It's not often that telemark skiers get a chance to show up en masse on the slopes.
"We're kind of a fringe sport," says Aaron Johnson, director of the Bear Valley Telemark Ski Festival at the Bear Valley Mountain ski resort in Alpine County. "Gatherings like this are usually the only time you are not in the minority on the hill."
The annual festival takes place Feb. 6-8, so now is a good time to plan for one of the largest telemark gatherings of its kind on the West Coast. On tap are three days of instructional clinics, group free skiing, banquets, contests and tours of Bear Valley's backcountry.
"For newcomers, this is the most affordable time to try (telemark skiing). All the clinics and lift tickets are discounted for the festival," Johnson says.
Unlike the parallel turns used in traditional alpine skiing, telemark – or free-heel – skiers use deep knee bends, hip rotations and a striding motion with the legs to carve their turns. This technique is what makes the telemark turn so graceful, Johnson said.
"The movement is very natural," he says. "When you get it right, you can feel your body flowing with the turn."
Johnson recommends telemark to skiers and snowboarders who want to improve their balance and edge control, or those who have become bored with the sport and are looking for a challenge.
"There is a real rush of adrenaline when you are out on the slope, learning something new," Johnson says.
Telemark has its origins in backcountry skiing, and the opportunity to explore beyond the groomed runs wins many fans to the sport.
"Telemark gives you a bit more mobility and freedom, which is great for backcountry touring," says Steve Shields, a telemark skier and member of the Bear Valley Ski Patrol.
Beginners should work on the basics before heading into the backcountry, according to Johnson. After learning to link turns on a groomed, intermediate slope, they can attempt a backcountry tour with a professional guide.
"Before going off on your own, you need to have some basic level of avalanche safety training," Johnson says.
13th annual Bear Valley Telemark Ski Festival
When: Feb. 6-8
Where: Bear Valley Mountain Resort, about 2 1/2 hours southeast of Sacramento on Highway 4.
Cost: Clinics and instruction, $45-$85; free-heel adventures, $20-$30; backcountry tours, $75; festival package deals, $175-$265; prices do not include lift tickets, which are $40.
Information: (209) 753-6556 or www.mtadventure.com
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