Paul ParkerFree-Heel Skiing: Telemark and Parallel Techniques for All Conditions, 3rd Edition (Mountaineers Outdoor Expert)

This is an excellent and ambitious book- assuming the reader has practically no experience, it systematically takes the reader through wedge christies, stem christies, and ends up in the telemark turn. What I find even more appealing, however, is the author's philosophy that he repeats throughout the book- telemark is a TURN, not a sport, and it finds its place among the many other turns in a modern skier's toolbox. He therefore teaches parallel turns as well, which in my mind is a terrific approach. As the author states, and as even the most evangelical telemark skier will admit if pressed, there are situations where the parallel turn is simply more stable and desirable (for example, in icy, hairy terrain), and the versatile skier should be able to move fluidly between techniques as the skiing demands. This idea is integral to Paul Parker's book. I wish more telemark skiers would adopt it.I give it four stars only because the gear section of the book is substantially outdated, although it's still largely applicable.If you read this book and put the time on your boards to back it up, you will become a better skier!

This book provides very good technical information for both parallel and telemark parallel skiing. My intention in making this purchase was to look for more advanced instructions on telemarking powder and mogul runs; this instruction didn't start until the end of the book for ~20 pages. Good separate specific content and instructions on telemark skiing crud, powder, piste, moguls, and steeps. One important factor he mentioned was to edge the back ski to initiate turning and avoiding converging skis or slide the back ski out. It would help with an illustration by showing how edging at different times puts the skis at different circles of radius (converging).The author has provided a very good historical background as well as the basic foundation for both normal skiing and telemark skiing. Paul Parker provides the same instructions as you would get if you were to go take a course on telemark skiing: the most of which is keeping the body quiet and down the fall line, and proper hip alignment vs alpine skiing.

Very helpful guide for those of us who enjoy free-heel (telemark) skiing with modern gear. It's been in print for a few years now, so its comments on gear are slightly dated, but the real core of the book remains fresh: how to master turns and other maneuvers.. Clearly written, good illustrations. I do wish that the author wouldn't try so hard to come across as "cool' and "edgy."

good book, very helpfulli would reccomend this to othersi like the easy read formatwish it had a chapter on the short altai snowshoe skiis

Lots of talk on stuff that you can easily fin online, and then a little about other things.

This book was recommended in Allen & Mikes really cool Telemark tips. Both books are excellent. I would highly recommend for anyone trying to gain a better understanding of the mechanics of the Tele turn.

Extremely thorough & informative. A great historical look at the evolution of telemark skiing. A good instruction manual that is easy to read.

Using only this book and a few random tips from strangers, I picked up telemarking in two days. (I also started with 25 years of alpine experience.) This book is clear, concise, and effective. It made all the difference in the world in getting me skiing expert trails reasonably well by the end of my second day. I am nowhere near handling moguls, glades, ice, cornices, etc., but I did have twenty or so graceful, linked turns in a steep bowl

Great book, great deal!

Great

A must. This book will provide the introduction a novice needs, and more information to the seasoned one. A definitely recommend.

This is unfortunately an outdated book. I should have looked at the publishing date before purchasing it. I got a couple of decent hints from it, at most.

It is a bit too explicit for me but loads of useful information. I would recommend it for aspiring telemarkers who like technical input