Murlo

Okay i'm looking into buying a pair of telemarks and was wondering the advantages or disadvantages compared to alpine skiing. Also, how difficult the transaction is between the alpine and telemark? any other information you think would be helpful would be appreciated.

Holipatrol Scott

After 43 years on alpines, I made the switch and it is vastly different but a lot of fun. Instead of weighting the downhill ski, you weight the uphill ski putting your weight on your uphill little toe and downhill big toe. The rear ski then does the turning. I fell on my face forgetting standing in lift line that heel is not attached. It is a challenge as you really have to concentrate on your technique. Supposedly it is easier on knees but my knees are unbothered either way. Don't buy, rent, take lessons and have a blast. I patrol on them now after 1 year and have wiped out (slow mo wipeout)more in the last 3 years than I have in the last 15 combined! BTW-there's a great tele site here: :: Index or backcountry.com