Skiers and skier wannabes converged Saturday at the Maine Telemark Festival at Sunday River, some to investigate, some to learn, some to simply celebrate the style of skiing that frees heel from the tyranny of the traditional downhill boot.

The festival, organized by New England Telemark, included free lessons in telemark skiing, equipment demos, a mogul competition, raffles and an after party.

Additional Photos

Andy Gale of Cambridge, Mass., does a spread eagle during the mogul competition at The Maine Telemark Festival at Sunday River in Newry on Saturday.
Andy Gale of Cambridge, Mass., does a spread eagle during the mogul competition at The Maine Telemark Festival at Sunday River in Newry on Saturday. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer
Judges Greg Wallace, center; Yeuhi Abe, left, and Cimarron Wortham, all of Cambridge, Mass., watch skiers come down the mogul course during the festival's mogul competition.
Judges Greg Wallace, center; Yeuhi Abe, left, and Cimarron Wortham, all of Cambridge, Mass., watch skiers come down the mogul course during the festival's mogul competition. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer
Is there a "do not fall" list for telemarkers? Amy Wallace of Portland is all smiles after she collapsed at the end of the mogul competition during The Maine Telemark Festival Saturday.
Is there a "do not fall" list for telemarkers? Amy Wallace of Portland is all smiles after she collapsed at the end of the mogul competition during The Maine Telemark Festival Saturday. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer
Eight-year-old Myles Barrett of Albany flies along in the mogul competition.
Eight-year-old Myles Barrett of Albany flies along in the mogul competition. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer
A telemark skier descends a trail during the festival. A festival organizer, Biff Higgison, says telemark "takes skiing to almost a movement of dance coming down the slope."
A telemark skier descends a trail during the festival. A festival organizer, Biff Higgison, says telemark "takes skiing to almost a movement of dance coming down the slope." Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer
Matt DiBenedetto of North Conway, N.H., a co-director of festival organizer New England Telemark, adjusts a binding on a telemark ski Saturday.
Matt DiBenedetto of North Conway, N.H., a co-director of festival organizer New England Telemark, adjusts a binding on a telemark ski Saturday. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer
Instructor Ray Walters, of Concord N.H., far left, gives advice during a telemark lesson Saturday.
Instructor Ray Walters, of Concord N.H., far left, gives advice during a telemark lesson Saturday. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

 

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