Pebble Creek Telemark Festival

After 25 years, participants of Pebble Creek’s Telemark Festival should know exactly what they’re getting into.

“I come from a cross country background but this is new to me,” said contestant Ryland Mauck-Duff.

The same goes for most skiers of the Classic Terrain Race because as Festival Coordinator Dana Olson says, “this is not your average race.”

First, let’s start with the ski’s. Normally both your toe and heel are locked in to the plank of a ski. However, tele-ski’s have a cross country ski binding, meaning your heel is completely detached.

Leading to a much different type skiing.

“I wouldn’t say it’s harder necessarily, but very different,” said Olson.

“It’s definitely tricky,” said skier Tim Magnuson.

The other thing with a different style is the actual course.

Set up on the ever popular Rock Garden run, the race entails and combines a little bit of everything.

Like going through giant slalom type gates, down and back around apollosa gates and traversing back and forth like a cross country skier.

“Oh and there’s some obstacles we have to avoid at the bottom of the hill,” said Magnuson.

Some results weren’t as pretty as others but in the end it didn’t really matter because to every competitor was all about having a good time.

“This is just for fun. Just getting out here, feeling the moment and feeling the flow,” said contestant Evan Pebbles.

Which is easy on and off the hill because after the race the upper lodge and deck turns into an after party and awards’ ceremony.

“The outdoor staff does a great job. We do tie dye tee shirts later on and it’s just a great time,” said Magnuson.

The winner of illustrious Pebble Creek Rock’s for the best combined time were Tim Arrington and Tara Sonnemann.