If there’s any one area of snowsports that’s hotter (yeah, I know, lousy pun) than the others, it’s Telemark. “Free The Heel” campaigns have caught on, and it’s common to see expert Telemark skiers on all trails on most mountains, not just the flatter ones. Equipment has progressed to the point where not only are telemark turns possible, but at need, parallel turns can be made (trust me, since I haven’t YET mastered the Tele turn!).

So, to make the sport more accessible, Cranmore Mountain in North Conway has partnered with Eastern Mountain Sports for a series of Telemark lessons, from “Telemark 101″, which is a basic introduction to the technique, to a course for idiots like me who can’t figure out how to stop doing parallel turns (yes, that’s” Telemark 102″), to the more advanced “Telemark 201” for those who have progressed beyond me and have all of the basics down.  There are specific dates and times for these courses; you can find the details here, or call 1-800-310-4504.  Cost is $75 per lesson which includes the rental equipment, but does NOT cover the cost of your lift ticket (if you aren’t a season’s pass holder, obviously).

EMS has been selling Telemark gear for a long time, so they’ve had plenty of time to learn what works for people and what doesn’t, and what questions neophytes will ask. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of that expertise, at a conveniently located mountain, at a VERY convenient price!