telemark vs. cross country skiiing

Question
Dear Thomas,
I am a Dutch guy living in Russia and we have a lot of snow here. I do a lot of cross country skiing and don't like crowds and ski lifts but would like to make the skiing a bit juicier. At the moment I avoid downhill because on my traditional cross country skis I can only go straight down. I have heard about telemark and wonder whether it is as easy as cross country to go uphill or cover flat disctances. I would like to explore new areas and not be afraid of a good downhill.
Thank you very much in advance for your time.
Best regards,
Bauke van der Meer

Answer
Dear Bauke;

I cross country (X-C) ski as well.... and I use 2 sets of equipment; one set for X-C and the other for telemark. X-C skis come in classic skating stlye or Touring, both designed for speed and long long distances.

In general, Telemark boots, bindings, and skis generally are designed for backcountry hiking, where you are 100% in powder, and need flotation and control, versus speed and long distance. Hence the equipment is heavier, and much stiffer. I will relate this to boots. Scarpa T1 and T2 are for general backcountry and are heavy duty.

Now, having said that, there is a Scarpa T3 lighterweight boot for backcountry touring that also is flexible enough for X-C touring over longer distances. The touring skis and cable bindings can be selected for touring comfort, and gives you the ability to ski the fresh downhill...

However, if you want to start skiing the slopes, you will have better luck with the heavier boots, such as a T2/T1...

hope this helps,

Tom