Types of Skiing – Telemark, Speed Skiing, Ski jumping

In this second article describing the various types of skiing we will take a look at some of the more demanding styles including telemark, speed skiing and ski jumping.

Telemark skiing

Telemark skiing was developed about 140 years ago in Norway and was popular up until the 1940s. It was revived during the 1970s but didn't regain popularity until about 10 years ago. Telemark skiing is similar to cross-country (Nordic) skiing in that the heel of the foot is not secured to the ski. This makes it a combination of Nordic and Alpine styles – it can be used for cross-country skiing and also for downhill runs.

The skis used for telemark are similar to alpine skis, but the binding hold only the toe to the ski. Boots were traditionally made from leather, but in recent years they have become more rigid, with plastic buckled boots becoming the norm. Telemark skis can be used to climb hills by attaching a skin to the bottom of the skis. This provides backwards resistance that prevents the ski from going downhill.

Telemark downhill turns are made by shifting the body weight to the outside ski while bringing it forward. The inside ski is trailed behind by lifting the heel off the ski. The use of poles is optional in telemark – some skiers use none while others use one or two. A single pole is held in both hands and touches the snow only on the inside of the turn.

Speed Skiing

The fastest skiing is speed skiing – going straight down steep slopes. Speeds of up to 150 mph are possible - making speed skiing the second fastest non-motorized sport after skydiving. Needless to say, speed skiing is dangerous. Skiers have to wear padded suits and specialized helmets that cut down wind resistance.

Streamlining is very important in this sport. Everything from the skier's stance to all his equipment is designed to reduce wind resistance. The ski suits are treated with polyurethane to minimize wind drag and the poles are shaped to match the skier's body. Even the runs are chosen for their minimal air resistance – most speed skiing runs are on high-altitude mountains.

Ski Jumping

Ski jumping has been a competition sport since 1862. Skiers go down a steep slope to a ramp which sends them flying through the air for about 60 feet. As far as skiing goes it is one of the most popular spectator sports - ski jump competitions can draw thousands of people.

Ski jumping skis are very specialized. They are very wide and long and the ski attaches to the toe only. Aerodynamics plays a big part in this sport – skiers try to get the most lift possible by holding their skis in a 'V' shape and bending forward almost parallel to the skis. This presents as much surface area as possible to keep the skier in the air longer.

The popularity of ski jumping as a spectator sport is not hard to understand – we are literally watching people 'fly'. At the same time, the thought of doing such a feat is both frightening and exhilarating to most people. Regular skiers can get a taste of ski jumping by going over the bumps on their ski trail. For most people, going 3 feet into the air is more than enough.