How to handle skiing moguls

Moguls can be found on just about every ski trail that hasn’t been mechanically flattened with specialised grooming equipment and are formed by skiers as they glide along the ski run, kicking up snow behind them whenever they turn.

The kicked up snow forms into small mounds and eventually turn into moguls. The term mogul is coined from the Austrian German word Mugel which can be defined as a mound or hillock.

Controlling your speed is a basic necessity when it comes to skiing moguls. The biggest problem people face is that they ski too fast. If you do build up too much speed after the first couple of moguls, you risk spinning out of control and tumbling down the piste which is far from ideal and can be very dangerous.

Lack of speed can also cause problems and the main reason for this is the carving of turns, this method may work on groomed slopes but on moguls, this can actually increase your speed.

To bring your speed under control, reduce the angle of your edging and you should notice an instant difference. It's also worth brushing up on your pivoting and skidding skills.

One of the best ways to ski through a mogul field is to choose a line to follow. When picking your line, consistency in the size and the pattern of moguls is key as an inconsistent path will complicate matters massively.

Try to avoid swerving around the moguls. Instead, ski over them before making your turn at its peak, doing this will help to keep the tips of your skis out of the snow and you should find turning a lot easier. Following that turn, ski down a little on the other side of the mogul and turn your ski at the top of the next mogul.

It’s a given that you will need to adapt your skiing somewhat to absorb the bumps with your knees, you should allow your legs to flex with the undulations of the terrain.

With skiing, never seek a friendly bump and an easy ride because that’s never going to be the case. You’ll need to learn to adapt to be able to tackle bumps of all shapes and sizes.

So, with this, choose your line down. Scan the path you’re about to face for a distant object or location and fix a line straight down from you to that very point.

Now, ski with great conviction, shake your turns up, both long and short, and before you know it, you’ll be able to master a whole range of terrains!

When you first start skiing, find a rhythm and stick with it. If you’re finding this difficult, count to a certain number and on that chosen number turn, before repeating. Keeping a steady rhythm will help massively with your stability and balance whilst preventing you from skiing erratically. With this, you should gain some newfound confidence and much improved fluidity. Both attributes will certainly help when it comes to conquering moguls.

Knowing whether to turn on the top of the bump or in between the bumps can be difficult, but having a rhythm to turn to will help. Moguls are never going to alter themselves just for your run (as nice as this would be) so having a rhythm can prove very beneficial. Turning in between the moguls will allow for a faster run. Turning on top will allow for a much rounder turn as less of your ski will be in contact with the snow, making the turn much easier.

Pole planting is essential when it comes to skiing moguls. The poles will help you to keep that rhythm and stabilise the body helping you find that much needed balance. This is particularly useful with your downhill ski where your shoulders should always be over your toes.

If you are struggling to master the pole plant or remembering to do it, try not to worry too much as it is a technique that many people fail to do correctly, if at all. But should you remember, you will notice a marked improvement in your run.

To begin with, you may find that you are being tossed around a little in the bumps. If this is happening, and you’ve mastered the above points, it could be that your body is too rigid.

Try to remain loose, challenge yourself to glide over some bumps whilst keeping your head at the same level throughout the run. You must allow your ankles, knees and hips to bend to be able to do this. It may seem difficult but try to relax and allow your legs to act as a suspension system. You’ll find that you have more control which should mean you’ll stay centred and fluid.

Put your new found skiing skills to the test and see how you go…good luck!