The 2024-25 Telemark skiing season launched in spectacular fashion at Hintertux Glacier, Austria, during the highly anticipated FreeHeeler Festival. This exhilarating event featured two FIS Sprint races (November 29-30), setting the stage for a season filled with top-tier competition and camaraderie.
If you’re a Telemark enthusiast or just discovering the sport, this article will give you a full recap of the event, highlight the top performers, and provide insight into what’s ahead this season.
Highlights from the Hintertux Glacier FreeHeeler Festival
- Over 500 Telemark skiers gathered at this iconic venue, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a World Cup final.
- Athletes from 10 nations—including France, Norway, Canada, Austria, and Great Britain—competed in two action-packed days, marking 120 starts in total.
- The event showcased elite racers, such as Argeline Tan Bouquet (FRA) and Trym Nygaard Loeken (NOR), alongside emerging talents like Berit Junger (GER).
Whether you’re an experienced skier or a beginner, Hintertux Glacier proved once again why it’s a cornerstone of the Telemark skiing world.
Top Performances at the FIS Sprint Races
Day 1 – Women’s Sprint
The French team dominated with a clean sweep:
- Augustine Carliez
- Argeline Tan Bouquet
- Laly Chaucheprat
Carliez reflected on her win:
“Conditions were fantastic, and the atmosphere was inspiring. Starting the season with a win is always special!”
Day 2 – Women’s Sprint
- Argeline Tan Bouquet secured the victory.
- Gøril Strøm Eriksen (NOR) and Jasmin Taylor (GBR) completed the podium.
This day also highlighted rising stars like Berit Junger (GER), who broke into the top 10 with her consistent performances.
Day 1 – Men’s Sprint
A 100% French podium dominated the day:
- Théo Sillon
- Charly Petex
- Alexis Page (Junior World Champion)
Day 2 – Men’s Sprint
The Norwegian team shone with a victory for Trym Nygaard Loeken, followed by:
2. Elie Nabot (FRA)
3. Mikkel Nygaard Loeken (NOR)
Loeken expressed his excitement:
“Recovering from surgery earlier this year made this win even more rewarding. It’s great to see our hard work paying off!”
Why Hintertux Glacier Is a Must-Visit for Telemark Skiers
- World-Class Conditions: Perfectly groomed slopes, sunny weather, and exceptional facilities made Hintertux the ideal venue.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: The festival brought together athletes, coaches, and fans, creating a sense of community unique to Telemark skiing.
- Diverse Competition: From seasoned champions to promising juniors, the event showcased the sport’s inclusivity and talent pipeline.
Alex Kessler, the Race Director, summed it up beautifully:
“Seeing everyone come together—athletes, fans, and festival-goers—was inspiring. Hintertux is truly a prime destination for Telemark skiing.”
What’s Next in the Telemark Calendar?
After this strong start, teams are gearing up for:
- FIS Sprint Races in Meiringen-Hasliberg, Switzerland (December 15-16).
- The World Cup season opener in Pinzolo, Italy (December 20-21).
Stay updated with all the latest Telemark skiing news and events on telemark-skiing.info.
For the original article by Gøril Strøm Eriksen, visit FIS Telemark News.
Telemark Skiing – More Than Just a Sport
Discover the freedom, precision, and artistry of Telemark skiing. Stay tuned for more updates on this dynamic season, and let’s keep the Telemark spirit alive!