Welcome to the International Telemark Skiers Network
We want your feedback, so please join the community over at Vimeo and share your ideas and suggestions so we can make this a network which strengthens the sport of Telemark Skiing around the world.
Thanks – we look forward to hearing from you.
In co-operation with:
What is the Network?
This network aims to offer:
- Contact with other Telemark ski enthusiasts around the world,
- Good information on the history of the sport with strong links to Morgedal – the birthplace of Telemark skiing and an ultimate destination for ski pilgrims,
- The rebuilding of traditional events and gatherings for Telemark skiers,
- Marketing and promotion of Telemark ski events around the world (i.e. World Cup events),
- A forum to share common experiences, stories and secret stashes of powder snow,
- Recruitment activities,
- And much, much more... we want your input - so please join the forum where you can share your ideas, ask questions and make comments on how this network can build and strengthen interest for Telemark Skiing worldwide.
Why Morgedal?
How much do you know about the sport you love?
Skis in some form or another have been around for at least 4000 years – but skiing as a modern sport can trace its beginnings back to the little mountain valley of Morgedal which is in Telemark, Norway.
Perhaps you have heard of Sondre Norheim... the Father of Modern Skiing? Sondre - together with his neighbours and friends, skied his way into history demonstrating new dynamic techniques, shorter carving skis and telemark heel bindings. This new skiing style was a revelation and the public were awe-struck by what these country boys from West Telemark could achieve on a pair of skis. A ski revolution had begun...
The international word Slalom comes from the local dialect word describing the tracks made in powder snow as the villagers played and skied down the steep hills, dodging trees and leaping into the air over small cliffs and drops. Those hills are still here, the world’s first slalom slopes, untouched since those glory days. In Morgedal there are no lifts, no resort lodges, no après ski, flashy ski suits or overpriced food - just Sondre Norheim’s cabin situated high the hillside and your own legs to take you up there to pay your respects.
Maybe it’s time you discovered the roots of the sport you love. Come to Morgedal – we will take you out onto the world’s first slalom slopes, tell you the stories, ski with you on the original pioneer gear and help you reconnect with the soul of skiing.
Morgedal of Norway – home to ski pilgrims – worldwide. Welcome
The Morgedal Winter Games
A home coming for Telemark skiers
Welcome to a weekend of ski fun and competition in Morgedal the birth place of ski sport.
The tradition of meeting on the steep fields of morgedal and playing on skis was central in
developing the ski culture and subsequent ski sport revolution that springs from here.
That tradition continues with this event. The Morgedal Games are a "home-coming" for skiers,
a chance to play and test your ski skills, moving around the valley for the various events
as was common practice on snowfilled sundays over 150 years ago. Skier or spectator, there
will be plenty happening, lots of great prizes and that special Morgedal atmosphere...
Get the details here: Download our
info poster (Norsk)
Weekend Programme:
Friday 6th March
Big Air and heritage ski jump competition
All sliders welcome to compete (boards, alpine etc). Jumping under lights accompanied by live music - this is going to be an exciting and spectacular evening. Sign up for the traditional jump competition and try out our wooden skis 1860's style or dust off your own antiques and come and have a crack. The competition is located on Skare farm, birthplace of Svein Sollid of Morgedal - the first man in recorded history to jump over 100 feet on skis!
Details:
Where: Skare Gard - Morgedal (follow the signs to the farm)
Cost: None - parking and admission is free and free registration for all competitors in the jump off.
Time: Registration and test jumping from 5.30pm. Competition starts at 7.00pm
Inquiries and early bird registrations to: siri@morgedal.com / ph: +4741253802
or tarjei@morgedal.com / ph: +47 47450533
Saturday 7th March
Telemark Ski Day
Celebrating the graceful sport of telemark skiing - there will be free instruction in Telemark skiing and gear to demo from the NSF. you can also hire good gear from the lift shed in Morgedal. Meet up at the hotel slope from 10.00am onwards to try out the sport for yourself. Day lift passes cost 140kr for adults and 100kr for kids.
Telecross at Kleiv - an action packed 4 way race format with heats and elimination rounds before we establish who is the "king of kleiv". You can enter any type of ski / board - but the course will favour those with the ability to skate on the flat section. Follow the signs to the historic Kleiv ski play area. Registrations from 1.30pm - open class: 90Kr / Junior class: (12 and under) 50Kr. Race starts at 3.00pm
Tele Styling comp - bring your best Telemark outfit and compete in style and grace through a series of obstacles while the crowd urges you on. Great fun and prizes for best dressed! Registration starts at 6.30pm and event start at 7.00pm. Free for all competitors.
Sunday 8th March
Telemark Classic Race - An exciting and challenging course set on the "worlds first slalom slopes" Compete on the trails of Sondre Norheim as these are the hills where he grew up, playing and skiing his way into the history books as the father of modern skiing. You have to earn your turns on this course as you walk up into the forest - high on the hills above Morgedal. With a great course and this iconic setiing - this is an event not to be missed... spectator or competitor.
Details:
Where: Kleiv / Øverbø
Cost: 120kr registration fee Open classes / Juniors - 80kr. Free entry for all spectators
Time: Registrations junior class (0 - 12) 12.00pm - race start 1.00pm / registrations open classes
from 12.00pm - race start 2.00pm
Inquiries and early bird registrations to: siri@morgedal.com / ph: +4741253802 or tarjei@morgedal.com / ph: +47 47450533
Other stuff you need to know...
- need cheap accomodation in Morgedal? Want to know about hiring telegear, old skis etc - contact: siri@morgedal.com / +4741253802
Ski Telemark Foundation
Working in partnership with the Ski Telemark Foundation.
More information on this organisation and it's role in the network coming soon...