Switching from Alpine to Tele

It's real different, but I hear once you get it, you never turn back...plus tele freeskiing is the sickest.

I did it about about a year ago - great decision - I was (still am) an expert alpine skier, like it seems you are too, and just wanted a new challenge - traded in my 1080s and AK enemies for Scratch BC tele mounted. Its a blast, super badass, and fun in the park (though tough to learn) - i seriously recommend doing it if you're inclined. PM me if you've got questions about equip.

It's a little slow getting started.  Don't be afraid to fall and look like fool.  You learn more when you fall.  When you get it, it is the bomb.  I switched 3 seasons ago and have not taken a run on alpine skis since.

Do it. I've been doing alpine for about 16 years, pretty new to park and newschool still. But I tried tele last season for the first time, and it was amazingly fun, but it's very different than alpine, get a friend who does it to teach you, or take a lesson - cause you will not understand tele coming off of alpine, it's totally opposite. And don't be afraid to fall, your first few runs trying to make tele turns you will probably feel like you've never been on skis in your life, that's how different it is. But don't get discouraged, after a few days on them you'll be decent enough to enjoy it, and you'll start getting alot better.

I'm considering switching as well. I'm thinking about switchin up my scratch bc's from alpine to tele. Its either buy a new pair of skis or buy tele equipment (boots+bindings) for my bc's. I have no idea for equipment though, I need to go talk to my shop and find out stuff. Would I get a telemarking boot or an alpine touring boot with telemarking bindings? I really have no idea about this area of skiing. Does anyone have a ballpark figure for a tele setup, I'd assume that bindings are roughly the same (maybe a lil cheaper) and boots are prob more expensive than alpine.

I demo'ed the stuff last year and I was really good turning to one side but only ok turning to the other...is that normal? Does the weird side come in time, cuz then it would be sweet!

Newschool_jibber_69 : Bindings usually run a bit cheaper, but it depends on the set-up you want, Voile makes some really interesting tele bindings that release sorta like alpine bindings in twisting falls, and while I haven't tried them, they appear to be real nice when I've checked them out. And Tele boots are rather expensive(for the 'nice' ones) but it depends on what fits your foot, I tried on some $500 plus Scarpa tele boots and they didn't fit for shit, some of the Garmont boots fit okay though, it's just a matter of getting something that fits your foot well, same as with alpine boots, but you have fewer choices with tele, or so it would seem around here anyway. And no, Alpine Touring boots won't work with tele bindings, sorry.


M_ER_CU_RY: It's probably the fact that you are stronger on one side or one leg than the other, that's all. And you probably just need to get some more practice to feel comfortable on both sides equally. Ever snowboarded and found that it's harder for you to make a toeside turn than it is to make a heelside turn, or vise versa? That would explain alot, because tele actually has more in common with snowboarding than it does with alpine skiing.

hahah the first thing you will notice is that you thought you were in shape, but you were WRONG.

tele is awesome. make sure to get some solid boots that fit your feet like T1s and i've had really good luck with using old twin tip skis like Rossi Scratch, Salomon pocket rockets, etc for tele'ing.

bindings wise look into some solid Cobras or G3s.

good luck! and watch that quad burn!