If you go telemark skiing

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Skiers with alpine experience will likely be able to move into telemark skiing relatively easily, and novices can pick up telemarking at least as quickly as they can alpine skiing. Some ski areas offer specific telemark instruction, but usually only by advance appointment. (Crystal Mountain Ski and Snowboard School, $65 per hour for up to two students; make reservations at least two days in advance, 360-663-3030.) Call your favorite ski area to see if they offer telemark lessons or if they can recommend a private instructor.

• You can rent telemark skis and equipment at the Seattle REI store (222 Yale Ave. N.; 206-223-1944) and at some ski resorts, including Crystal Mountain. Be sure to call ahead first; quantities of telemark gear for rent are usually small.

• When starting out, choose beginner slopes that are gentle and well-groomed and work on your balance and turning.

• A great way to get started is by reading Paul Parker's book, "Freeheel Skiing: Telemark and Parallel Techniques" (The Mountaineers Books, $19.95).

• To meet telemark skiers or to learn about outings and lessons, Washington Ski Touring Club is a good resource (see www.wstc.org). Individual membership, $13, entitles you to participate in workshops such as the "Telemark Extravaganza" on Jan. 27 at Stevens Pass (workshop fee $52, members only). Washington Alpine Club (www.washingtonalpineclub.org) offers an annual multiweek telemark class at Snoqualmie Pass; the class has already started for this year. The Mountaineers (www.mountaineers.org) also offers courses for members.

• For more information and Internet links on telemark skiing, see the telemark "Webzine," www.telemarktips.com.