Wildcat Hosts Backcountry Telemark
Wildcat Mt.’s telemark clinics improve freeheelers’ technique.
Once up on a long time ago, I attempted to learn telemark skiing. I failed miserably.
But, that was before modern telemark ski equipment. And, it was in the backcountry of Glacier National Park in two feet of powder.
That’s no way to learn. Or to even improve.
New Hampshire’s Wildcat Mountain has a better way. Working with Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), they’ve introduced Backcountry Telemark Clinics.
Unfortunately for me, the Wildcat clinics aren’t for novices. But, if you are comfortable free-heel skiing on most intermediate terrain under varied conditions, they’re for you.
On the first day, participants refine their telemark technique in a small group lesson with Wildcat’s most experienced instructors.
Instruction will focus on negotiating ungroomed snow, strategies for tree skiing, and other advanced tactics to deal with the variable snow conditions found in the backcountry.
On the second day, participants join EMS Climbing School guides and learn about backcountry skiing on Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. Participants discover how to use climbing skins and avalanche transceivers, do trip planning and route finding, and develop the other skills necessary to negotiate the area’s backcountry ski trails.
Because of Wildcat’s location next to Mt. Washington and Tuckerman Ravine,"We’re in the center of backcountry skiing in New Hampshire, here at Wildcat," says Jeff Lea, one of Wildcat’s Telemark Instructors. "We’re very excited about being able to offer these clinics."
Wildcat has at least six PSIA Certified Telemark Instructors on staff, four of them Level Three, two who are also PSIA Certified Telemark Instructors.
The remaining Wildcat Backcountry Telemark Clinics schedule:
- March 3-4, 2007
- March 31-April 1, 2007.
Cost: $249.
Information and registration: 888-SKI-WILD X217.
