Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

A friend asked ChatGPT: "Why do some people prefer telemark skiing over traditional alpine skiing?"

This was the answer. Though I'm not an AI fan, I found the answer interesting. Like all things AI it honed in on popular culture that seems to think many of us think other care that we tele (bro.)

Some people prefer telemark skiing over traditional alpine skiing for a variety of reasons, including:
1. Increased Challenge and Freedom
The free-heel binding allows for more fluid and dynamic movement, making skiing feel more natural and expressive.
Telemark turns require more balance, strength, and technique, making it a more engaging challenge.
2. Versatility in Terrain
Telemark skis handle both groomed runs and backcountry terrain well. The free-heel system allows for easier uphill travel, making it great for ski touring and backcountry exploration without the need for separate alpine touring (AT) bindings.
3. Unique Aesthetic and Flow
The signature lunging turn of telemark skiing has a graceful, smooth feel that many skiers find more enjoyable than the rigid stance of alpine skiing. The sport emphasizes fluidity and style, which appeals to those who enjoy a more artistic approach to skiing.
4. Physical Challenge and Workout
Telemark skiing engages the legs, core, and stabilizer muscles more than alpine skiing, making it a great full-body workout. The lunging motion builds leg strength, endurance, and balance in a way that alpine skiing does not.
5. Sense of Tradition and Community
Telemark skiing has a deep history, dating back to 19th-century Norway, and some skiers enjoy being part of that legacy. The telemark community is generally small, tight-knit, and passionate about the sport, creating a unique culture that some find more welcoming than mainstream alpine skiing.
6. Backcountry and Touring Appeal
Since telemark bindings allow for a natural stride, they are well-suited for ski mountaineering and long backcountry tours. Some skiers prefer the simplicity of telemark setups over heavier and more complex alpine touring (AT) gear.
That said, telemark skiing has a steeper learning curve, and the lunging motion can be more demanding on the knees and thighs. But for those who love the challenge, freedom, and style, telemark skiing can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Do you telemark ski, or are you thinking about trying it?

Whoa! This is an excellent answer that may change my mind about the whole AI culture thingie...but probably not.

I don’t lunge, I think that is what non-Telemark skiers see. That is not what is happening

Everything else was quite well done

fisheater wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 21, 2025 4:45 pm

I don’t lunge, I think that is what non-Telemark skiers see. That is not what is happening

Everything else was quite well done

Some do lunge though it seems, must be throwing the AI off

For the record, I don’t use AI actively and don’t plan to. It’s impossible to avoid but I’ll never use Chat GPT or anything like that. It really was a friend. I just found it a bit charming, though, like the ‘lunge’ Bob commented on, the emphasis on creativity and artistry is NOT why I do it. I thought it was because it’s safer, and it is, but the turn is just magical…

John, the fact is Chat GPT writes much better than I do. I find that a little frustrating, perhaps that is why I jumped on the lunge.
I think you summed up the essence of the Telemark turn, “just magical”.
I can’t say it any better.

I thought it was spot on and well said. Except the lunging part. It made me think of old school wool knicker days.