How to Ski Moguls

Find Your Flow

Don't worry about skiing the whole run when you first learn how to ski moguls. Find a rhythm, lean forward, and relax. Keep in mind that skiing is dangerous. You can get seriously injured in the process. It's best to seek the guidance of a professional ski instructor before you begin.http://www.zimbio.com/Skiing/articles/46/How+Ski+Moguls+Look+Good+Doing

Mogul skiing is a type of freestyle skiing where you pass between different bumps or moguls. Moguls are humps of snow created by skiers repeatedly making turns in the same places on the slope. They can also be constructed for freestyle skiing competitions and/or practice runs. Once the mogul is formed, it tends to grow naturally as skiers follow similar paths around it thus deepening the surrounding grooves, also known as troughs. The first freestyle mogul skiing competition occurred in 1971. Although mogul skiing has been a part of the Freestyle World Cup Circuit since 1980, it has recently taken its place in the Winter Olympics. In 1992, mogul skiing became a part of the Olympics thus bringing us such renowned mogul skiers as Toby Dawson and Travis Mayer. During a competition run, contestants must navigate around the moguls while executing tricks. This sport of multitasking thus makes this sport an exhilarating yet dangerous one. When beginning to learn the sport, it’s best to start with the fundamentals. For instance, learn how to maneuver the bumps first. Whether you intend to purse mogul skiing as your only sport of choice, or just want to ensure you’re safe on your next ski vacation, it’s imperative to learn how to ski over the bumps. There are generally no bump-free ski areas so taking precautionary measures before you hit the slopes allows you to be prepared for the bumpy path ahead.

Step 1: Learn the Basics

When approaching small turns on easy or intermediate slops, start with a good traverse stance. Then shift your weight on your downhill ski and ski. Once you near the mogul, get ready by planting your downhill ski pole on the front side. At this point, turn around the bump while shifting your weight on the outside ski. At this point, quickly push your hand forward after planting your ski pole on the bump so you can pull your arm through. Turn around the mogul completely, then do it over again-- this time in the opposite direction. Continue this practice until you feel confident enough to tackle slightly bigger moguls on steep slopes. http://www.abc-of-skiing.com/mogul-skiing/learning-the-basics.asp A swivel turn is a little bit more tricky, but doable for first-time mogul skiers. To make the turn, stand on a bump and lower your hips. The tops and tails of the skis should not touch the snow. Ensure that you keep your skis close to one another as you turn over the bump. Then push your shins forward and turn your upper body towards the course turn. From here, plant your ski pole down the fall line so you will reach downhill. It's important that you stay vertical as you turn and extend your legs and rotate your feet. These steps are a great start for a skier beginning to tackle mogul skiing. http://www.abc-of-skiing.com/mogul-skiing/learning-the-basics.asp

Step 2: Practice Makes Perfect

After you've tackled the basics, it's time to grasp absorption. Absorbing the moguls is when your knees come up to your chest and back down in order to minimize the jerk that can occur on your upper body. To absorb moguls, you must first approach them with the standard body position: hands in front, looking down, and shins pressed up against the front of your boots. Once you reach it, allow your feet to come up towards your chest, much like sitting in a chair. To ensure you have it right, practice it often until you have the proper range of motion. Once your knees are up and you've reached the top of the mogul, you need to push your feet down so you can return to the tall position. At this point, drive the tips of your skis down the backside of the mogul as if hiding your skis from someone standing below you. Much like other things you learn for the first time, it will require practice to get it right. http://mogulskiing.org/mogul-skiing-tutorials/absorbing-moguls Once practice makes perfect, try to incorporate absorption into your mogul skiing. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get it right the first few times, it often takes skiers multiple attempts to get down the knee and leg work.

Step 3: Learning the Tricks of the Trade

The Instructor of BecomeanExpertSkier.com claims, "Trust me, there is no better feeling in the world than after you've zippered down a tough mogul run, with confidence and control. You can look back up to the top and smile, since you have now mastered the terrain." http://www.becomeanexpertskier.com/skiingmoguls.html The key to more advanced moguls and tricks is leg strength and power. Before you begin to tackle the harder skiing courses, be sure to double up on your strength training. Focus on your quads, hips, and gluteus so you can use those muscles as shock absorbers during impact. In doing so, you'll transfer most of the force away from your knees and onto these stronger parts of your body. As you continue your training, check out the Bumps for Boomers website. http://www.bumpsforboomers.com/ This website features a myriad of mogul skiing tips, tactics, and tricks that can help you learn how to ski like the experts. From videos to forums, there are different options to assist you in your learning experience. Also, the website leaves a friendly reminder that "There is no single 'right way' to ski moguls. Some ways are easier, some more efficient, some more visually attractive, and some easier on the body. But there is no "right" method." In the end, it’s all about what you’re comfortable adapting as your personal technique. Just get out there, have fun, and be safe! http://www.mogulskiing.net/education.html

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