Entering our 35th season (in 2018-9), Ski Telemark is a mobile telemark ski school that serves both private and public ski clubs and resorts throughout southern Ontario. Ski Telemark’s dynamic team of professional instructors certified by CANSI(Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors) Level I-III, strives to deliver the highest quality of instruction, technical performance and customer care to it’s clientele. Ski Telemark also outfits clients with the latest in telemark ski technology, plastic boots and bindings for clients to rent.
Ski Telemark’s entry into Ontario’s ski world commenced with a demonstration of the telemark technique to the Board of Directors of Osler Bluff Ski Club in 1984. Upon their satisfaction that we could ski safely and in control, Osler Bluff provided us with the opportunity to serve, instruct and outfit their membership. As the first alternative to alpine skiing, the interest to telemark ski was extremely high, and other private clubs on the escarpment and throughout Ontario extended an invitation for us to serve their members and general public. As well, Ski Telemark sought sponsorship not only from ski/boot/clothing manufacturers but also from the car manufacturing industry and received generous support over the years from General Motors of Canada, Volkswagen Canada and Nissan Canada. Today, Ski Telemark is sponsored by Rossignol Canada, Sierra Design of Black Water Designs, and Crispi of Alpina Sports Canada.
Ski Telemark is owned and operated by Holly Blefgen and Steve Kahn. It has been our shared vision to give the oldest turn in the history of skiing a revival, to provide our clients with mastery of downhill technique and the passion and joy of free heel skiing for life.
Holly and Steve are also the co-founders of Telemark Ski Canada Telemark, the non-profit organization for Canadian telemark racing today.
- 1986
- Holly approaches the Canadian Ski Association (CSA) to obtain recognition for telemark skiing
- Telemark Canada president – Holly Blefgen
- 1988
- CSA gives Telemark Canada sub-committee status within the CSA
- 1989
- Telemark Canada president – Ian Kay
- 1990
- March – Telemark Canada sends the first National Team to the World Telemark Championships (under the International Telemark Federation)
- Telemark Canada president – Chris Roode
- 1992
- Telemark Canada president – Steve Sittler
- 1993
- May – CSA gives Telemark Canada discipline status within the CSA
- Telemark Canada president – Virginia Burt
- 1995
- Telemark is officially recognized by the Federation International de Ski Telemark committee (FIS)
- March – First FIS Telemark World Championships in Lillehammer, Norway (photos).
- Telemark Canada president – Mark Kinoshita
- 1996
- March – FIS Telemark World Championship in Whistler, BC
- 1997
- Telemark Ski Canada president – Vince Varga