Speed, style & spectacle: Telemark’s rise and stars to watch in 25/26
Jan 07, 2026·Telemark)
Why Telemark feels different
Originating in the Telemark region of Norway in the mid-19th century, it is often credited to pioneer Sondre Norheim, who developed the Telemark turn and the innovative ski equipment that allowed for controlled, graceful descent - long before modern Alpine skis.
It has always been one of snow sports’ most distinctive disciplines, blending alpine precision, aerial control, and Nordic endurance. It is this all-round challenge that gives Telemark its identity and makes races unpredictable, right down to the final meters.
From high-energy Parallel Sprints to endurance-testing Classic races, the FIS Telemark World Cup delivers close contests, new stars, and a growing fanbase drawn to its mix of speed, style, head-to-head drama and a vibrant surrounding culture.
Indeed, the second stop of this season’s World Cup in Pinzolo featured a lively crowd, a gourmet food festival, ‘TeleKidz’ taster sessions, and a DJ set by two leading French athletes – thus providing a neat snapshot of the sport’s “racers and amateurs together” spirit.
Telemark race formats – explained
The FIS Telemark World Cup features three types of races - Classic, Sprint and Parallel Sprint - with each course featuring a Giant Slalom section, a jump, a loom and one or more Nordic Skating sections. Telemark thus demands mastery across multiple skill sets within a single run:
Alpine technique, with Giant Slalom turns judged for correct Telemark style
Jumping ability, with hitting the distance line and landing style both decisive
Explosive power, through the loom (a massive 180-degree bank turn) and Nordic Skating sections
Endurance and tactics, particularly in longer Classic races and the head-to-head Parallel Sprint
Classic: the original test 🏔️
The Classic race is Telemark in its purest form. One long run, often lasting more than three minutes and sometimes including two or more Nordic sections. Combining technique, strategy and stamina, it is not for the faint hearted…
Sprint: precision under pressure ⚡
The Sprint format condenses the challenge into two shorter runs of around one minute each, rewarding explosive starts and technical sharpness while reducing margin for error.
Parallel Sprint: pure spectacle 🔥
The Parallel Sprint is fast and accessible, with direct duels and a level of head-to-head drama from start to finish that make it perfect for live audiences. Experts feel that, should Telemark’s bid to become a Winter Olympic sport be successful, this format, which offers non-stop suspense, would be the one to go for.
Who to watch in 2025/26
Women’s World Cup
The women’s field remains one of the most competitive and entertaining in snow sports. Margins are slim and momentum can swing quickly, with just six points currently separating the top three in the Overall standings.
Jasmin Taylor (GBR) – a proven crowd favourite and winner of last season’s Overall, Classic and Sprint Globe titles. Picked up her first victory of 25/26 on day two in Pinzolo.
Argeline Tan-Bouquet (FRA) – technically sharp and tactically astute, was a Sprint winner on day one at Pinzolo.
Léa Lathion (SUI) – only 21 but already showing high-level consistency, won at Hintertux in 25/26 season opener.
Augustine Carliez (FRA) – another rising star, she came agonisingly close to glory in the Classic standings in 24/25 and finished third in Overall table.
Goril Strom Eriksen (NOR) – continuing Norway’s strong Telemark tradition, would love to improve on her Overall second place in 23/24. Younger sister Ella Strom Eriksen is also making an impact.
Men’s World Cup
Expect tight battles for the globes, particularly in Sprint and Parallel events, while there is a reshaped landscape at the top following recent retirements, with Norwegian legend Trym Nygaard Loeken – a winner of seven globes, including two Overall Globes - stepping down after a clean sweep of titles in 24/25.
Nicolas Michel (SUI) – leads the men's standings by combining consistency with experience. Finished second to Nygaard Loeken in the Overall, Sprint and Parallel Sprint standings in 24/25.
Yoann Rostolan (FRA) – third Overall last term, Rostolan grabbed a first and second spot in the two Sprint races at Pinzolo.
Alexis Page (FRA) – third Overall in 23/24, and with two second spots so far in 25/26, Page “will get wins this season” according to Rostolan.
Jacob Benjamin Alveberg (NOR) – now 25 and a top-ten competitor for several seasons now, can Alverberg step up for Norway in Nygaard Loeken’s absence?
Charly Petex (FRA) - particularly strong in Classic races, Petex finished fourth Overall in both 23/24 and 24/25.
Raphael Mahlknecht (ITA) - a top-ten finisher in Overall standings for past two seasons, snagged a podium spot on day two in Pinzolo.
Mikkel Nygaard Loeken (NOR) - will the pressure of filling elder brother Trym's boots weigh the 26-year-old down? Securing his first World Cup podium in Hintertux in the opening event of 25/26 suggests not.
Why 2025/26 matters
With increasing visibility, refined formats, and a generation of athletes comfortable racing in front of crowds and cameras, Telemark is entering a decisive phase.
Supported by a loyal community that values its history, technique and the sense of freedom it offers on the snow, Telemark is fast, technical and unmistakably different: a discipline that rewards complete skiers – and delivers compelling racing in return.
Check out the official calendar to see what events are coming up next!
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