2024 US Telemark Karbon Nationals

The 2024 Karbon US Telemark Ski Nationals, hosted at Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford, NH,  was filled with great people both participating and volunteering in the races (if not ideal weather). We kicked off as usual with a welcome day where participants could sign-in, check out the venue and then do a little raining on the course. It was a great way for people to get a feel for the hill, snow conditions and, of course, see teammates! Keith Rodney was out on the hill working with the racers, setting a fast paced course directly into the 360 to give everyone a feel for how it would be running over the next three days.

Race day number one kicked off with warm weather, although the rain (thankfully) held off. With two Classics on the schedule it felt a bit like we were racing against the sun and not the clock – but we managed to fit both races in safely before snow conditions deteriorated in the heat.. The racers started at the top of the course in the low hanging clouds, raced their way down the gates to the jump and into the finish area with the 360 and a skate to the finish line. The jump and the 360, both with soft snow, is where we saw the most difficulties for the racers getting caught up ahead of their skis. And inevitable, some other racers overshot the landing of the jump and the banks of the 360. Overall, a very good day of racing and good to be out with the team and others who came to participate!

That evening, our annual banquet and annual meeting was held at the mountain, in the main lodges restaurant. With great food, drinks and people, a good time was held by all as we gae out that day’s awards and discussed annual business.This included an overview of USTSA finances, sponsor relationships, previous and planned events, as well as open positions on the Board.

On our second full day of racing a Sprint Classic was on the schedule. And who doesn’t like a sprint classic? Unfortunately, with sunshine and clear skies comes warmer temps and melting snow… We got one full Sprint (two runs) in but had to make the second scheduled Sprint into another Classic because of the deterioration of the snow depth. Of course, having finished early, in true telemark skiing spirit, everyone went skiing together through the slush! It takes a lot to stop this group! At the end of the day, we got to enjoy the sunshine on the deck while handing out awards.

The third and final day of racing was unfortunately canceled due not only to the warm temperatures but rain that removed any final hopes of getting additional race runs out of the course. Of course, while most of us stayed dry in the lodge while final decisions were being made on the course, a few brave athletes took to the slopes anyway on their more fun skis and enjoyed a mix of turns at the top of the hill and pond skimming at the button. 

Overall, the 2024 Nationals was a success – it is always a pleasure to get our team, family, and friends back together. Thank you to Gunstock Mountain Resort for hosting us and to all the skiers and volunteers who joined us on the slope!

You can check out the results here: US Telemark Nationals – Gunstock Mountain Resort in NH – March 4-7, 2024 Results