Moguls can be intimidating terrain for any skier, regardless of their level. If you’re just a beginner, you might never even consider taking the plunge down a mogul run.
Don’t worry if the deep bumps and curves scare you. Even advanced skiers with plenty of experience avoid moguls when they’re tired or when conditions are bad.
However, as difficult as they are, moguls provide a unique and exciting opportunity. If you know the right techniques to handle them and understand how to keep your skis under control, mogul skiing can be some of the most fun you’ll have on the snow.
In fact, it can even win you an Olympic gold medal if you get really good at it!
This article will give you some of the basics of skiing moguls so you can dive into those bumps with a smile on your face!
1. Stay Under Control
No matter where they are or what type of run they’re on, skiers need to stay in control. That becomes even more important when mogul skiing because there’s little room for error.
If you’re just learning how to ski bumps, pick a run that has fairly large moguls on a less steep pitch. That will enable you to ski at a comfortable speed at all times. If you go too fast and get out of control, you can lose a ski or take a serious fall.
In order to stay in control, you never want to go too fast, and you never want to ski directly over the bumps. Always make your turns in between moguls, not on top of them. As soon as you get out of the natural turning lanes, only bad things can happen.
Another aspect of this control is stopping when you need to. Moguls can be quite tiring in a way that wears out both your lungs and your legs.
Rather than trying to handle everything at once, ski a few bumps and then take a break to catch your breath. Over time your stamina will increase, but to start it’s best to tackle moguls in small chunks so you never lose control.
2. Keep Your Skis Tight
Another key aspect of mogul skiing is keeping your skis close together. This is often referred to as parallel skiing, and it means keeping your skis tight and your knees touching as you go down a mogul run.
If you look at this video, you’ll see how the skier’s legs rarely separate when he is making turns and navigating the moguls. That technique enables you to keep control and gives you the ability to turn with ease.
When on the moguls, the wider your legs are apart, the slower and more effort it will take to turn. Mogul skiing literally forces you to turn quickly as you must stay in the line that the bumps create. As such, the perfect form is essential.
Always learn to parallel ski before going on to mogul skiing. There is no ‘pizza wedge’ turn in mogul skiing, and if you fall or lose control, you can get seriously injured.
Tight legs and quick turns are an essential aspect of this skiing style. Never go in before you’re properly prepared.
3. Pick a Line
A good way to improve your mogul skiing is to pick your line before you attempt a run. That means, look downhill at the bumps and decide where you’re going to hit your turns before you set off.
Some skiers will plan out their entire run ahead of time so they can better anticipate their turns. Such preparation can help you act quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of injury.
I personally do not plan out my line for an entire mogul run, but I do plan a few turns ahead. That helps me anticipate certain aspects and allows me to navigate the rapidly changing terrain.
If you find a mogul run you really like, you can pick several different lines and take on a new challenge on each one.
A lot of experienced mogul skiers will visualize their entire run before they ski. I’ve had friends stand on the top of a mogul run for a few minutes and ‘air ski’ the entire run while standing still. This method can pay off if you’re an intermediate to advanced skier who wants to improve.
Final Thoughts
Mogul skiing is definitely challenging, but it can be a lot of fun when you get the hang of it. If you’re just learning how to tackle the bumps, don’t be afraid to seek help. Getting a ski lesson with a good instructor can help you gain experience, and will boost your confidence as well.
If you want to be able to ski any type of terrain, then you’ll eventually need to learn how to ski moguls. Pay attention to the tips and tricks written above, and you’ll become a better mogul skier in no time!
Do you like to ski moguls? How did you learn the correct technique? Let me know in the comments below.
