Norwegian Masters - Telemark skiing - Morgedal 2008

A strong field and excellent crowd gathered in Morgedal - the cradle of modern skiing for 2 days of competition on the historic slopes of this very special valley.

Celebrating one hundred years - the Norwegian Ski Association chose Morgedal as a very symbolic and history rich location to hold this event. The Morgedal Sports Association
(formed in 1887) gathered a massive team of volunteers and helpers and did a superb job in running this event. This included preparing the historic slopes of Kleiv - the very same
slopes where Sondre Norheim and his protégées played and jumped. With no ski lifts or large grooming machines, much of this preparation was completed by many local skiers out
on their skis packing down the slope the old fashioned way!

The sprint event was held on Saturday but the highlight for most contestants and spectators was the classic race held on what is considered by many - the worlds first slalom slopes - Kleiv on Sunday. Starting from just above Sondre Norheim's birth place, Øverbø, competitors raced down past the famous barns where many ski reputations have beenmade and broken and on to the large crowd waiting at the base of the course.

This was a superb event - the standard of skiing was world class and the atmosphere was quite unique. Such was the success of the event that an annual Telemark ski race is being planned here in the home of telemark skiing. This will be a unique chance for telemark skiers from all over the country and indeed the globe to gather, race and rediscover the roots and magic of this beautiful sport.