Deb Armstrong skis the zipperline, Mogul Skiing

Deb Armstrong offers commentary of her bump skiing. www.skistrong....

[@chriscoseglia8640]

One of the greatest skiers on the planet retires from racing, chooses to become a full certified instructor, and then makes the PSIA National Alpine Team (~ twelve of the very best instructors in the U.S.A.). No one in this country has walked the walk AND can talk the talk at your level PERIOD Great video, as always. As a 57 y/o examiner emeritus and former racer+mogul competitor, this one especially hit home! Please keep up the great work!!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you for seeing that, for writing that. Of course I have known this and this is what I love to do. Really nice seeing that in someone else's written word. Appreciated!!!

[@chriscoseglia8640]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong thank you Deb Armstrong! I live in CA and teach P/T at Mammoth. But last week skied Steamboat with my sis Kim, who lives in Boulder. We saw that mogul training area/zipper line just above the gondola/main village area- looked awesome! Way to charge those steep firm moguls! Outstanding commentary!!! Love to see you on NBC, NBCSC, & NBC Olympic channel for some WC and Olympic commentary. No one is more qualified or would do a better job...

[@barrygoldkind99]

@@chriscoseglia8640 I believe that Deb was skiing the mogul line at Howelson Hill, the Steamboat Voo Doo mogul line is steeper and cut deeper for Olympic trial competition.

[@foolishevil]

Hands down my favorite ski instruction channel on youtube. I just picked up skiing recreationally again after a 10 year break. I'm learning so much from these videos. Thank you Deb!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Great!!!!

[@patricklindsay1688]

Great video. I like seeing the moguls from the skier's perspective. Makes it easier to see the line you want to ski.

[@jackjr1]

I have a suggestion for a video - talking about skiing over the age of 50 and what you've noticed as you've aged over the years in relation to skiing. I'm in my late 30's and wonder about my body, knees, back as I age and how that may impact my enjoyment of skiing and maybe some steps to take now to better prepare myself when I'm older. So basically a video on skiing and aging would be awesome!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

You got it!!!!

[@Farlig69]

Keep moving, exercising, weight training & stretching and most importantly stop eating carbs, sugars and get plenty meat, fat & collagen and fasting now & again & you'll be fine.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@Farlig69 I'm feeling fine. Thanks!❤

[@melissalund6198]

I think there comes a point where your technique has to take over. I am 56 now and I still ski everything but I focus on keeping it all smooth and skiing with flow. I can still rip it when I want to but I have to choose when. Aiming to keep going so I can get my free lift pass in Europe when I am 75. If that means a few easy runs and then lunch that's fine because I will still be skiing!

[@cycleoflife7331]

@@Farlig69 I’m 67 and yes weight training trying does help retain muscle mass but as you get older testosterone lowers and you can’t help losing muscle mass in men and women. Amino acid like carnitine and lysine help along with weight training. Without strong legs, you can’t keep low with upper thigh flex and absorption to press down on the backside of the bumps. Your poles might be a bit too long for that compact body causing your arms to swing outward and your upper body to twist. Ideally you just want flex in your wrist and hands in front like holding a mountain bike handle bar. I’d work first on the lower part of the course to work on the smear turn as racers do when they need to kill speed. The mogul turn is more smearing than carving.

[@ederler1129]

Gotta love those zipper lines!! I always tell myself to look at least 3 troughs ahead to keep from getting in the back seat. It’s tough in your 50’s when the back and knees aren’t like the 20’s. Great skiing and great video. Thanks.

[@sherrylfitzpatrick3870]

As a 50+ ski coach, I had to laugh at your last comment, “I think I’m done!” I’d be done too! 😊⛷

[@MICHAELZHANGCA]

That was great, Deb. From "Deb you've this" to "I think I'm done", that's called being reasonably tough and down to earth at the same time. Very strong runs and a great video as always. Have a nice day!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ah, nice observation. I like it!!!

[@lynnethomas4713]

Wow. You are amazing. Your athleticism, gift for teaching and humilty inspire me.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you very much Lynne

[@rafaelalbertotorres8070]

Solid runs for any age!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks!!!!

[@PR-rh9qm]

No zipper lines for me, not at age 67, but I love that you fearlessly did it! And got better each time. And finally said "that's enough".

[@MCR1565]

Impressive! It’s always exciting watching your videos! Thank you so much!💖🙏💖

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks Melissa!!!

[@jammost]

Super video! I applauded for $5.00 👏👏

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks a ton James!!!!!! The support helps to sustain this channel. Greatly appreciated!

[@brennanmccleary2593]

Wow, Nice skiing. Great line and super ability to keep those sticks turning!

[@lauriekutrich327]

I love your videos and honest commentary. I also appreciate that you teach to your students and their goals, rather than "perfect" skiing. Cheers from a 61 yo who still loves the moguls (even if my knees dont).

[@edjcambridge]

You embody everything skis ought to be! Fun! Exciting! Thrilling! Passion! Joy! Learning! Achievement!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you

[@MattAppleford]

As always Deb, a clear and concise video. I appreciate the POV and 3rd person camera angles to really highlight what is happening in the bumps. I'd like to gain your thoughts on a teaching topic as a result of this video. What are your thoughts on the hands when it come to high-level bump skiing? When skiers are starting to seek the zipper-line and they are gaining speed (yet still have control), I like to focus on hands and make sure they are planting over the mogul, on the downside of the bump as much as possible. I find that we can avoid the impact from the bump that can push the hands up and back by changing the placement of the pole plant (plant on the backside of the bump, instead of in front). The result is a lighter pole touch and hands that are less likely to be pushed out of position by the bump itself. The hands stay forward more and that obviously keeps the upper-body more stable and quieter, the pole is ready to be planted for the next turns with minimal effort and less stress is placed on the shoulder joint. I also ski with and recommend a shorter pole (I like an adjustable pole so I can vary the length of the pole depending on the task). What are your thoughts on pole-planting/hands, when and where to do it and any mechanics that you like to teach? I'd be keen to hear your thoughts. Cheers Deb.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Yes, sounds great to me. I have never coached high level moguls so I will leave that to the pros. As for me I don't have the strength, balance or savvy skill to do as you are saying here. Not for this firm zipper line. I needed the blocking pole plant for balance and stability.

