This is the World Famous TelemarkTalk / TelemarkTips / Telemark Francais Forum, by far the most dynamic telemark and backcountry skiing discussion board on the world wide web since 1998. East, West, North, South, Canada, US or Europe, Backcountry or not.
This is the World Famous TelemarkTalk / TelemarkTips / Telemark Francais Forum, by far the most dynamic telemark and backcountry skiing discussion board on the world wide web since 1998. East, West, North, South, Canada, US or Europe, Backcountry or not.
This is the World Famous TelemarkTalk / TelemarkTips Forum, by far the most dynamic telemark and backcountry skiing discussion board on the world wide web. We have fun here, come on in and be a part of it.
lowangle al wrote:My wife kicked ass XCD with leather boots, but since she got her Vectors she prefers her T2s if there is going to be any turning. The vectors were a game changer for her, before she got them she hated touring in plastic boots. Now we are on the same page as far as the kind of turn oriented tours I prefer.
This speaks to me Al. My wife is having so much fun skiing tele in-bounds that she wants to get in-bounds specific gear. She'll probably end up with T2s and possibly Vectors. For true to our roots XCD skiing, she'll hang onto the Epochs and new Garmont leathers. I'm very glad that she is enjoying it so much.
Alone:
I usually ski alone, but enjoy skiing with others far more. There's nothing better, for me, than to be out in the woods with a friend or loved one, skiing and enjoying each other's company. We don't have to have the same ability level, it's about la glisse.
With a friend:
When I get to ski with someone of my own ability or one who is better than me, that is even more enjoyable. I always learn so much skiing with someone evenly or superiorly matched, I love it. A little competition never hurt anyway. Am I going to drink this eaux-de-vie by myself?! No! Far better to share the liquid goodness.
With my skiing soulmate:
Then, there are the days I ski with one of two of my best ski friends... and we are completely in sync. It's outta this world! I love that the best. Nothing like a golden powder run with one of these two. We are close to each other but don't collide, anticipating each others' moves and dancing to a cosmic rhythm that defies explanation but connects on a base primal level that reaches tendrils of euphoria out of the basement of our souls to the highest points of our collective consciousness. A moment shared, boundless to time but bound to place. Woah, whatta ride.
My daily tour has always been predominantly "alone"- but with my dogs.
I always am open to skiing with others- but I don't waste my time waiting for anyone to come. When the conditions allow- if I can get out most everyday for at least 10 k in the woods with some vertical, life is good.
My personality is predominantly introverted. I have known this from an early age. So despite being assertive and social- I need time alone in order for my mind to recharge. Solitary backcountry skiing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing- and at one time sailing- have been keystone components in my lifestyle from an early age.
My everyday "tour" was most always alone. Weekend and holiday tours with family (my parents loved to xcountry ski).
I know a lot of skiers- but I rarely get a chance to ski with them these days. I have a couple of dear friends that XCD ski- but we rarely get a chance to do this together.
I love skiing with my children. They have all started from an early age (2 years old). My two oldest are 11 and 13- they can now easily keep up with me, unless I take an extended tour (15kms is about all they feel comfortable with). My 11 year-old daughter is a speed demon- she's happy as long as we take in enough vertical on the tour. My 13 year-old son has developed a real love of BC Nordic skiing- he is now commonly going out on his own before I get home from work.
My favorite person to ski with? My wife. We fell in love working, skiing, hiking, and exploring together. I must admit that we do everything well together. And as she has somewhat of a introverted-mind as well- she is not offended by the periods of silence in my company. Since our two youngest (4 and 2) have been born, we don't get out much. We occasionally get to ski together on the weekends/holidays. But one of us usually needs to keep the little ones from killing each other or burning the house down!
Cross-country AND down-hill skiing in the backcountry.
Unashamed to be a "cross-country type" and love skiing down-hill.
I ski solo a lot mostly because I can flex my work hours to get out mid week. I've always been a bit of a wallflower, too. I can't recall ever having a bad day out solo. Sometimes it's lonely but if I'm in safe terrain, which I usually am, I pop on some old-time blues and slide right on. That's said, I do prefer the company of one or two over a pack, but a pack sure can be fun!