Learn to telemark ski

My “Things” list needs some more space, so I’m marking this goal as done. I don’t know if it’s really accomplished or not—I’m definitely not proficient at telemarking, but I’m at least capable of getting myself down the hill without looking too ridiculous.

I managed to get out on the new telemark skis about a half-dozen times this winter. It turned out to be a lot harder than I had imagined (even though I’ve been downhill/xc skiing for almost 20 years, and naively assumed telemarking wouldn’t be much different). The telemark turn is quite the tricky little move…but I’ve sort of got it figured out.

I wouldn’t say this goal is accomplished yet - I’m still a total novice, and wouldn’t last 15 minutes in the backcountry - but I’m happy to have at least gotten my feet wet.

Found some after-Christmas clearance sales and picked up some cheap skis, boots, poles, and bindings. Persuaded a friend to do the same. Now I just need snow.