A lot of telemark skiers are stereotyped as being the laid back type. Many people — especially those that are new to the sport — seem to think that they are supposed to adopt this vibe when they become a part of the tribe. “Competitions,” they say, “who needs ‘em.” Of course, many freeheelers are all about a mellow mountain vibe. As a result, large groups of telemark skiers won’t do competitions; they don’t feel there is a place in telemark skiing for a divisive competitive atmosphere. But not all telemarkers are just into keeping it chill on the hill, and what detractors don’t realize is competitions are actually a big part of bringing the community together.

The anti-comp camp doesn’t take into account the full experience a competition provides. A telemark competition is about more than just about hucking your meat: it provides a stage for all sorts of telemark skiers to express unique styles. Trust me, not all competitors are out there trying to billy goat down the gnarliest line or huck the biggest trick. Telemark skiing is all about expressing a personal style on the hill, and competitions are merely an organized extension of that mindset. Look at other competetive endeavors people undertake. Most entrants in a triathlon aren’t gunning for the podium, but they are out there to reach personal bests and have fun. Lots of people were competitive athletes before they were serious telemark skiers. For people like that, competitions are a good way for them to get motivated and push themselves to get better each day on the hill.

Even if the thought of finishing off the podium doesn’t keep you up at night, competitions are still great events to be a part of. Just because you aren’t willing to risk life and limb to win the Sickbird Award doesn’t mean you aren’t in the running to win the twelve-ounce curl competition at the after party. The majority of competitors will tell you the best thing about competitions is the group of ripping freeheelers you meet. If you are truly looking for a strong community, look no further. The tight-knit community at telemark competitions has to be seen to be believed. There is so little ego strutting around that you are more likely to get encouragement and advice on how to ski a good competition line than you are to get an icy stare down from a fellow competitor. Everyone is pulling for everyone else to succeed because there is more camaraderie in the telemark community than nearly anywhere else.

Lastly, it is important to note how vital competitions are to the telemark industry itself. In a sport where more attention is often paid to the gear people use than the people who use it, competitions are a crucial showcase for the athletes that inspire the rest of the telemark community. After all, telemark is truly about people; it’s not about which boot or binding they choose to use. Telemark skiing will grow as its athlete base and their skill level continue to grow, and competitions nurture progression — sorry for using the dreaded p-word — and increase exposure for athletes. Some members of the community view telemark skiing as a small, secretive movement, but to truly inspire a telemark revolution, the sport has to be made more public and available to the masses. Therein lies the value of competitions. Competitions are a part of the lifeblood that drives the industry in so many ways: it fosters talent, drives innovation and, most importantly, brings together a cohesive group of likeminded shredders. If we want more innovation and growth in our community, then we owe it to the sport we love to support competitions and help drive the industry. It can only go as far as we push it.

-Tony Gill