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Reprints From The Professional Skier

Fall 1997 - "How To Develop An Elegant Telemark Lead Change" by Craig Panarisi

This article is reprinted from The Professional Skier. All copyrights apply. Please see our copyright and disclaimer notice page.

There is something magically captivating about a smooth telemark skier. Many a skier and snowboarder, regardless of their skill level, will stop in their tracks to watch the long, arcing turns of an accomplished freeheeled downhiller. When coupled with dynamic body position, the skier's exaggerated change of the lead ski makes the telemark turn fluid and elegant-hence the visual appeal. However, whether performed on the beginner hill or in the steeps, this smooth lead change is also the single most difficult move for most skiers to master when learning to telemark.

The key to learning this essential element of telemark skiing is to pay attention to what happens just before and immediately after the lead change. This article addresses those portions of the telemark turn (photo 1 left below).

A graceful telemark turn depends on a fluid lead change.	One key is to flatten both skis....

Start Moving

One of the most common errors skiers make, especially telemark skiers, is that they begin turning before they release or flatten their downhill ski. The movement results in several significant errors, including a disruption of stance/alignment, a lack of countering, excessive rotation at turn initiation, and a wedge-like position throughout the turn. To counter these negative effects, telemark skiers should start moving their body very early-long before the pole touch-by slowly standing up or opening the angles in the body. This movement flattens the skis, allowing the skiers to start turning them. The gradual flattening of both skis is obvious when comparing photos 1 and 2 above, especially when you took at the angles of the body and lower leg. Moving the body or center of mass toward the new turn is certainly a fundamental concept, but the timing is critical for telemark skiers since they have to fit a lead change in there somewhere.

At this phase it is important that skiers resist the temptation to sneak the rear ski forward. This is a common error, and one that is easy to recognize. Many skiers start a turn by first switching their lead ski and then rolling the skis on edge, which causes the body to end up slightly to the inside of the turn. A great corrective exercise is a simple "falling leaf telemark," which promotes simultaneous lead and edge change. Ask your students to stand in a telemark position with the downhill, or lead, ski forward. (Every telemark skier has a comfortable telemark position that provides optimum fore and aft stability. This position is different for each skier and is based on body type and flexibility.) They should stay in that position and let the ski tips release, seeking the fall line. Remind your students to hesitate to switch the lead ski until they are facing straight down the hill. As they progress with this exercise, encourage them to begin switching lead skis earlier.

Make The Change

Once your students have begun to master the release of the downhill or lead ski, they should slowly start a lead change. Remind them not to move the new lead ski ahead too quickly but, rather, gradually move it forward so they do not lose that elegant and fluid move they are after (photo 3 below).

The motion of the lead change, which should be slow, gradual, and accurate, will give telemark skiers rhythm and flow. Moving one leg forward and one back is such a large motion that it tends to throw skiers off balance. When your students are in their deepest telemark position, the turn is finished, so they should begin coming out of that position and moving toward a new turn. Encourage them to keep their feet constantly moving from one lead change to the next.

In photo 3 above, I am halfway through the turn and still not in my full telemark position. For long-radius turns, the telemark is deeper and the lead change slower because the skier has more time. During a series of short turns, the position is more shallow and the lead changes are snappy. Flow is created when the lead change matches the speed at which the body is moving into the new turn. The correct timing of these two elements results in a smooth weight transfer on both feet from turn to turn. Incorrect timing results in a flat or dead spot during the turn and sudden over-pressuring of the skis.

The Moment Of Truth

Take a took at photo 4 below. Because I am standing up with both skis flat on the snow in the middle of a lead change, it is hard to tell if I am an alpine or telemark skier. This is a great "reference point in the turn to analyze because I am performing a lead change and edge change at the same time. This position is the only one that all skiers, alpine and nordic, make during a series of turns.

At the point of simultaneous lead change and edge change, the skier will stand up with both skis flat.

Snowboarders also exhibit a similar image at this turn phase; the only difference is that they are standing more perpendicular to their board. This is a very nice move indeed and, once mastered, it is a true key for that smooth transition between turns.

Most telemark skiers will find it essential to emulate the movement pattern and position represented by photo 4 above in all snow conditions and types of terrain. As their feet pass each other, their skis should be flat on the slope. This keeps their feet underneath them and allows any turn shape-thus, they are not slaves to their sidecuts.

In photos 4 and 5 (below), the camera caught the telemark sequence in mid-lead change at the moment when my feet pass one another. It is interesting to note body position relative to the turn shape and snow conditions. In photo 4 above, I am making a medium-radius turn, and my body is aligned fairly straight with my skis. In photo 5 below, I am performing a short-radius telemark powder turn, which I anticipate by facing more across my skis at this phase of the turn.

A telemark powder turn may call for a bit of anticipation.

Of course, spending more time on their telemark skis is the only way that your students will improve and smooth out their turns. The moment of telemark truth will come when they make their move earlier and then gradually begin their lead change.

Craig Panarisi is a third-term member of the PSIA Nordic Team. A PSIA-I Nordic and telemark examiner, Panarisi is also the assistant ski school director and Nordic coordinator for Utah's Solitude Ski Resort.