Discussion
Anybody got any tips on how to enjoy skiing moguls?
I've got better over the years but only had one lesson since my initial batch 13 years ago.
I can do some good short swings when the going is tough but can't seem to do the same in a mogul field. You tube is proving too American for me to understand! I'm off skiing in tignes next weekend and will focus more on turning on the tops but all advice gratefully received!
I've got better over the years but only had one lesson since my initial batch 13 years ago.
I can do some good short swings when the going is tough but can't seem to do the same in a mogul field. You tube is proving too American for me to understand! I'm off skiing in tignes next weekend and will focus more on turning on the tops but all advice gratefully received!
What Brickwall said! Especially the bit about the pole plant....really helps you to keep your weight forward.
But also here's a video that may help you
http://www.warrensmith-skiacademy.com/technique-vi...
I've done the Freeride courses that Warren Smith runs out in Verbier...the techniques he teaches aren't for everyone but I thought it was brilliant. They're big into thigh steering (there's another video about that on that site) and also making sure you've got good ankle flex. The DVD's are much better than the vid's on the site.
One good thing to check is that when your skiing on piste are you skiing on two feet when you're turning at relatively slow speeds i.e. not lifting the inside ski ? LOADS of people do this and I reckon it's the biggest improvement most people can make. When you go off piste in powder or on moguls you obviously can't be lifting your inside ski....so get it right on the piste when it's easier and it you'll find it easier off piste when the going gets harder.
The other mistake a lot of people make in moguls is letting their weight go back and letting the skis shoot out in front as they come down the back of the mogul...that's when the speed starts building and it's about to all go Pete Tong.
But also here's a video that may help you
http://www.warrensmith-skiacademy.com/technique-vi...
I've done the Freeride courses that Warren Smith runs out in Verbier...the techniques he teaches aren't for everyone but I thought it was brilliant. They're big into thigh steering (there's another video about that on that site) and also making sure you've got good ankle flex. The DVD's are much better than the vid's on the site.
One good thing to check is that when your skiing on piste are you skiing on two feet when you're turning at relatively slow speeds i.e. not lifting the inside ski ? LOADS of people do this and I reckon it's the biggest improvement most people can make. When you go off piste in powder or on moguls you obviously can't be lifting your inside ski....so get it right on the piste when it's easier and it you'll find it easier off piste when the going gets harder.
The other mistake a lot of people make in moguls is letting their weight go back and letting the skis shoot out in front as they come down the back of the mogul...that's when the speed starts building and it's about to all go Pete Tong.
Good advice above.
Couple more points:
Start slow and be picky about your line. Traverse until you can see a nice fall line of about 4 turns below you. Control your speed by turning the skis sideways (sounds obvious, but so many people just try and hammer away straight down and get thrown out on about turn 4). I'll often prepare to start by getting my skis into a snowplough position pointed downhill and wait whilst I focus ahead (like being in the start gate for a race). Ease into it and build speed progressively.
Hands are crucial. The minute your hands come back to your waist, it's curtains. A good tip is to drive your hands forward as you plant the pole and release it. Feels weird at first, but really helps. It keeps the centre of gravity moving forward just as you are hitting the compression and being pushed back.
Look ahead. You need to be looking at least 3 or 4 turns ahead as speed picks up. This way you can anticipate how much speed you can get away with carrying into any individual bump. I think the most common mistake people make is that as the speed picks up, they start to panic and look at the tips of their skis. It's like riding a motorbike - the faster you are going, the further ahead you have to force yourself to look.
Finally practise! You always hear people saying "I can't ski bumps", but they never try. They just avoid them, because they ski well eslewhere and don't like looking the noob. It is the one discipline really where there is no technology you can buy to make it easier or shortcuts to better technique. You have to earn bumps, and all good skiers know that. In my opinion, if you want to find the best skiers on the mountain, look at who's shredding the bumps.
Couple more points:
Start slow and be picky about your line. Traverse until you can see a nice fall line of about 4 turns below you. Control your speed by turning the skis sideways (sounds obvious, but so many people just try and hammer away straight down and get thrown out on about turn 4). I'll often prepare to start by getting my skis into a snowplough position pointed downhill and wait whilst I focus ahead (like being in the start gate for a race). Ease into it and build speed progressively.
Hands are crucial. The minute your hands come back to your waist, it's curtains. A good tip is to drive your hands forward as you plant the pole and release it. Feels weird at first, but really helps. It keeps the centre of gravity moving forward just as you are hitting the compression and being pushed back.
Look ahead. You need to be looking at least 3 or 4 turns ahead as speed picks up. This way you can anticipate how much speed you can get away with carrying into any individual bump. I think the most common mistake people make is that as the speed picks up, they start to panic and look at the tips of their skis. It's like riding a motorbike - the faster you are going, the further ahead you have to force yourself to look.
Finally practise! You always hear people saying "I can't ski bumps", but they never try. They just avoid them, because they ski well eslewhere and don't like looking the noob. It is the one discipline really where there is no technology you can buy to make it easier or shortcuts to better technique. You have to earn bumps, and all good skiers know that. In my opinion, if you want to find the best skiers on the mountain, look at who's shredding the bumps.
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