Where can I get tele skis in the midwest?

Question

I want to learn how to telemark ski, and am wondering where I could either buy a cheap pair, or rent, tele skis in wisconsin or minnesota (i live in Eau Claire)

Answer 1

I tried looking in your area for telemark skis by brand names. Spring Street Sports in Chippewa Falls is listed as a dealer for G3 skis. I checked their website and it doesn't mention anything about them carrying G3. You could call them. 715-723-6616.

Even if they are not carrying G3, they may have a lead on other brands like K2, Karhu, Black Diamond, and Atomic.

I did buy my first pair of teles at a ski swap in VT but got the boots on eBay. There is a ton of tele gear online and I only had to buy my bindings from a local dealer.

I paid $250 for the planks, $137 for the bindings, $8 for leashes, and $75 for the boots. All mounting and shipping costs included. It cost me $470....$30 under my budget and only the boots were used (lightly). I bought new boots this year on eBay as well...$125...used twice. They were in great condition. If you do your research and you know exactly what you are looking for in terms of boots, skis, and bindings the chances of finding it on eBay are pretty good. A lot of telemark gear is mis-posted and you'll find ski-touring stuff posted along with it, so just do some research beforehand and you should be able to get a good deal.

It also doesn't hurt to ask the guys at a good-old-regular ski shop. If they carry K2 skis they can probably order K2 telemark skis. As well as boots from Garmont (as I believe Garmont falls under the K2 umbrella of companies.) The same should be true for the other brands that make tele and regular alpine skis as well...Rossi, Atomic, and the mythical Salomon Telemark skis.

You can get info on a lot of ski brands and tele-related info here:

http://www.telemarknato.com/sponsors.htm...

Here:

http://www.backcountrymagazine.com/index...

And Here:

http://www.telemarktips.com/

And buy this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Mikes-Really...

Allan & Mike's Telemark Tips (in case that link doesn't work.)

I use it all of the time.

Answer 2

Try any commercial XC facility. Telemarking is a technique developed for ski touring in deep snow. It is used for descents. You can learn how with any skis on a small hill. It is a great skill for back country or off-trail fun.