Dog leggers, toe draggers, free heelers and pinheads will have two opportunities to gather with their own kind at Maine mountains in March. Telemark skiers go by many names, but each is embraced by the loyal followers of the athletic downhill skiing style.Telemark skiers use skis that look similar to alpine skis, but only the toe of the ski boot is attached to the ski binding, like on cross country skis. With free heels, the skier can kneel while turning with one ski in front of the other, creating a deep smooth turn. The telemark style is equally fun on a wide open slope or when skiing glades and backcountry terrain.
Mt. Abram and New England Telemark will host the Knees in the Breeze Telebration on March 7 in Greenwood. The event is free to attend with a Mt. Abram lift ticket and will feature equipment demonstrations, ski clinics and prize giveaways. Mt. Abram has 44 trails and boundary-to-boundary skiing on more than 650 acres.
Saddleback Maine in Rangeley will hold its 6th Annual Telemark Invasion on March 20. Skiers can try out or purchase the latest gear, take a beginner lesson or learn an advanced technique from certified instructors or participate in the uphill/downhill race. Saddleback's new 44-acre glade Casablanca will be a popular hangout during the day, and the event will conclude with a concert by the Canadian folk/rock band Pogey starting at 8:00 p.m.
For more information about top events in Maine, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maine at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-maine.html
Or, for more information about Maine's winter festivities go to www.visitmaine.com