FIS Telemark World Cup
The world's best telemark skiers compete on the Masaré slope at Carezza, tackling fast turns, jumps of up to 30 metres and incredible 360° turns
The Masaré slope, on the Carezza Pass side served by the Paolina chairlift, is once again the venue for a major world championship: the FIS Telemark World Cup. On Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 January, at the foot of the Catinaccio, athletes from a dozen countries will compete in two sprint races, each consisting of two heats (first heat at 10:00 a.m., second heat at 12:00 p.m.), which are highly technical and definitely worth watching.
Telemark skiing, which originated in Norway in 1860, is also known as free heel skiing. The women will open the competition, followed by the men, in a close contest where technique, strength and endurance come together in a single, exciting discipline. Competitors tackle a course that, at first glance, resembles a giant slalom, but with one substantial difference: each turn must be taken in the characteristic telemark position, otherwise penalties in seconds will be incurred. Halfway through the course, a jump of up to 30 metres awaits them, which must also be landed in the correct position. Then there is a giant slalom section, leading up to a spectacular 360° turn, where speed and precision become essential in order to tackle the final straight, which is flat and decisive. Here, telemark skiers must push hard, just like in cross-country skiing, to cross the finish line in the shortest possible time.
The public can experience the event from the finish line or from the side of the track, and breathe in all the energy of an authentic, elegant and spectacular discipline.
