You've probably seen Telemark skis at a ski resort or on a snowy mountain. Yes, those strange-looking skis where you lift your heel and step back and forth, alternating between steps, making it look like you're walking
The origins of skis are said to be two boards used by people in the Telemark region of Norway as a means of transportation. Telemark skiing, named after the region, was revived in America and has since spread around the world
Perhaps, based on my own observations, it's a nearly extinct style of skiing in Japan, practiced by only 2% of skiers—2 out of every 100. Did you know that
a fanzine dedicated to this niche style of telemark skiing was published this past February?
It's called"FREE HEEL BOOK -Telemark Ski-"!
We spoke to freelance writer Moriyama Shinya, the publisher and editor-in-chief, about the magazine
"There used to be plenty of magazines and articles dedicated to telemark skiing. However, with the decline in enthusiasts and equipment, those publications have completely disappeared.
Nevertheless, passionate telemark skiers still exist all over Japan. Perhaps it's a rebellious spirit stemming from being an endangered species? They are passionate, ambitious, and united.
And now, there's a growing trend of skiers who have acquired a certain level of skill trying telemark skiing, and young people interested in counterculture and hiking wanting to take up the sport. I
wanted to create a book that these people could pick up and think, 'Ah, what a fascinating world this is.'"
Soon after its release in February, it became a hot topic among telemarketers who had long been hungry for printed matter, and 600 copies were sent out across the country
"my post on social mediaasking, 'Where can I buy that?' Even when I told them, 'It's all in Japanese,' they insisted, 'Just send it to me.' Since I'm not very familiar with international money transactions, I ended up bartering with them, saying, 'Don't worry about the money, just send me an American Free Heel Ski Book instead.' We
live in an age where smartphone cameras can instantly translate foreign languages into our native language. I'm really feeling the global potential of print media."
From the time of its release until the end of the season, the magazine was stocked in ski shops across the country that sold telemark skis, which helped to increase readership. Moriyama explains the reason for not launching an online store:
"Telemark skiing is a complicated sport, from choosing the right equipment to mastering the techniques. This is a major reason for the decline in the population. I thought that if there were shops and communities where people could experience the techniques and spirit, it would be easier for people to enter the world of skiing and continue for a long time."
However, because the editor-in-chief, Moriyama, is managing the doujinshi on his own, there are few stores that stock it, and he has been hearing more and more inquiries about stores that don't have stock, or that don't have it in stock. So, he has finally decided to open an online store in mid-June!
https://freeheelbook.stores.jp
"My goal for the future is to continue releasing new volumes. I'm currently in the midst of mentally editing Vol. 2."
Moriyama says with a shy smile. Freeheeling is a sport that was born in 1980s America out of the counterculture, anti-war movement, and ideas of returning to nature. Why not take a peek into the world of skiing, which is imbued with ideas of freedom, independence, peace, and nature conservation?
illustration/@kurumaskie
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Official Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/freeheelbook/