TelemarkDiscover the North Shore Telemark Community: A Hub for Freeheel Skiing Enthusiasts
North Shore, BC – Nestled among the towering peaks of the North Shore mountains, North Shore Telemark (NST) has become a vibrant community for telemark skiing enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest. Established as an informal ski club in February 2021, NST quickly gained a following with the launch of their Instagram page, bringing together both seasoned skiers and newcomers eager to embrace the art of the tele turn.
A Rich History and Passionate Leadership
The roots of telemark skiing on the North Shore run deep. Two of the community’s most respected members, Rob van Egmond and Robert Mitchell, have been skiing these mountains since the 1980s and continue to lead by example, skiing on their classic 75mm pins. Their dedication to the sport has helped foster a culture of inclusivity and mentorship within NST.
At the helm of the club is Tom Baleshta, the group’s unofficial president and a passionate advocate for telemark skiing. Tom is supported by Rory Macleod and Rajkeshwar Tulsie, both of whom are not only exceptional telemark skiers but also incredible ambassadors for the sport. Together, this leadership team has been instrumental in organizing events and spreading the joy of telemark skiing throughout the region.
Skiing the North Shore Mountains
The North Shore mountains offer a stunning backdrop for telemark skiing, with peaks rising up to 1400 meters. The highest peak, Crown Mountain, reaches 1504 meters, although it is not accessible for back-country skiing. Instead, NST members primarily ski on Mt. Strachan, Hollyburn Mountain, and Mount Seymour, all of which are easily accessible via ski resort roads.
These mountains provide a mix of resort and side-country skiing, with established routes winding through ancient Old Growth Forest and down breathtaking gullies. The typical skiing season on the North Shore extends from mid-December to late April, with freezing levels around 1000 meters. Enthusiasts can often enjoy a shoulder season that begins as early as late November and extends into early summer, though climate change has made late-season skiing less predictable in recent years.
Community Events and Growth
North Shore Telemark is more than just a ski club—it’s a thriving community. NST organizes a variety of events throughout the season, including full-moon ski nights, Tele-Tuesday resort skiing sessions, and group outings on World Telemark Day. The club also hosts telemark film screenings, adding to the camaraderie and excitement of the season.
One of the highlights of NST’s involvement in the local skiing community is their support for the annual “Learn to Tele” event, organized by the UBC Varsity Outdoor Club. Many NST members volunteer as instructors, sharing their knowledge and passion for telemark skiing with the next generation of skiers.
The club has seen impressive growth in recent years, attracting new members from across the Sea-to-Sky corridor and the Fraser Valley. Thanks to the support of Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Squamish, NST events are well-equipped, and members have access to the latest telemark gear.
Join the North Shore Telemark Community
If you’re passionate about telemark skiing or simply curious about trying it out, North Shore Telemark invites you to join their community. With a welcoming atmosphere and a range of events throughout the season, there’s something for everyone. Come ski with NST in the beautiful North Shore mountains, and connect with them on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on all the latest events and outings.
Embrace the telemark turn and become a part of the North Shore Telemark community today!
