Hi all,

If anyone is interested in telemark skiing, and you work at Kirtland, you can rent tele skis and skins there!  I did and spent most of yesterday at Sandia Peak Ski.  The skis were too long for me but they were the shortest that the recreation center had for rent.  I learned how to put on and take off skins, and did my best to try to teach myself how to tele turn by watching youtube videos.  I am an intermediate level alpine and nordic skier and was surprised at the difficulty of learning to tele!  It was a beautiful, blue-sky day with temperatures around 35.  Snow quality was great in shaded areas and noticeably soft in the sun due to the above-freezing temps.  I spent the entire day on Bambino green run.  To think that with my alpine skis I can do most of the runs Sandia has to offer, but NOT with tele technique!!  I found it very challenging, but by the end of my session I felt like I had accomplished successful (but not graceful) tele turns on both sides.  Proud of everyone of us who are currently trying new skills and new ski techniques this season.  Way to go!  

If you are a tele instructor and plan on doing a clinic anytime this season I'd love rent the skis again and give it another go!

Cheers,

Amy Mathis