Newby technique question

[JPTahoe]

I started teleing last year on really prro skis. Just put my ntn bindings on my alpine skis and am amazed at the difference. Amazing. Here's my question: given the rigidity and stability of these new boots and bindings, is it standard/common practice to revert to alpine turns in very steep, tight conditions? I have had several people mention this to me, but I've been determined to learn the craft of tele. I know that, in the end, it's all about what I want to do and what I enjoy. However, I'd love to heat input from experienced practitioners.

Thanks!
JP

[lilcliffy]

Well- have only tested NTN a few times- awesome downhill power.

I am beginning to realize that the "telemark" is almost a religion to some...

From my perspective- free-heel does not equal "telemark" only...

Have you read Paul Parker's book?

[MikeK]

FWIW I plan on Alpining my resort skis (75mm not NTN) and working Tele in as I go.

I decided when I ended having to go to a high cuff boot to get a good fit that going to a supportive binding with stiff springs with a more modern, shaped, Alpine ski would put me in good shape to ski how I used to ski with Alpine gear. I know it won't be exactly the same... but so far, it seems like it's not going to be far off.

I'll let you know when I ski it...

[lowangle al]

Welcome JP. At least You are familiar with the skis. Usually things fall apart when you aren't properly centered or maybe you don't have enough muscle memory to make the moves quick enough. Can you feel if both of your skis are carving?

If you want to stick with Tturns you may have to slow down and do slalom type turns.

[dnt_upton]

You're going to get different answers from different skiers. Alpine turns are a great tool in the toolbox and in icy/crappy, tight situations, yeah, many people will use them. If the snow is good, many people will continue to tele and others will use alpine. It's your comfort zone and skill level.

[phoenix]

As said... opinions will vary. My presonal experience: Coming from a long alpine history, I found it difficult to get past "fake-o-marks", and adjust to the fully adopted tele our. So finally I decided one season to JUSTmake tele turns. Eventually I got it. That was on leathers and light cables, back in maybe the early 90's ( though I was on freewheel skinnies since the 70's.. doing what worked).

Fast forward to the present, with lots of experience and hindsight, my feeling hasn't really changed. Do what you want. One of my all time favorite ski quotes, : " It doesn't matter the tools you use, or the places you choose, it's all skiing" - Allan Bard, RIP.
Or another 2nd favorite from the old TeleTips forum: "It's a turn, not a religion".

Back to your question, I think yes, it is natural to "revert" to Alpine turns sometimes. I freeflow thru all techniques depending on terrain, conditions, and how I feel at the moment. On freeheel gear, whether light, midrange, or full 75mm tele.

Some feel righteous about dropping a knee. Be self righteous, if that floats your boat. I prefer good form in any terrain or condition, and the adaptability to execute it. For some tele skiers, a parallel turn is an advanced technique. for some, it's a heresy. Follow your heart... and don't fall.

As s]mentioned above, have you ever read Paul Parker's books?

[StormyMonday]

Not sure it's "standard practice" but it's definitely common. I ski with a guy who uses tele gear and in several years I've never seen him make a tele turn. I'm the opposite. We only ski glades when we are together, very tight glades. He skis with Hammerheads and skis a lot faster than me. I ski on 3 pins and make a lot more turns than him. P-turns don't feel good to me on pins, I feel like I'm in the back seat and that was a no-no when I skied alpine decades ago. My friends has no dsire to use pins and tele turns, I have no desire to use even cables and make P-turns but we really enjoy our outings, and that's what it's all about.

[MikeK]

Not sure it's "standard practice" but it's definitely common. I ski with a guy who uses tele gear and in several years I've never seen him make a tele turn. I'm the opposite. We only ski glades when we are together, very tight glades. He skis with Hammerheads and skis a lot faster than me. I ski on 3 pins and make a lot more turns than him. P-turns don't feel good to me on pins, I feel like I'm in the back seat and that was a no-no when I skied alpine decades ago. My friends has no dsire to use pins and tele turns, I have no desire to use even cables and make P-turns but we really enjoy our outings, and that's what it's all about.

Good answer.

I always like the one that goes something like this: Freeheel gear allows you to do whatever you want - Alpine, Tele and anything in between. When you lock the heel down you only get one choice.