Telemark vs. Alpine
On this page I'll try to summarise some of the differences, pros and cons of using Telemark or "Nordic" kit versus using "Alpine" kit for ski-mountaineering. I started out as a downhill resort skier, began ski-touring on "Nordic" kit in the days before plastic boots and carving skis, but now I almost exclusively use "Alpine" touring kit. However I am regularly out on the mountains with people using modern telemark kit, so here are my views on the pros and cons of the two styles.
If you're about to start ski-mountaineering this page may be of some use to you in making a decision about which kit to go for. If you're an experienced skier and you have some different opinions about kit let me know and I'll try to include them in a latter version of this page.
Modern "top-end" Telemark kit is increasingly like Alpine ski mountaineering kit with carving skis, plastic boots and heel steps, so the differences between the two styles have become much smaller since the days of the traditional "Cross Country" ski.
Telemark turns in Norway
The Differences
Firstly there is less difference than you might think between the two styles........... When coming downhill you can certainly parallel ski and carve on telemark kit. You can also do telemark turns with alpine bindings if you unlock your heels (although this is one way of quickly removing your bindings from your skis as I have discovered).
Going up and travelling cross country there are no fundamental differences in the way you use the kit, it really comes down to a matter of the efficiency of the kit you are using for the terrain you're on.
In summary there are no hard and fast differences these days. In my experience though "Alpine" equipment becomes increasingly efficient on steeper and/or icier terrain (whether up or down) and are particularly good if you're going up all morning and down all afternoon. The Nordic or Telemark set up becomes more efficient on flatter or more continuously rolling terrain, especially if you're going to have multiple changeovers from up to down through the day.
Going Up
Alpine. Alpine style kit will probably give you a greater skin surface area and a higher heel step system, which will be more efficient. In icy conditions they seem to be the better option with their ability to take ski-crampons etc.
Nordic. Although you can now get heel steps for Nordic kit, they are probably still less efficient for steep ascents. Without a heel step you're definitely wasting energy on steep uphills.
Coming Down
Alpine. In tough snow conditions and on super steep slopes the ability to clamp your heel down and extra security this gives you can be a benefit. Many Nordic bindings are still not releasable - although this is less important when your heel is free it could still result in an injury in certain circumstances.
Nordic. Downhill kick turns are easier on Nordic kit, but jump turns are easier on Alpine!. Unless you are very good Nordic kit is going to be harder to use on really steep snow or in poor snow conditions.
The Chamonix Alps, good terrain for Alpine Kit
Cross-Country
Alpine. Alpine kit really loses out when going flat across country. You won't be able to kick and glide so well, boots are much less comfortable and more likely to give you blisters. If it's perfectly flat you'll have to choose between skins on and the lack of glide, or skins off and the lack of kick!
Nordic. Kicking and gliding to cover long distances cross country is much easier on Nordic kit, especially if you can use the right wax (or have proper cross country skis with fish scales!).
Varied Terrain
Alpine. On varied terrain where you're continually changing from up to down, or doing very low angle ups or downs, Alpine kit is definitely poorer than Nordic. You'll often find yourself skiing awkwardly down with skins on to save trouble of removing them. then you'll be sidestepping, or trying to skin uphill without skins to save putting them on (works OK in really sticky snow!)
Nordic. There are big advantages to going Nordic on this sort of terrain, especially if you're clever enough to be able to use wax instead of skins, and so save on a lot of putting on and peeling off of your skins (plus their lack of efficiency when skiing).
Central Norway, good terrain for telemark kit.
Been somewhere interesting with your skis or snowboard? Or got an opinion you want to share? Please send us info and photos for this website.
