How to Size Telemark Skis

Telemark skiing is a graceful but challenging form of skiing that uses the telemark turn to ski with your heels free on terrain normally reserved for alpine skis. The telemark turn, which balances the skier's weight equally over both skis, is particularly useful in deep powder, as it does naturally what alpine skiers need to work to do. But sizing telemark skis requires a few considerations.

Instructions

    • 1

      Start by deciding what width of ski you want. This will be determined by the type of terrain you like. A good all-mountain width is 90cm to 100cm at the waist. For skiing in deep powder, a ski between 110cm and 125cm at the waist is ideal. For hardpack skiing, a ski between 70cm and 80cm is ideal.

    • 2

      Factor in your ability level. Beginners will prefer a shorter ski, while experts generally prefer a longer ski.

    • 3

      Check the ski shape. A twin tip ski will ski shorter than its overall length. Reverse camber, or rockered, skis--designed for powder--also ski shorter. Traditional skis will feel longer underfoot.

    • 4

      Hold up the ski and measure it against your body and see where the tips hit against your head.

    • 5

      Figure out what type of turns you prefer making. If you like to make lots of turns, go with a shorter ski, around nose height. If you like to land big air and make lots of high speed giant slalom turns, go longer--around forehead height to a little above your head.