[OUTING-ANNOUNCE] telemark newsletter

[Douglas Stone]

Hello everyone,

The winter sport season is well underway.  Unfortunately, there have been virtually no telemark trips so far.  But that's going to change once finals are over and we all get back from break (if not earlier if someone takes the initiative :)

WHY TELESKI?
Teleskiing is a type of downhill and backcountry skiing.  It differs from alpine skiing (what you are probably most familiar with) in that your heels aren't attached so the technique for turning is a little different.  You don't need any previous experience - club members will teach you the basics.  This is a great way to learn to telemark ski and most of what you learn applies to alpine skiing as well.

WHAT GEAR DO I NEED?
The club has skis, boots, and poles for use on any club trip (i.e. announced to the club and with three or more people going).  All you need is clothing (jacket, hat, gloves, ideally insulated water-proof pants, and possibly long underwear, warm socks, and ski goggles).

TELEMARK WORK PARTY
The telemark gear needs to be fixed up for the season.  To that end we're going to have a work party.  In particular, the skis need to be waxed since they haven't been for....well, it's been at least two years.  We can use your help whether you're a veteran ski waxer or if you've never waxed a ski or even skied before.  I'm considering either Wednesday January 2nd or Thursday January 3rd at 6 pm.  If you're willing to help out and could let me know what day or days work for you, it would be appreciated.  Also, let me know if you have any experience with waxing skis (telemark or any others).

SKIING AT BLACKHAWK
Blackhawk ski club is a small club in Middleton that hosts a telemark ski night every Wednesday beginning on January 9 and going until the snow melts.  Typically we have a trip going out to almost every telenight.  Next to the Outing Club, this is the best deal in Madison - the cost for the season is $40 or $30 for students.  However, if you'd like to try telemark skiing but aren't sure if you're going to go more than once or twice you might want to go on a trip to some other hill since at Blackhawk you have to pay $40 whether you come every Wednesday night of the season or only once.

ORGANIZING AND/OR LEADING TRIPS
Anyone can lead or organize a telemark ski trip - there is no leader ratings like in some of the club activities.  Just announce a trip to the club via email and/or at the meeting, get at least two other people to come with, and you've got yourself a trip.  I or someone else in the club can lend you a key to give you access to the skis.  Ideally you'd be able and willing to teach others the basics of telemark or recruit someone who is willing to teach to come along.  If no one on the trip is willing to teach you should probably mention it in your trip announcement to the club.  I'd be happy to answer any questions that you have about leading trips.

Ok, that's more than enough from me.  See you on the slopes!

Doug
Telemark Ski Chair