Le Massif de Charlevoix is hosting one of the season's top mountain events Jan. 23-24 with its 14th Rendez-Vous Telemark.

"The Rendez-Vous is designed for skiers and riders keen on trying a new slide sport, off-piste fans who want to develop greater freedom of ascent, sports fans looking for a new physical challenge or to establish new contacts... because telly skiing is more than a sport - it's a culture, a lifestyle,"René-Luc Morin, president of Télémark Québec, said. "The sport is characterized by an alternating flexing of the knee. It owes its specificity to the fact that a skier's heels are free from the ski, and it's in the spirit of this freedom that we practice the sport and hope to spread its merits."

The gathering includes Beginner and Perfect turn clinics; free equipment demos; a recreational race over bumps and around obstacles; technique assessments by Telemark Quebec; off-piste safety training sessions by Le Centre d'avalanche de la Haute-Gaspesie; Level 1 telemark prep lesson; and more.

Space is limited for the off-piste training sessions, and reservations are recommended. Ski skins also are recommended. Participants are advised to bring a backpack, water bottle, and snack. Telemarkers will be divided into one group of intermediates and one group of experts. The sessions focus on hors-piste safety in avalanche terrain, although Le Massif is not prone to avalanches. To make a reservation for the hors-piste clinic: vbriere@lemassif.com

Le Massif's SnowSchool is offering a daily package rate of $79 plus taxes for lift ticket, equipment, and two-hour group lesson. Reservations are highly advised: ecole@lemassif.com

More information: Rendez-Vous Telemark; Lodging packages.