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Ever wondered what it takes to compete at the highest level in telemark skiing? It’s a sport that demands not just speed and skill, but endurance, precision, and an unbreakable mindset. Jasmin Taylor, who has just had a fantastic end to the season by claiming the Overall Crystal Globe, along with the Classic and Sprint Globes, a truly magnificent achievement.
We caught up with the Telemark World Cup Champion, Jaz, to get an inside look at her intense training regime, the sheer thrill of racing, and the relentless dedication required to stay at the top of her game. From gruelling workouts to technical mastery on the slopes, Jaz shares what it takes to dominate the world stage in one of the most challenging disciplines on snow. Here’s what we learned.
©Guillaume Borga
1. You’ve just won the Overall Crystal Globe, as well as the Classic and Sprint Globes – an incredible achievement! What does this moment mean to you, and how does it compare to your previous successes?
I thought I knew relief last year, but this year was even more intense. I sat in the running for a globe in each of the three disciplines and it all came down to the final races. I could have won or lost everything. It was so intense and to have won three of the four globes, one being the Overall was just a dream come true.
2. Telemark skiing is known for its unique blend of speed, endurance, and technical precision. What does a typical training day look like for you, both on and off the snow?
On snow, we train giant slalom, this can be 8-12+ runs often with a jump. Our skate training can be intervals depending on fatigue and previous training loads or competitions coming up, or technical work. We also free-ski before or after gate training and jump wherever possible. I hit the gym to lift weights or do more intervals on the rowing machine or bike, or to do steady state recovery work depending on what is required. During summer there is plenty of skating, but on wheels, and gym work too. The gym work in summer is heavier, more intense and often compared to in-season.
3. Competing at the highest level comes with its fair share of challenges – physically, mentally, and emotionally. What have been some of your biggest obstacles this season, and how have you overcome them?
Having the lead on the World Cup points from the beginning is an amazing feeling, but it does come with challenges, it’s not wise to get attached and yet it is very difficult not to. Just staying focused on the job in hand is enough of a challenge in itself and it’s really the only way through as the season progresses and the pressure mounts.
4. Telemark skiing continues to evolve, and you’ve been at the forefront of pushing the sport forward. Where do you see the future of Telemark, and what advice would you give to aspiring young racers?
I’d love to see more people practising the sport and enjoying like I do, it’s an amazing sport and just sharing that with other people is a great thing. The only advice to give based on that I suppose, is to find the fun, that sounds simple but it can be a massive challenge when you practice something so intensely!
5. After such a phenomenal season, what’s next for you? Will you take some well-earned time off, or is summer training already on your mind? How do you balance recovery with preparing for the next challenge?
I’m hopefully going to relax although I am not great at that. I currently have no idea what is next!
©Josef Obexer
©Guillaume Borga
Keep up with Jaz on her social accounts;
Instagram – @jaztelemark
Facebook – @jaztelemark
X – @jaztelemark
Support the future of British Telemark skiing
The British Telemark Futures Fund, managed by The Skiers Trust, and our GoFundMe campaign both aim to help young athletes reach their potential on the international stage. With the team currently ranked 5th in the world, your support can make a real different in keeping British Telemark thriving.
Learn more and donate:
British Telemark Futures Fund – The Skiers Trust
GoFundMe – Support British Telemark
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