Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

Are most people using the same size telemark ski for resort(lift) skiing as they would for Alpine skiing?

I use short skis (160s) for alpine skiing because I picked them up cheap. I am 5'9" and use my 185 annums without a problem at resorts also. I am thinking of getting a heavier setup for resorts.

Could I purchase a heavy duty telemark ski at 185? Would it be too long for me? Is there an ideal size to get better on before going to a longer faster set?

So many questions....... Thanks in advance

I went shorter than my Epochs. Wider too!
185 Epoch and went with a 177 Volkl Nanuq. I wanted to go shorter down near 165 or 170 or so, but a friend who has the same skis, weighs about the same, and wears the same boots (t2) and bindings (all) suggested I go with the 177. Rockered tip shortens the ski some, and even though they look long (to me) they are designed for turning way more than the Epochs.

Bmike, did you ski them yet? Do you feel they are a good size? How tall are you?

Haven't skied them yet, but my resort skis are 180. My XCD skis are 189 to 205.

You really can ski whatever you feel comfortable with. Longer will be a bit more stable at speed generally, perhaps hold better but of course be less maneuverable.

It's getting so long ago I really don't remember what I skied for Alpine. Never more than 180 - I started around the time skis were starting to trend shorter. I think ~170 was where I was last at.

Well, I went with a used ski at 167. It may be a touch short but that is ok for now.

If you feel OK on a 185 and a 160, I don't think you'll have an issue.

Thanks Mike. I am looking forward to trying some heavier telemark gear this year, The annums get a little shaky at high speed. Lol

Ski sizing is pretty much preference and skill level.

I'm 6'1" and about 175lb, and never ski anything shorter than 185cm. This is for tele, not XCD/BC.

Rocker also has the effect of making skis feel shorter than they are, so that should be taken into consideration as well.
Basically, ski what you like!

Note: XC ski sizing is a whole different ball of worms.

It's funny when I think about it but I've seen people skiing everything from 225s to those things that were barely longer than your boot at dh resorts. I don't remember what they were called but they make Hoks look long.

You can ski really short skis for XC too (like Alpine lengths). You might go a little slower but for a beginning skier it's probably not so bad.

MikeK wrote: I don't remember what they were called but they make Hoks look long.

I think the word you're looking for is "snowlerblades."