Skiing moguls can be quite difficult and even painful. However, once you learn how to do it, you’ll probably enjoy the experience more than skiing on a groomed slope or through the powder. No doubt you’ve seen skiers dancing and bouncing between the bumps and marveled at not only their ability but also the pure excitement of this type of skiing. If you’re looking to join in the thrill of mogul skiing, you can do so in ways that are both stimulating and manageable. Here are some tips for skiing moguls safely, brought to you by the pros at ASO Mammoth, your one-stop shop for gear, safety advice, and ski rental. Mammoth skiers rely on us for everything they need to hit the slopes safely and make the most of their time on the mountain.
Choose the Right Day for the Bumps
Weather and trail conditions are a huge factor in skiing, especially when it comes to the bumps. Icy and/or windy days are quite challenging. Likewise, clouds or fog make it difficult to see the moguls. Generally, the best conditions for learning how to ski moguls are on sunny days in the late morning or the early afternoon, when the snow softens up a bit.
View the Field of Play from the Top
By surveying the mogul field from above, you can better design your route and plan your turns accordingly. Relax and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery for a few moments. See if there are any major obstacles (like other skiers) in the way. Also, try to find a line to follow that allows you to weave through the moguls in a rhythm with the proper flow and speed as you ski downhill. Try to avoid a line that has sharp angles. Then look back to see if anyone is about to blaze by you. If not, take a long, deep breath and begin your descent.
Start with Downward Progression (for Beginners at the Bumps)
Get your skis perpendicular to the fall line before you enter the mogul field. Keep your skis pointed across the trail to stop your downhill momentum, then start side slipping down the line you’ve chosen to pursue. Side slip down the entire line, thinking about how you’re going to actually ski down it in the future. Watch for sharp turns, deep troughs, and choppy bumps as well as good stopping places. This practice run can help you do the real thing later on.
Next, when you take a subsequent run, go down the same line, side slipping to stay relaxed and in control. As your confidence builds, start turning your skis downhill for a single turn, and then side slip. Then do another turn with your skis pointed downhill, and side slip some more. As this exercise gets easier, increase how many turns you make and decrease the amount of your side slipping. This is one of the best methods for beginning mogul skiers to learn the fundamentals of mogul skiing while staying in control and having some fun in the process. Gradually, more of your turns will be linked together, and it won’t be long before you won’t need to side slip.
Remember to Take Breaks
Skiing the bumps is no simple task, even for the most experienced skiers. Of course, good technique is always important. Mogul skiing is very physically demanding, no matter how fit you are. Fatigue is one of the top causes of mistakes and injuries while skiing, so it’s critical to take rest breaks part of the way down the mogul run. Take your time. Relax and enjoy the view. Watch for other skiers by looking uphill, and take a look at where you’ve already successfully skied—another confidence booster. Then look downhill, plot your next line, and go for it!
If you need more advice on how to tackle the moguls, stop in and chat with the snow sports pros at ASO Mammoth. Whether they’re looking for the latest gear, top-notch repair, or Mammoth ski rentals, our customers come back again and again for our high-quality service and expert knowledge. Drop by when you’re on the mountain or give us a call at 760-965-3444.