a skier's jump or leap, especially one in which the skier is assessed on both form and distance jumped 2. A path or chute designed for such a leap, particularly one that terminates in a takeoff platform. 3. The act of leaping over some obstacle: a mountain bike telemarking through the woods. 4. A type of cross-country skiing used in conjunction with a telemark set-up. The term comes from the Norwegian word "tele", meaning "thru" or "over". In telemark, the skis are crossed under the body like a standard downhill setup, but instead of using gravity to propel the jumper, the legs are used in pushing off the ground and jumping over obstacles. The term "telemark" has since become synonymous with any type of cross-country skiing not done straight down the hill. 5. The act of leaping over something: a horseback rider telemarks across the plain. 6. Skiing where the foot goes back almost completely underneath the body: a classic telemark is performed with the heel slightly lifted from the ground while cruising along at a moderate speed. If you try this move too quickly, you'll likely crash!