Petite-Rivière-St.-François (QC), Canada (Sunday, January 25, 2004) - January 30th, 31st and February 1st, tele neophytes and fans will share the snowy Le Massif de Petite-Rivière-Saint-François slopes to practice their telemark technique.

Telemark skiing originates in the Telemark region to the southwest of Oslo and dates back to the 19th century. Equipment for such rugged terrain required a binding which would free the heel for climbing, and combins with the famous telemark step that consists of making a stride while the inside knee remains completely flexed.

Weekend activities include beginners’ specials featuring a two-hour lesson, equipment rental and a day lift ticket for CAN$65 per person. Beginners’ clinics, training sessions and refresher classes are priced at CAN$20 while a trio of clinics will be offered at CAN$50. Many retailers will also be on hand to present and loan their selection of top-flight products throughout the event.

Races for little adventurers and seasoned grown-ups are also scheduled, including a bumps competition taking place Saturday, January 31st at 1:30pm. In the morning, the first segment of the Desjardins Provincial Championship, a giant slalom, will be held on the “Charlevoix”, while on Sunday February 1st a classic sprint will wrap up the second half of the event.

Good fun, après-ski, gregarious suppers and wild and crazy nights are synonymous with Le Massif's Rendez-Vous Telemark. Friday January 30th at 5:00pm, meet for a friendly rendez-vous at the Summit Pub to see last year’s images shown onscreen, while Saturday’s après-ski and evening feature “Karma Kameleons”, costumed and ready to make the place rock to the “Biggest Hits” from the Eighties.