Next time you strap on telemark skis and head out for a day of free-heeling, consider doing a few jumps to impress your friends and the folks on the chairlift. Use these simple steps to land the jump.
Steps
1
Wear a helmet and some knee pads. Arc'Teryx Knee Pads work well as they don't slide, have a hard outer shell and a very thin profile that fit well under your ski pants. Expect to fall a few times as you learn to "stick the landing"
2
It's best to look for your first jump, in an area that you know well and are comfortable skiing in. Take some runs around the jump, at faster than normal speeds. Practice a quick check turn to learn how to scrub your speed after landing. This is probably the most important skill to have in jumping as you will most always land with a good bit more speed than you expect.
3
Just like your grandmother used to say "stop slouching, bad posture makes you look foolish." Good skiing posture is relaxed, bent at the knees, elbows in tight, looking forward and ahead, and hands in front of you as if your carrying a tray. The goal is to lower your stance (center of gravity) without bending at the waist, but by bending your knees and lowering your rear. It's like your sitting on a bar stool that is 8–10 inches (20.3–25.4 cm) shorter than standing. Keep your back straight and don't hunch or slouch your shoulders forward.
4
Practice the run in, posture, and check turn with increasing speeds and more aggressive checking.
5
Pick out a jump with a smooth, gradual take off and a smooth down-sloped landing zone.
6
Approach the jump from directly above so that you can ski straight at it without turning or skiing across the ramp.
7
With all kinds of jumps, skiing, dirt bike, mountain bike etc... Maintaining your speed (constant velocity, and not accelerating or decelerating) is crucial to a good takeoff and successful landing. You'll be more stable, relaxed and focused when you carry constant speed.
8
Focus on the jump as you approach, but on the landing before you leave the snow. This is called spotting your landing and is key when you start trying Tele Heli's. Look at it, stomp it and stick it. Don't be passive, but get proactive and make your skis stick.
9
Flow through the jump, speed and jump feature will get you in the air, not trying to spring off the lip, that will only get you first place on wipe outs 2008.
10
Keep your hands and upper body forward and relaxed, as you soar through the air, this will reduce the possibility of pitching backwards.
11
Bend your knees to absorb the shock of the landing. To carry your speed, drop into your Telemark stance or better yet, scrub your speed with a solid check turn.
12
Wave to the crowd with a confident "no problem" smile as you ski away shaking like a leaf....
13
Soak up all that adrenaline as you speed to the lift for jump number two.
