TKS Equipment

Innovation at the service of telemark skiing

TKS Equipment was born from a simple but essential observation: despite the continuing popularity of telemark skiing, it had been a long time since any skis on the market had been specifically designed for this sport. For a long time, telemark skiers had to make do with models derived from alpine or touring skis, which were simply adapted or modified, often imperfectly. These skis, designed for a fixed heel, did not take into account the specific constraints of telemark skiing: kneeling, twisting the ski, greater pressure on the front, or even the forces exerted on the binding area.

Faced with this lack of truly dedicated equipment, TKS wanted to change the game. The brand set itself the task of designing skis developed from the outset for telemark skiing, starting from scratch. This meant rethinking the sidecut, adapting the flex, reinforcing the binding area, working on the strength of the heel, optimising the tip... In short, creating skis capable of meeting the specific mechanical constraints of free heels, while offering reliable, comfortable and consistent performance for skiers.

With this desire to offer equipment designed by and for telemark skiing, TKS Equipment laid the foundations for its entire philosophy: don't adapt anything, invent everything so that telemark skiing finally has skis that are up to the task.

1998: The first sketches of a dream

The first TKS ski prototype arrived in 1998. It embodied innovation in all its forms. Its bold and highly recognisable design was an instant hit. However, while its appearance was avant-garde, its skiability did not yet meet expectations. The ski was beautiful, but not yet high-performing. TKS understood that in order to offer a truly high-quality product, they would have to continue working and refining the model. The team embarked on a long and complex development process. Far from being discouraged, they knew that the road ahead would be fraught with obstacles, but their passion for telemark skiing was stronger than ever.

2018: The ‘TELEMARK 1.0’ revolution

It wasn't until 2018 that the brand really made a name for itself in the world of telemark skiing with the launch of TELEMARK 1.0. This model finally embodied the desired balance: a versatile, fun and accessible ski with a 87 mm waist and available in three sizes (167 cm, 174 cm and 181 cm). That same year, Phil Lau made headlines by becoming world champion in parallel sprint and world vice-champion in sprint on the TKS PRO model. He also won the crystal globe in sprint that year, validating years of work and innovation. This success was a real crowning achievement for the brand, which was beginning to establish itself as a key player in telemark skiing.

2019: The first complete range and the rise of TKS

In 2019, drawing on the experience gained from previous prototypes and feedback from testers, TKS launched its first complete range. This included a touring ski (the THOBIAS), a versatile ski (the DAGGIE), and a lightweight off-piste ski (the MIKA FREERANDO). This was a major turning point for the brand, which at that point definitively established itself as THE telemark brand.

2020: Design unification and integration of TKS AREA Technology

The year 2020 marks a new stage in the evolution of TKS. The brand's skis undergo significant changes in both technical and aesthetic terms. The design is unified, creating a real range effect, while retaining a strong and recognisable identity. This year sees the introduction of the LALY, a versatile model specially designed for female skiers. Another highlight of the year is the integration of TKS AREA Technology, a revolutionary internal plate that solves a crucial problem in the world of telemark skiing: ski delamination and binding pull-outs. Thanks to this innovation, TKS becomes the only brand able to guarantee its skis against this technical problem, consolidating its position as a leader and pioneer in the telemark market.

2022: The ‘Best Of’ and the WOODY 90

In 2022, TKS made a big splash with the launch of the WOODY 90, a versatile ski handmade from ash wood, a material that is both noble and authentic. This return to the origins, simplicity and very essence of skiing embodies the brand's desire to reconnect with a natural material, while offering high-level performance. This model combines the best of its predecessors in a sleek and natural design, echoing the spirit of telemark skiing. The WOODY 90 illustrates TKS's commitment to offering a product that is high-performance, aesthetically pleasing and respectful of traditional craftsmanship, while simplifying its range to better meet the needs of skiers. A true ode to authenticity and quality.

In 2024, an evolution of the WOODY 90 was born, with the introduction of a new tail shape thanks to the participation of the TKS TECHNOLOGY R&D department. This innovation allows for optimised pressure distribution on the edge between the uphill and downhill skis, guaranteeing both excellent performance on hard snow and sufficient lift off-piste. The WOODY 90 thus becomes a ski that is both technical and playful, capable of satisfying the most demanding skiers.

2023: A revolutionary new heel piece

The innovation doesn't stop there. TKS took its research even further in 2023 with the creation of the LTK heel piece, a product that transformed the telemark experience. Thanks to its wide range of adjustment, this heel piece can accommodate several boot sizes, while allowing the locking pins to be retracted. The result: skiers can easily switch from telemark to alpine mode without having to take off their boots, even several times during the same descent. This flexibility allows skiers to gradually learn telemark skiing without the fear of being stuck in a technique that is still unfamiliar to them. By offering the ability to switch between alpine and telemark skiing with ease, the LTK heel piece makes the sport more accessible and reassuring for beginners. A revolutionary innovation that opens the door to new practitioners while offering an ever smoother and more enjoyable skiing experience.

Innovation at the service of practice

TKS doesn't just create high-performance skis. The brand seeks to enhance the entire telemark experience by offering a range of accessories designed specifically for practitioners of this discipline. Far from being limited to simple functional equipment, each accessory embodies the identity of telemark skiing, allowing enthusiasts to stand out from other skiers while asserting their unique style.

TKS offers reinforced aluminium poles covered in bamboo, which are both lightweight and adjustable, with a specially designed basket that guarantees better grip on hard snow. These poles are not only practical; their refined aesthetics and careful design echo the spirit of telemark skiing, where performance meets elegance.

The ski goggles, also designed to offer optimal vision and effective UV protection, are endorsed by top athletes such as Laly Chaucheprat, a member of the French team. These goggles not only meet technical requirements, they also become a way for telemark skiers to assert their belonging to this unique discipline.

To complete the equipment, a full range of accessories is available, including wool socks for optimal comfort, ski straps for a perfect fit, ski covers and caps for a look that is both practical and distinctive. Each of these products is designed to improve comfort while reinforcing the telemark identity, whether on the slopes or in everyday life.

Thanks to this comprehensive and perfectly tailored range, TKS enables telemark skiers not only to improve their technique, but also to assert themselves visually and symbolically in their discipline. Far from simply following trends, TKS creates an authentic telemark experience, where every detail is designed to bring out the very essence of this unique and characterful sport.

And tomorrow? More and more innovations for telemark skiing

TKS is committed to a process of constant innovation, with the aim of developing telemark skiing by offering increasingly high-performance products that are accessible and suitable for all skiers. While the initial goal of offering a versatile and fun ski has been achieved, the brand continues to seek solutions to simplify the sport, whether through accessories or technical innovations such as the LTK heel piece. TKS is more than ever a key player in telemark skiing.