GERMANY | Telemark will change your life!

By Ben Jackson

German indoor presentation was a well presented summary of their new progression and teaching philosophies. They have been working hard on simplifying their teaching and progressions to make a better Telemark experience for guests. 

A new manual is just about complete for their instructors to use next season. They focused more on the beginner part of this progression which included the “6 Steps to Telemark Basics”. The reason being that for their on-snow workshop the following day they presented these 6 steps using real first-time telemark skiers. It was great seeing this progression with real life guests.

Great importance is placed on introducing Telemark to beginners and children as this is needed for the sport’s future and promotion. We were greeted by the Tele Penguin mascot when we entered the lecture and on the snow. The penguin actually skied around with us as well! Kids are naturally drawn to a mascot and the Penguin is often seen during the Telemark camps and festivals in Germany fascinating both kids and adults. A fun way of presenting the Telemark stance and moving on the equipment was the “Telemark high 5”. We were challenged to give a high 5 to our neighbour in different positions balancing and using our equipment.

The 6 steps allow guests to practice and gain plenty of mileage.  The instructor can move though these slower or faster depending on the guest’s previous snowsport experience and the terrain available. During the on-snow presentation we were able to watch German trainers teaching a few different people that were at Interski as supporters for Switzerland and USA. We stood back and were able to shadow the lesson while another German presenter talked us through what was happening and why the trainers were doing what they were doing. It was great seeing slightly different tactics and progressions used that catered to that guest’s experience.

Overall, I was very impressed with the simplicity of the progressions and the way the guests were moved around the hill. It has to be noted that Levi has the most incredible terrain to teach Telemark in this simple and fast way. Many of these concepts can benefit Australian guests and instructors. Well done Germany, it was great to see the passion and stoke of the presenters and their love of Telemark delivered to guests!