With ice forming in the mountains and down jackets emerging from storage, we thought JedZilla’s post on telemarking would be perfect. Only about three months until Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opens for the 2008/2009 winter season. It’s time to get stoked!

Dr. Paré’s Telemark Training and Timing Tips from Jed Zilla on Vimeo

The close of the Summer Olympics and the advent of cooler weather here in Missoula got me thinking of the timing equipment used at our weekly telemark ski races.

The Trail Head shop where I work in on occasion has been doing the Telemark race series for 25 consecutive years. I would say it is more of a beer drinking social that involves two competitive runs on an under lit course in the middle of winter. Go to: www.telerace.blogspot.com to see more photos and information. The races are held at Snowbowl Ski Area for about six Thursday evenings running from late January to March.

The timing equipment provided by Snowbowl is well….dated. I think Nixon was in office when this system was considered State of the Art. It is a cross between Apollo moon mission and Soviet cold war technology. The only person who has the knowledge (I should say intimate knowledge) is the reclusive Dr. Paré.

Dr. Paré is only seen in the winter on the slopes of western Montana ski areas or in the intermountain west backcountry. He is an expert on training and telemark equipment as well as timing for tele racing.
I have spent many long hours compiling the results of each weeks race and Dr. Paré always comes through during each event. I have heard that he has a twin or doppelganger that is only seen in the summers in and around the rivers of the west or swinging a hammer on any number of construction sites. It’s rumored that he also goes by “Karl,” but I don’t think I know or have ever heard Dr. Paré’s first name.

I have some video footage that should help all folks who want to improve their telemark racing skills for the upcoming season. Enjoy what Dr. Paré has to offer and get ready for the snow to fly!

JedZilla lives, works, fathers and husbands in Missoula.