Telemark skiing is about to hit the big stage. How big exactly? Really big, like a 60-foot step-down jump under the lights at Vail’s Golden Peak big. Freestyle telemark skiing is getting a premier big-air event at the inaugural Winter Teva Mountain Games. The excitement around the event is palpable as the Teva Games’ big-air event is going to be a showcase for some of the world’s best telemark athletes.

On Saturday February 11, 2012, the best telemark jumpers in the business will convene on Golden Peak at Vail Mountain to show just how far telemark skiing has come. In what promises to be the most prestigious telemark freestyle event of the year, talented freeheelers will strut their stuff in the air and under the lights; twister-twister-spreads will be supplanted by double flips off a huge booter, and good times are sure to be had by spectators and competitors alike. 

There will be an open qualifier the day of the event, followed by the finals that night at 6:30 pm. The top-five finishers from the qualifying round will join a group of ten invited athletes. Those on the invite list are some of the most accomplished freestyle telemark skiers from all over the world. Invited athletes include Kjell Ellefson, Ty Dayberry, Alex Paul, Dylan Garner, Andreas Sjobeck, Erik Nordin, John Olav and Bennett Drummond.

Adding to the excitement, there is a substantial amount of prize money at stake. The winnings go three deep: first place takes home $2,500, second place $1500 and third place $1,000. Competitors can pre-register for $45 online or $55 in person. If you think you have what it takes to push the best in the sport, this is a great opportunity to show what you are made of. Be sure to register early since the available spots will fill up quickly.  

Each summer for the past decade, outdoor sports enthusiasts have turned to the Teva Mountain Games to see people compete at the highest level in the sports they are passionate about. With over $60,000 in cash prizes up for grab in over a dozen events, the winter edition of the Teva Mountain Games promises to be a great show. Other events include ski mountaineering, Nordic skiing and snowshoe races, as well as a mixed climbing and freestyle on-snow mountain bike competitions.

Lest you think this event is only about getting extreme, the Winter Teva Mountain Games is also a festival that focuses on celebrating the mountain lifestyle we all love. There will be free concerts courtesy of the Bud Light Mountains of Free Music, films from the Outdoor Reels Film Series and an artistic challenge in the Mountain Click Photo Competition. Everything is sure to be followed up by a dizzying array of after parties to keep your stoke going into the night.

For more information or to register, check out the Winter Teva Mountain Games website HERE. So if you think you have what it takes to compete, be sure to sign up. Otherwise, come on out and enjoy a great weekend full of winter sports, and celebrate the mountain lifestyle you love.   

-Tony Gill