How to Make Wood Telemark Skis

The telemark turn is what makes telemark skiing so distinctive compared with the other forms of skiing. The skis are named after Telemark county in Norway, where this form of skiing was originated by a skier named Sondre Norheim. The skis were originally made out of wood but can now be manufactured from metal as well. The skis can be made from old alpine skis, altered to perform the telemark turn.

Things You'll Need

  • Alpine skis
  • #3 Pozidriv screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Drill
  • Drill bits
  • Marker
  • Straight edge
  • Vice
  • Paper template that came with bindings
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the alpine ski in the vice and measure the top of the ski from the tail to the summit of the tip in a straight line.

    • 2

      Divide the length you measure by two. Measure that distance from the tail toward the center.

    • 3

      Mark the distance with a marker to find the center chord of the ski. This will be where the pin holes for the boot sole will end up.

    • 4

      Center the template on the center chord and tape it to the surface of the ski.

    • 5

      Mark the drill marks on the template with a nail and hammer.

    • 6

      Drill holes straight down where marked with a 4.1 mm bit. Turn the ski over when you have finished drilling and clean out the holes by tapping on the base of the ski.

    • 7

      Fill the holes with glue. Line the holes in the ski up with the binding holes. Start with the forward hole and move to the back.

    • 8

      Screw the screws in by hand first and make sure everything lines up before you tighten the screws.

    • 9

      Repeat these steps for the other ski.