Circling back on the last part of the statement, which is factually incorrect.connyro wrote: ↑Sat Jul 29, 2023 9:25 amWell lookie here - Manney's got a thread going that's got some importance to himself. It'd be a real shame if something happened to it: say, something like it got derailed or sent off-topic. Somewhat interesting subject matter, albit not related to telemark skiing (shocking for this forum, I know).
Telemark skiing wasn’t invented for military skiing but it quickly caught on. Why? Because it’s the only practical way or turning at speed while carrying heavy loads…. Typically 80# but as high as 120# in the case of the USMC.
It all comes down to the mechanics of a telemark turn. Edging and angulation of skis used in a conventional carving turn isn’t safe or practical carrying such weight. You’d topple over or break a leg.
Things like balancing weight over both skis, bending knees, and setting a continuous edge by staggering the skis makes it possible to turn at speed while carrying heavy loads.
This explains why all of the gear shown feature free heel bindings of one form or another. Free heel bindings don’t mean you HAVE to do a telemark turn, but it is necessary to get down a slope on skis while carrying massive packs nonetheless.
So you see, @connyro, this topic is directly related to telemark skiing. The conditions demand it, the gear supports it, and the skiers do it (with experience and training).