Come on people! The debate about whether AT or Tele is more virtuous is soo eighties!!! Get over it. “Free the heel free the mind”, “Randonee – French for can’t tele”, “training heels”, “fix the heel fix the problem” These are all such judgmental slogans. Do we really care this much? How about making pure joy the measure of virtue? Whoever has the most fun wins!!
Whether you enjoy the enhanced face shots from dropping a knee or the satisfaction of sticking the pedal hop on a 50 degree slope in your AT gear- or enjoying the effortless float of the untracked through the larches…all are worthy. Why do we need to fight for coolness factor??? Are we riding for our own fulfillment or to compete with others?
I took my ski mountaineering exam in Valdez with the most talented Telemark skier I have ever seen; Eric Henderson. He had zero limitations, up or down. I also know many professional ACMG/AMGA guides who prefer AT gear for the more technical ski mountaineering application. With the advent of the new free pivot toe pieces on Tele gear there is no longer the greater advantage on the up track for AT skiers. The ever evolving technology of AT gear means that it is just as light as Tele (check out the Dynafit Manaslu!) Skill, fitness, attitude and cajones define how far you take any method. Limitations, plusses/minuses- all are purely personal. Do what makes YOU happy. Do not judge others for a different viewpoint or approach!
Follow your bliss and your preferred glisse! Encourage others- promote joy not competition. You just look like a petulant victim when back biting another form of snow riding expression. Lets shift the focus from performance to joy! Now get out there and make some turns!!
