Ski Instructor Explains Mogul Skiing In One Minute

Originally posted on Powder | By Ian Greenwood | Last updated Feb 29, 2024 10:35 AM ET

Moguls. Hate em' or love em', they'll test your on-snow skills. One false move in the bumps, and you're getting sent straight into the backseat.

Luckily, we have folks like John Crawford—a certified ski instructor—who recently shared a quick and dirty explanation on making moguls your friend, not foe.

It's in moments like these that I wonder, after 20 or so years of skiing, if I've ever learned how to actually ski. Am I a slouch with terrible form?

I think certified ski instructors have that effect. Their upper bodies are so stable, and their hands always remain in an athletic position. The consistent adherence to perfect form is impressive. In contrast, I'd be lying if I said I didn't get bucked around more in the moguls.

But that's what Crawford's here for, providing a helpful drill alongside an important reminder: you go around the moguls, not over them.

As much as I'll be thinking about his tips next time I'm on the hill, a part of me won't relinquish the joy of skiing moguls the wrong way—straight and without turning. Sometimes, you just gotta point them downhill and hope for the best.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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