"O3" is the chemical abbreviation for ozone. Add one atom to oxygen, which is O2, and you have ozone. Ozone symbolizes the interaction of humans with the environment. On the one hand, the ozone layer in the stratosphere ("high" ozone) protects us from UV-radiation. We are taking part in destroying the protective ozone layer. On the other hand, through fossile fuel burning processes, we are the major force in making up new ozone in the lower troposphere ("low" ozone) which is harmful to our health. This fact symbolizes the relation between humans and their environment - we are dependent on it but we are destroying it - or ourselves. We are not "sustainable".

In skiing it is similar. We enjoy untouched snow, virgin nature, and wide open space as our favourite playground, where we play, relax and gather new energy. But how do we treat our playground ? We are on the search for wilderness but each time we head out further and deeper we take some of its wild. Global warming is threatening snow quality and quantity - what part of it is human made? In surfing we face a similar picture.

Connecting people and nature for outdoor sports today and in the future is one goal of Telemarkzone. The "O3" is to symbolize it.