Sandpoint youth skier named to U.S. telemark team

SANDPOINT — After finishing first in her age group at three national finals last year, including Canada and the U.S., Sandpoint’s Farli Boden earned a spot on the 2013-14 U.S. Telemark Development team.

Boden, an eighth-grader from the Sandpoint Waldorf School, was one of seven telemark skiers named to the development team, comprised of competitors 17 years-old and under that represent the future of the sport.

The 5-foot-6, 110 pound Sandpoint native started alpine skiing about the same time she began walking, and learned to telemark ski when she was just five years-old. She races for the Schweitzer Alpine Racing School, and recently began competing in telemark events around the region, including two Selkirk Classics at Schweitzer and two Nationals at Steamboat Springs, Colo.

She’s looking forward to going to the Nationals again this year and hopes to continue to make a name for herself in the Nordic niche sport, where the heel is free.

“One day I would like to travel to Europe and go to the World Cup events,” wrote Boden on the United States Telemark Ski Association website. “My family has been a huge part in why I am able to ski race and I really appreciate their support. My coaches have also helped me reach my goals and I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.”

Joining Boden on the development team are five skiers from Colorado and another from Montana. Boden is just happy to continue doing what she loves most, ski racing.

“I love the attitude of all the racers,” wrote Boden on the USTSA website. “And I really enjoy all the different obstacles in the courses.”

For more on Boden and upcoming telemark race information, visit www.ustsa.org.