Snow Skills

With knowledge of the basic line and sideslip turns, now it’s time to apply them in the moguls.

NOTE: This post builds on previous posts regarding skiing moguls; please review Moguls 101 to 103 first.

The goal is to make sideslip turns at the shoulder of the moguls such that you are sideslipping between moguls.  On a mogul trail, start from a standstill on a base of a mogul (the flatish part which extends outward from the slope). Push off slowly and immediately make a turn on the mogul’s shoulder. Once you’re facing the other way, make it a sideslip turn and allow yourself to move ijn a sideslip diagonally toward the base of the next mogul; the sideslipping will occur on the mogul’s backside. When you reach that base, initiate another sideslip turn to move around the mogul’s shoulder and sideslip the backside. Repeat until you’ve done a set of 5 turns, then stop, reset, and do another set.

The sideslip turn will allow you to ski in control and with good balance. Your speed control will come from the ability to keep your movements slow through the sideslipping. This basic line will take you from base to shoulder to backside to base, avoiding the crests of any mogul; this path will allow you to put your feet where you can find the best balance. By keeping the speed low and picking your turns, sideslip turns in the basic line will allow you to link multiple turns in the bumps with comfort.