What is the
difference between an AT and a Tele ski? Anymore it's really just taste. In
the past we would hear how a tele ski would flex throughout the length of
a ski while a downhill ski would flex very little at the binding plate. Many
of us disregarded that distinction and had a great time on a downhill ski
even while freeheeling it. We ski AT on tele skis and tele on AT skis. If
you like how a ski performs who cares what anyone calls it.
An AT skier
with locked down heals can power the tip of a ski more than a tele skier.
As such, tele skiers tend to like skis that downhillers would call GS. They
hold turns longer and better and the tails do not wash out. Some AT skiers
like a really quick turning ski. A tele skier on such a ski can not hold a
turn as well and can not (well the experts can) adjust feet quick enough to
turn these skis as fast as they would like. See our section on ski shapes.
Of course, their is always something to thow our theories aray. The TM 24
is our snappiest quickest turning ski, yet one of our favorite tele skis even
for intermediate skiers. One possible theory is that we don't know what we
are talking about. We don't like that theory though.....Another is that the
ski is narrower with a relatively wider waist and is easier to control.
In the last
couple of years we have been mounting more and more tele bindings on big fat
boards. The same is true of AT bindings. These skis offer more float with
a shorter length. Most of these skis are shaped to hold long turns rather
than carve quickly. Good for both groups. If you are just learning or are
an intermediate skier these may be the best way to go. They ski powder and,
more importantly, crud much better than their narrower brethren. Their are
even a couple of hybrids that may not handle the powder and the crud quite
as well but will ski harder snow much better.