Do you find yourself watching someone skiing moguls in wonderment? It can be mesmerizing to watch and might even inspire you to want to try it yourself! However, it’s important to first note that learning how to ski moguls is not easy and should not be attempted if you’re a beginner–intermediate skier.
What is mogul skiing?
For those who may not be familiar with what mogul skiing is, mogul skiing is skiing down a slope with bumps and dips (also called “moguls”). Sometimes these are purposefully designed by the ski resort, but more often than not, they are naturally formed over time by the repetitive motion of skiers turning down the same path. It is an extremely technical form of skiing as well as a style of competitive skiing.
Why Learning How to Ski Moguls is Important
If learning how to ski moguls is only something that should be attempted by advanced skiers, why is it important to learn? Whether you’re interested in learning how to ski moguls or not, it’s helpful to know some of the basics in case you ever find yourself on moguls by accident.
For example, fresh powder can quickly turn into moguls if many people have been skiing in the same area. There’s a chance you might start down a slope only to find that it’s bumpier than you expected! If this happens and you’re unprepared, you may panic and risk injury. To avoid this, it’s helpful to at least learn a few techniques for how to ski moguls so that you will know what to do if you ever find yourself in this situation.
How to Ski Moguls
Again, remember that you should not actively set out to ski moguls unless you are an experienced skier and ready to take on this challenge. If that’s you, please take things slowly and carefully to avoid any unnecessary injuries!
Posture/Position: Probably the trickiest thing about learning how to ski moguls is keeping your balance through all of the bumps and dips. This is why it’s important to be in the right position. Keep a narrow stance and your hands in front of you to help distribute your weight. You also want to keep your legs active, meaning that they will be extending, flexing, and moving with you as you make your way over the bumps.
Turning on moguls (beginner): When you’re just starting out, it’s recommended that you turn at the top of each mogul instead of maneuvering between them. This will help you to slow down and stay in control of your speed. You will want to plant your ski pole into the mogul before your feet even reach it. Next, you will bend your knees and absorb the bump with your legs as you pivot yourself at the top. You will then slide down the side, keeping your skis in contact with the snow the whole time.
Turning between moguls (advanced): For those who are already experienced at skiing moguls and are confident that they are ready to move on to something more advanced, turning in between them is a good way to gain more speed. Instead of letting yourself ski up the bumps, you will use the edges of the “troughs” or dips between them to help you as you turn through them.
Other notes on how to ski moguls:
- Pick a line before you head down. This will give you direction and help you know where you’re going rather than just “winging it” as you start to ski.
- Whichever way you’re mogul skiing, keep your eyes up and focus on which bump you’re headed towards next. It may be tempting to look down but keeping your gaze on what’s coming up will help you stay prepared for your next movements.
- Pay attention to how busy the slope is. If you’re just starting out, make sure there aren’t too many people cruising down as you’re learning how to ski moguls.
- Going off of the last point, avoid stopping in the middle of the slope if you can help it. You don’t want to risk having anyone crash into you! However, if you do need to stop, a hockey/parallel stop will be your best option.
- Shorter and narrower skis often work better for skiing moguls than longer, wider skis, so if this is something you plan on doing regularly, you may want to invest in a pair!
- Be patient with yourself! Learning how to ski moguls is no easy task, so it will definitely take a bit of time before it’s something you master!
Also remember that your gear makes all the difference! If you’re in need of a new pair of skis, boots, or bindings, be sure to browse our ski shop before you head out!
