Telemark Courses

Telemark skiing with the Pirates 

Have you ever wanted to try Telemark skiing? Why not ‘free your heel & mind’ with the Telemark Pirates.

With good coaching an experienced alpine skier can quickly learn to telemark to a proficient level. During the course of the 5 day program our coaches will take you from Telemark Landlubber to Telemark Pirate.

We have taught many alpine skiers to telemark and those who continued to their BASI Level 1 Telemark courses all successfully passed. We have also taught extremely experienced skiers to pass their Swiss Patente Telemark examination.

There are many crossovers between Alpine and Telemark skiing.  The balance, co-ordination and rhythm gained from Telemark skiing will dramatically improve your alpine understanding and abilities.     

Who is the course for?

• Any skiers who want to learn to Telemark
• Telemark skiers who want to improve their skills
• Instructors who are intending to progress through their chosen system and require a second discipline for their ISIA qualification
• For instructors looking to sharpen and hone their skills for the Swiss Patente examinations

What’s included?

• 5 mornings of top class coaching - Landlubbers struggle with full days!
• Video feedback sessions
• Telemark Pirates T-Shirt
• Free heels and a free mind!

Course dates

• 13 - 17 January 2014 Verbier
• 17 – 21 March 2014 Verbier

Cost: 399CHF

Telemark Coaches: Cap 'n' Bob & his rowdy ships mate

Read more about Telemark Skiing Course

Aspects covered:

• On Piste Skills
• Bumps, Moguls and Variable terrain
• BASI Central Theme (if applicable)
• Video analysis and positive feedback

Venue

The Telemark Pirates have made Verbier, Switzerland their home port the perfect training ground for wannabe Pirates, offering easy access to the extensive 4 valleys ski area. The area offers a huge variety of pistes for progressive training from the gentle slopes of Lac des Vaux to some world famous itinerants and classic off piste descents.

Equipment Hire

Boots and skis can be hired in resort, send us your requirements and we can advise and check availability for you or if you are looking to buy your own gear then we are happy to help you find the right setup.

General Course Content

Day 1 – Meet and greet over a coffee to discuss the course, skier’s aspirations, telemark experience if any and equipment check.

Off to the pistes for a general introduction to telemarking – getting used to skiing with free heel equipment and the telemark stance.  Basic drills and exercises to introduce the skiers to a new way of skiing, thinking and feeling.

Day 2 – Balance and co-ordination, playing with types and variations of the lead change and gaining more confidence on telemark skis.  Video analysis of individuals.

Day 3 – Edge control on slightly steeper terrain, varying turn sizes and movement patterns and an introduction to basic carving.  Central theme for BASI skiers.

Day 4 – Gentle introduction to variable terrain, off piste and bumps. Improving rhythm and co-ordination in long and short turns.  Video analysis of individuals. 

Day 5 – Show us what you’ve got!  Fun ski day covering all aspects of telemarking on suitable terrain, short turns, carving, gentle bumps, off piste and maybe one of the 4 Valleys’ famous itinerant runs for those who are up for it.  End of course discussion and Après!