Salomon Telemark Skiing

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main telemark binding systems and how do they differ?

  The four common systems are 75mm Nordic Norm (classic duckbill toe with cable/cartridge heel), NTN (New Telemark Norm), TTS (Tele Torsion Spring), and Xplore (two‑pin pin platform). 75mm delivers a softer, traditional telemark feel; NTN adds step‑in convenience, tech‑toe touring motion, ski brakes, and more efficient energy transmission; TTS is a hybrid DIY‑friendly option aimed at backcountry touring with a classic descent sensation; Xplore targets ultra‑light touring with boot‑mounted pins and downhill bumpers.
• How do I choose telemark boots for touring versus downhill‑oriented skiing?

  Pick soft‑flex, lighter leather or touring‑oriented boots if you prioritize uphill efficiency and a more classic telemark feel, and choose stiffer‑cuff, heavier boots if you need stronger power transmission and an upright stance for aggressive descents. Always verify boot‑to‑binding compatibility (75mm soles vs NTN/TTS/Xplore interfaces) and check cuff height and flex ratings to match your skill level and terrain. Bellows on many telemark boots improve sole flex for touring but can complicate crampon attachment, so factor that in for alpine objectives.
• What ski characteristics matter most for telemark in the backcountry versus meadow‑skipping?

  For backcountry and ski mountaineering, favor longer skis (often ~180cm or longer), lighter construction, smoother/round flex patterns, and widths that balance flotation with edge control for varied snow; durability and weight trade‑offs matter for long approaches. For meadow‑skipping or yo‑yo skiing, look for narrower, cambered cross‑country‑style skis with fish‑scale or grip patterns for efficient kick‑and‑glide. Match ski flex and mounting position to your chosen binding norm and intended turn types (knee‑to‑ski hops vs long linked turns).
• How do Voilé cartridge spring colors affect telemark boot/binding feel?

  Voilé cartridge springs come in different stiffnesses — blue or red cartridges are noticeably softer (about 25% softer than standard black springs) — which makes the heel assembly feel more forgiving and increases overall boot/binding flex. Softer springs ease telemark bending and can help comfort/touring, while standard (stiffer) springs improve downhill power transfer and edge control; choose spring stiffness to match your weight, skiing aggressiveness, and preferred turn style.
• How does NTN compare to the 75mm Nordic Norm for edge control, touring, and release?

  NTN generally provides stronger energy transmission to the ski edge, step‑in convenience, built‑in ski brakes on many models, and better touring motion when paired with tech‑toe setups, improving uphill efficiency and releasability on many bindings. The 75mm system offers the classic softer telemark sensation and a simple, proven interface for traditional gear but typically lacks step‑in function and standardized DIN‑style release characteristics. Choose NTN if you want modern touring features and firmer edge control; choose 75mm if you prefer the vintage telemark feel and simpler mechanics.