introduction to telemark at Lac Blanc

The position is not entirely natural. In telemark skiing, the heel is free, and good alpine skiers must agree to become beginners again. “At the beginning, it burns the thighs a lot, it’s much harder than alpine skiing.” Slightly theatrical positions and a distinguished way of getting noticed on the ski slopes. At Lac Blanc, in the Vosges, the initiation of this practice, dating from the 1980s, appeals to skiers of all ages. “I like all forms of skiing and telemark is rather aesthetic, so I took the plunge”, explains a young man.

For five years, several resorts in the Vosges have been trying to revive telemark through discovery days. They are about 150 to practice it in the massif. A small community with a unique mindset. “Telemark is a bit like a family”, explains Claude Gaudel, president of the Bonhomme ski club. The obstacle to the practice remains its cost, since a complete equipment costs nearly 1,500 euros. Stations lend equipment to inspire future telemarkers.