Go wherever. Do whatever. That's the beauty of Telemark – including carving the steeps and cliff jumping with the rest of the crazies.

In fact, Telemark started off as a practical way to access backcountry or off piste skiing. It's different because the binding only fixes the toe of your boot to the ski. With your heel free to lift, and telemark boots flexing across the front of your foot, your leg can be bent and the ski 'dropped back' to perform a telemark turn. (This is the same technique as ski jumpers use to stop once they land).

Isn't Telemark the same as cross country skiing?

Not really – Telemark gear is built for high mountain environments, and allows you to go uphill and downhill. Telemark boots offer ankle support and are much heavier and sturdier than cross country shoes. And Telemark skis have metal edges and fast bases for downhill fun.

Learn Telemark

Already a decent parallel skier? Then you should find Telemark a breeze – check out one of the 60 qualified Telemark instructors in the UK. You could even club together a few friends to access a BASI Telemark instructor to come and offer a lesson.

Very few dry slopes in the UK have telemark equipment for hire, so it's more usual to borrow or buy the gear. The big exception is Xscape Milton Keynes, which has a year round telemark lesson programme and a stock of high quality telemark equipment. To find out more, visit the Telemasters website

Most of the Scottish ski areas offer Telemark instruction, although you really need to book an instructor in advance.

Festivals

La Skieda, held annually in Livigno, Italy is probably the longest running telemark festival. There's also a successful festival held at Braemar in Scotland. To find out more about the Braemar Telemark Festival, call 013397 421242.

Telemark equipment

You can get away with alpine skis, but most beginners prefer specialist Telemark skis. You'll definitely need special Telemark boots and bindings. Talk to an expert to find the best type for you.

Poles? Alpine poles are fine to begin with – but if you're doing a lot of back country or touring, you should invest in a pair of telescopic poles (they're perfect for alpine skiing too).

The clothes are pretty much the same as for alpine but some telemarkers like to wear knee pads under their overtrousers