Members Present: David K. Lygate.

This meet did not take place. A decision was taken at committee to cancel it and as most people had alternative plans that was not seen as a problem. None of the alternative venues were really any better to justify the distance and expense. This was due to a lack of snow in what has been a very poor season. The festival still took place on very limited snow cover as the ski area had only stayed open to prevent the festival being cancelled. What skiing there was was extremely crowded and therefore not the best environment to be introduced to such a wonderful sport. Two weekends later at the Muir of Inverey meet there wasn't a patch of snow to be seen at Glen Shee. However, we may attempt the telemark festival next year as I'm sure that it would be a highly enjoyable meet.

So for the want of a meet report, here's what I did that weekend. What did take place, well a weekend of sport. Train to Glasgow on the Friday night to stay with my parents, my father and I having an evening of whisky tasting. Saturday morning trip into Glasgow to see the first ever indoor real ice climbing wall. My father and I then watched the Old firm game (Rangers / Celtic), while my mother cooked us lunch. Then we both went to the football with my Uncle Kenny to see Renfrew play a team from Kilmarnock. 4 - 4 result with 5 players getting sent off, strangest game that I've ever seen. Back into Glasgow and the world famous Horseshoe Bar to see Scotland beat Wales in the Rugby, before meeting up with the lads for a friends stag doo. A very late and drunken night, where everything you would expect to happen did. Then next day it was a trip to the climbing wall, followed by a pub lunch and onto the train for what felt like the quickest journey ever, as I slept just about the whole way.

Over the last couple of years Telemark skiing has seen a dramatic rise in popularity within the KMC. This interest combined with a renaissance in the Scottish telemark scene, has created an ideal opportunity to introduce a telemark skiing weekend to the KMC's meets calendar. The proposed meet will cater for all abilities from complete beginner to experts, this will be achieved by fully embracing the 5th Annual Telemark Festival.

The Braemar Telemark festival has grown into the UK's biggest on snow ski festival & attracts around 500 Telemark skiers of all standards, from the UK & further a field. The skiing is based at the Glenshee ski area, but conditions permitting, will extend far beyond the lift served area.

The blurb for this years Festival has as yet not been published, however here is a sample of last years (I'm presuming that there will not be too many changes from the 2002 formula):

Braemar's Telemark Festival is a unique blend of skiing & socializing amongst some of Scotland's finest scenery with a unique, friendly atmosphere that could never be experienced anywhere else! For this year we look forward to welcoming close on 500 skiers to a fun-packed programme that will/can be as active or leisurely as you wish; but be steeped in the spirit of telemarking whatever activities you take part in. Building on last year's success we are urging you to go for the Haglofs Ski Odyssey; a team event ranging over the ski area & hopefully out into the hills beyond if conditions permit. It is hard; but worth it! We offer the Garmont Mountain Race; a shorter ski traverse involving skiing, climbing & skinning that is very popular with the honed as well as the more recreational skier. New for this year is a Tele-cross; race head to head with other telemarkers down a banked course & air it over small bumps; emphasis most definitely on fun - but be prepared for a few spills! And don't forget the ceilidh; a marquee dance with hot buffet in a fantastic setting in front of the flood-lit Braemar castle, started off by a torch-lit procession from the village.

The cost will include events over the three days; Free instruction (one half-day session each) Entrance to the ceilidh including hot buffet Entrance to all races & fun events Annual membership of the Telemark Club It does not include: Transport, accommodation, ski hire & lift pass.

What if there is absolutely no snow? We will go ahead with the festival anyway; that many telemarkers in one place will still have a good time!

I propose to assess the amount of interest in attending this event before trying to sort out any accommodation or travel arrangements. You do not necessarily have to attend the full three days of the festival or take part in every event, just attend those that interest you. The above spiel is for last years event, so with this year's programme as yet un-published, I will attempt to find answers to any queries people may have. There is something in the festival for every level, especially introductory levels, since finding decent equipment & instructors can often be difficult. So if you've always wanted to try telemark skiing or just improve, then this is the ideal weekend for you.