It's happening this year! The long-awaited "Freee"
March 5th (Sat) - 6th (Sun), 2022
at Yamaboku Wild Snow Park
The Japan Telemark Ski Association and the Freeheel Project Executive Committee will soon be hosting a fun, participatory freeheel skiing event called "Furie 2022." Telemarkers and those interested in telemark skiing are invited to gather at Yamaboku Wild Snow Park in Nagano Prefecture!
■What is "Freee 2022"?
Telemark skiing was originally a style of skiing (free heel skiing) for walking and gliding through natural snowy mountains (backcountry). "Furie" is a participatory event where you can easily experience the charm of telemark skiing on the slopes. In addition to test rides of new models for the coming season, the program includes telemark ski lessons, trial sessions, races, and more, allowing you to experience the fun of free heel skiing
The event has been cancelled for the past two seasons due to the effects of COVID-19, but it is making a welcome comeback this season! Taking precautions to prevent the spread of infection, the event is being held for the first time in three years, and many telemark fans are welcome to participate!
Introducing the fascinating content of "Freee 2022"!
1. Test drive of next year's new model
A test ride event will be held over two days. Related manufacturers will be present with their new models, showcasing their new products for the coming season and Telemark ski-related products that are rarely available in stores. Participants will be able to try out the products on the snow and hear detailed explanations from manufacturer staff
2. A wide range of programs for beginners, including "selectable lessons" and "one-day trial sessions"
Telemark Ski Association of Japan (TAJ) certified instructors offer lessons based on their areas of expertise and techniques. You can also participate in as many events as you like, such as the "One-Day Trial" which includes equipment rental and lessons, and the "Freee Girls' Night Out" for women.
There are also "mini tours" where you can walk on the natural terrain around the ski resort using skins (cleats) and enjoy off-piste skiing.
*The number of participants in lessons and trial sessions may be limited.
3. Introductory program for starting telemark skiing
For those who are interested in telemark skiing but don't know how to get started, we are holding a "drop-in trial session." Equipment rental is included, an instructor will guide you, and participation is free! Why not take this opportunity to give it a try?
4. A variety of programs that can be enjoyed by intermediate and advanced skiers
There will be programs such as the "Pole Skiing Experience" where you can ski down the pole set you see in ski races, and "Let's Play with Step Soles" where you can enjoy the fields and mountains using skis with scale-like surfaces. In addition, there will be TAJ-certified races, so you can see the impressive skiing of advanced skiers up close!
*The program content may be subject to change due to COVID-19 infection prevention measures
■Program
<New Model Exhibition and Test Ride>
Try out new products for the coming season and rare Telemark ski-related products!
One-day experience course: "Now you too can be a telemarker" -
a one-day course that includes equipment rental, training, and test ride participation.
<Thematic Lessons>
TAJ certified instructors provide lessons on areas and techniques they specialize in.
<Have fun with the step sole>
The step sole is unique to free heels. Have fun with skis that are processed like scales.
<Yamaboku Mini Tour>
A mini tour of walking, climbing and skiing is held in the field adjacent to the ski resort.
<Pole skating experience>
An experience corner will be set up where you can set up poles and actually skate (Day 1).
<Frie Cup (Telemark Ski Race)>
The TAJ-certified race "Frie Cup" will be held. Challenge yourself and test your skills!
Ski Orienteering is
a popular event at Freehe. It's a sports day-style orienteering event that uses the entire ski resort area. Teams of three people compete. You can participate with friends or alone.
<Various Workshops>
A wide variety of workshops different from lessons and tours. Have fun making a snow table. Relax in a snow cafe, or take classes on themes such as weather and the environment.
<Furie Market>
A limited-time shop will open in the tent village on the slopes! Enjoy a little shopping for accessories, small items, outlet goods, and more.
<Drop-in Trial (Free Telemark Skiing Trial)>
A trial session of approximately one hour will be held. Equipment rental and instructor guidance will be included. (*This program is OK without applying for a free trial.)
■Event Overview
Freee 2022
Date and time: March 5th (Sat) - 6th (Sun), 2022 (2 days)
Venue: YAMABOKU Wild Snow Park (Takayama Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture)
Organizers: Japan Telemark Ski Association, Frie Project Executive Committee
Official website: https://www.ski-taj.org/frie/
*Telemark Ski Association of Japan (TAJ)
is an organization that aims to popularize, develop, and promote telemark skiing, and works to promote the future development and succession of snow sports in general.
[About applications]
How to apply: Sports Entry ( https://www.sportsentry.ne.jp/event/t/86748 )
*Applications can also be made at participating shops and schools. For details, please refer to the official website.
Application period: February 19, 2022 - the day of the event
[Headquarters/Inquiries]
Japan Telemark Ski Association, Freee Project Executive Committee
frie@ski-taj.org