How to Ski Moguls: 5 Expert Tips

For ski enthusiasts, nothing stirs both excitement and dread like moguls, the potholes of winter sports. They make for some of the trickiest terrain for downhill skiers and have become the centerpiece of the men’s and women’s Winter Olympics and the FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships. Ski resorts worldwide also host timed competitions between two riders to see which can get through this rough patch first. 

If you’re looking for a challenge, learn how to ski moguls like a pro in this helpful guide.

What Are Ski Moguls?

Moguls are raised patches of snow on downhill sections with gradients of at least 26 degrees. They usually form naturally around 10 feet apart when skiers carve in powder, pushing snow to the left and right, but they can also be formed by hand or machine to make the course more challenging. These clumps chop up the track's surface, creating a series of obstacles for subsequent riders.

Learn how skiing or snowboarding techniques can help you tackle moguls based on your riding preferences.

Source: Maksym Gorpenyuk/Shutterstock.com

Mogul Skiing Equipment

You can use all your regular ski equipment to ride moguls, but the edges of your skis affect your mogul approach. Rocker skis with shorter turn edges make it easier to pivot and turn without carving, helping you glide around or over the bumps. Turning around the bumps will increase your speed on the descent, making it harder to dodge the further you go. Limit the width underfoot to 70mm to 90mm to make turning easier. Thinner skis with less camber and more rocker aren’t recommended for beginners because they require more balance and control. Practice riding in this style before hitting moguls. 

Wear a full-face or half-face helmet with goggles and shoulder, knee and elbow pads to cushion falls. Mount a ski helmet communication headset to communicate hands-free as you and your companion navigate every twist and turn. The person out front can give the other person a heads-up when another bump appears, giving them more time to prepare. 

When you use ski helmet communication like the Cardo Packtalk Outdoor, you can spend less time connecting and more time skiing. It uses Dynamic Mesh Technology to create a direct link between you and up to 14 other riders. It connects automatically within range of another unit, so you don’t have to reset the device. If someone wipes out on a mogul, the rest of the formation will stay connected, and the other rider will resync with the bunch when they catch up.

5 Tips on How to Ski Moguls

Now that we’ve covered the basics of moguls, let’s dive into some expert tips and tricks to keep in mind on your next run.

1. Stay Flexible 

Mogul skiing means dealing with the unexpected. A bump quite literally appears at a moment’s notice, forcing you to turn on a dime or adjust your approach when attempting a jump. Keep your knees and elbows slightly bent with your arms in front of you to respond to terrain variations quickly. 

2. Go with the Flow

Carving and steering around moguls works when they’re spread out, but close clumps will throw you for a loop. You’re better off taking each bump in stride, either gliding around the downhill-facing edge or going up and over. Focus on maintaining balance and planning your exit instead of going around. Use the natural contours of the moguls to accelerate your turns.

3. Turn on Flat Sections

Carving into a slope can steer you off course. Turn before or on top of the mogul to go in the right direction. Plant your pole on the top to reduce your speed and bring yourself onto the summit. Twist around the pole toward your destination, and glide down the bump. 

4. Look Up

Keep your eyes on where you’re going next. Prepare your skis and body for the next mogul as you come out of the current one. Looking down at your foot position or where your skis meet the snow delays response times.

5. Choose Your Route

Plan your general route from the highest point of the mogul so you can see farther ahead. Shoot for evenly spaced moguls to give yourself more time to turn. If you’re racing, turn away from a bump on the approach, using the bank as your guide, and make your turn on the peak of the second mogul. 

Source: U. J. Alexander/Shutterstock.com

Moguls can be found on any well-run track. Regardless of your experience level, they can offer an exciting challenge and a chance to improve your skills. Use wireless ski helmet communication to coordinate your movements with the group and protective gear to overcome your fear of falling. With a little practice, you can breeze past this tricky section to end your run in style.