There are a few demanding styles of skiing including telemark, speed skiing and ski jumping.
Telemark
Developed about 140 years ago in Norway telemark skiing was popular up until the 1940s. It was revived during the 1970s, but didn’t regain popularity until about 10 years ago. In telemark skiing, just like in cross-country (Nordic) skiing, the heel of the foot is not secured to the ski.
The skis used for telemark are similar to alpine skis. This makes it a combination of Nordic and Alpine styles – it can be used for cross-country skiing and also for downhill runs.
In recent years rigid plastic buckled boots have become the norm.
Telemark skis can be used to climb hills by attaching friction causing material to the bottom of the skis. This provides backwards resistance that prevents the ski from going downhill. For downhill turns the body weight is shifted to the outside ski while bringing it forward.
The inside ski is trailed behind by lifting the heel off the ski. The poles are optional in telemark – some skiers use none while others use one or two. A single pole is held in both hands and touches the snow only on the inside of the turn.
Speed skiing
Speed skiing – going straight down steep slopes – is the fastest type. Speeds of up to 150 mph are possible – making speed skiing the second fastest non-motorized sport after skydiving. Speed skiing is dangerous! Skiers have to wear padded suits and specialized helmets that cut down wind resistance.
Streamlining is crucial in this sport. Everything from the skier’s stance to all his equipment is designed to reduce wind resistance. The ski suits are treated with polyurethane to minimize wind drag and the poles are shaped to match the skier’s body. The runs are chosen for their minimal air resistance. Most speed skiing runs are on high-altitude mountains.
Ski jumping
Ski jumping has been a competition sport since 1862. Skiers go down a steep slope to a ramp which sends them flying through the air for about 60 feet. It is one of the most popular spectator sports in skiing – competitions can draw thousands of people.
Skis for this type of skiing are very specialized – they are very wide and long and attach to the toe only. Aerodynamics is a big part in this sport – skiers try to maximize the lift by holding their skis in a “V” shape and bending forward almost parallel to the skis. This presents the maximum surface area possible to keep the skier in the air longer.
The popularity of ski jumping as a spectator sport is not hard to understand – skiers literally fly. At the same time, the thought of doing such a feat is both frightening and exhilarating to most people.
Regular skiers can get a taste of ski jumping by going over the bumps on their ski trail. For most people, going a few feet into the air is more than enough.
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