| What it is | Skiing fields of snow bumps (moguls) |
| Technique | Quick, absorbed, rhythmic turns |
| Competition | Olympic freestyle: turns, 2 jumps, speed |
| Demands | Leg strength, absorption, line choice |
Mogul skiing is skiing fields of moguls — bumps of snow formed as skiers repeatedly turn in the same places — using quick, rhythmic, absorbed turns to descend smoothly. It’s both a recreational challenge and an Olympic freestyle discipline judged on turn technique, two jumps off kickers, and speed. It demands strong legs, absorption, and precise line choice.
Skiing the bumps
A freestyle discipline of alpine skiing, demanding quick turns down the fall line.
Frequently asked questions
What is mogul skiing?
Mogul skiing is descending slopes covered in moguls — the mounds of snow that build up where many skiers turn in the same spots. Skiers make quick, controlled turns through the troughs or over the bumps, absorbing the terrain with their legs. It's a demanding test of technique and fitness, and a competitive freestyle event.
How do you ski moguls?
The keys are absorbing the bumps by flexing and extending your legs to keep your upper body quiet, turning quickly and rhythmically (often in the troughs between bumps), keeping your weight balanced and forward, planting your poles for timing, and looking ahead to choose a smooth line. It takes practice and strong legs.
Are moguls man-made?
Most moguls form naturally as skiers repeatedly carve turns in the same places, pushing snow into mounds over time. Some competition or training mogul courses are shaped or maintained, but the bumps on a typical ungroomed run develop on their own from skier traffic on steeper pitches.
Sources
- Mogul skiing — PSIA-AASI
- Bump technique — The Mountaineers