voile Release Kit w/ Brake
Bring your friend’s gear up to date with a simple gift of brakes and releasable bindings. I bet most of the Telemark skiers you know could use this kit. Voile Releasables can release in a backward twisting fall, the type that is most likely to cause ACL damage. The Voile Release Kit accepts most telemark bindings. Compatible with all Voile, Superloop, G3, Riva Z, and Rottefella bindings. Go ahead and get them, they’ll fit on someone’s skis.
Life-Link Alpine Extreme Composite probe poles
These versatile poles would make a great gift for the Telemark skier on your list who likes to play in the backcountry as well as the groomed slopes. The Alpine Extreme Composite's uniform diameter carbon graphite shaft offers high strength, lightweight, and optimum flex. The AEC comes with two pairs of baskets: a 3.5" snowflake basket for soft snow conditions and a 2.5-inch disc basket for hard pack or racing. Quick release ferrules allow the baskets to be easily removed and interchanged. The two pole shafts can be quickly joined together via machined screw fittings. Most importantly, they will go together quick and easy in an emergency situation.
Tua Sumo
I had to include these skis because I own a pair and I love them. For many years I switched back and forth between Telemarking and snowboarding—each seemed to have its specific time and place, especially in heavy dumps. After making my first turns on the Tua Sumo, I swore I never needed to pick up my snowboard again. Backcountry skiers will appreciate the way these skis float—both up hill and down hill. The Sumos are easy to drive in every condition. Give these to someone and they will have no problems breaking trail for you. So it is essentially like giving yourself a gift. Dimensions: 110-76-100
K2 Avalanche Ball Safety Device
Can’t think of a gift for your gear junkie friend who already has everything? This is a great gift for skiers who spend all their time in the backcountry and are already equipped with the latest in skiing and avalanche technology. A low tech, yet ingenious concept, the small package attaches to your waist and the bright red ball floats to the surface when released. No one should take chances on avalanche prone slopes, but the K2 Avalanche Ball will increase the chances of being found within that crucial first fifteen minutes.