One of the most important Telemark events in Europe
From April 26th to 28th in Tignes, it’s the place to be for all telemarkers, the meeting that some wouldn’t miss for the world!
It’s both technical and physical, as the heel is not fixed to the ski, allowing for the execution of graceful turns called “telemark turns”, which are performed by flexing the inner leg. It takes some practice to get there, but it’s very stylish!
The Black Shoes is also very festive; the 2023 edition was glittery, and this year there’s Savoyard tradition on the program, but shh… come and discover it live in Tignes.
Telemark, a bit of history
In the 19th century, the carpenter Sondre Norheim was also an expert in alpine skiing and a skilled skier; as a child, he explored the surrounding world with skis made by his father.
Sondre contributed to the development of new equipment, including rigid ankle bindings for turning and jumping without the ski detaching, but most importantly, he invented the telemark, named after the Norwegian region, he hails from.
Telemark has been recognized as a competitive sport by the FIS since the 1980s, and it has gained genuine success, evolving into a true sporting art.