[@markbaum9615]

Agree.....say 12 o'clock is the top of the bump....I'll set it at 1 pm

[@Mole204]

Great video. Ski racers can ski bumps. At age 15 or so when I thought I was all that, I was skiing at Killington, VT when Phil and Steve Mahre blew past me in the bumps on Outer Limits. At least we were all skiing K2 710 slalom race skis. As an instructor, my bump advice is pick your first three turns and get in a rhythm with the hill. If you get out of rhythm, stop, and start over.

[@andredegraaf1643]

Deb, you're an inspiration! I am turning 60 this year and just returned to skiing again in this 2020/2021 season. Out of shape and out of style on my 1990s gear but I was still able to make good turns and have a lot of fun. Hoping to make a return to at least small moguls this upcoming season. Be great if all ski areas had a practice mogul field for beginners to learn or experts to tune up. I learned on a small section at Keystone years ago that was not steep but bumpy. I have been told by many forums to gear up and modernize but honestly, I like my style over the new style and I still have fun with it. When I watch slalom racing from the 90's and earlier, it just looks nicer to me than the new.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Hi Andre, I appreciate your thoughts for sure. Glad you are enjoying my videos. Take care😉😉

[@theok4712]

Great job skiing those bumps Deb! I'm 47 and would love to be able to do that. By the way another great video and I really enjoy your channel also.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you!!!

[@seaskiguy]

Killing that zipper Deb! As a 61 YO with 2 replaced knees, I still dig the bumps, but I can relate to "I think I'm done." LOL!

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

Ski racers at the world class level like you are fantastic technical skiers. Icy moguls are like running slalom gates after 30 other races have worn the ruts deep and firm into the course. You still have it Deb. ⛷⛷🙏🙏

[@tommoritz6659]

Great video. While I'm not an active instructor right now, I often have friends ask me to coach them on their mogul skiing technique. Strong blocking pole plants (sticking the pig) is one area of focus for some. Line choice is another. You mention using the next mogul to help turn the ski. Good point. Another thing I often have my "students" focus on is trying to maintain tip contact with the snow. While it isn't possible to do this 100% of the time in the moguls, focusing on trying to keep the tips down on the snow keeps them on the balls of their feet and they instinctively allow their COM to move forward as they transition from the uphill side, over the top, and to the downhill side. The COM moves back again relative to the feet as the skis are allowed to accelerate down the steeper part of turn around the mogul to reset the cycle. Do you see the same fore/aft COM movement in your mogul skiing? Glad to see another 57 year old still enjoys skiing the moguls!

[@jacobsimpson347]

Always the best ski videos

[@promogul]

One drill that helped me transition from slalom racing to bump contests was to hold both poles together horizontally and keeping them level, no pole planting. Really smooths out the upper body. Funny but I used to ski moguls to warm up for slalom races.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

yes, great drill!!

[@frost6311]

Very impressive skiing Deb. I am in my low 50s and still ski zipper lines as well. No doubt, it’s a year round commitment to high fitness levels. It’s so important to master mogul skiing technique (absorption, extension, maintaining ski to snow contact) before we age. Then in the later years bumps can still be enjoyed without being too hard on the body.

[@franciscooper4771]

I might need a sit down. That was hard work.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

HA!!!!!!

[@alicekane3913]

Super mogul video & exciting skiing! As a baby boomer (who'd like to conquer moguls before I meet my Maker...lol), I've never been coached in lessons to ski the inner (zipper?) line. Being told to plant my pole on the TOP of the mogul and slide down the side of the bump, I inevitably was 'spun around' and picked up too much speed to face the fall line in time to make a correct pole plant on the next mogul. (Maybe I planted too early??) Sorry for being so confusing...wish I could draw a cartoon on KZbin! But thanks a million for sharing your technique (and doing it on snow conditions that so many of us have to deal with - frosty, icy granular!) ;->

[@utahmogul]

Deb! Come ski some bumps at Deer Valley and snowbird. I can hook you up with my airbnb. I could also ask Shannon Barkey to ski a few runs with you. I love your technical thinking and concepts that you bring to moguls. I'm teaching my son to rip the bumps. Your videos are spot on. Thanks

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you very much!!!!!! So glad you appreciate the videos. Take care

[@justind1793]

Thank you

[@julierosenberg5020]

I totally Love ur motivation!!!!❤

[@lencavallaro6781]

Great video. Still trying to figure out how that line could get any more direct.

[@chiplunsford3369]

Thank you again for this. you are skiing great. How luck you are to have a proper mogul training course. I am guessing a really direct line would require lots of absorption based on the way those moguls are shaped. You are making a great adaptation with turn shape for speed control.. And they sound a bit hard and fast. Keep this bump stuff coming.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks Chip!!!!

[@georgemckenzie2525]

As a fellow year of the rabbit mogul consumer I may offer an alternative line... one turn up the bump, one turn on top, and one on the fall line face. Three turns per bump keeps you in fresher snow

[@raymondgilkie2551]

They always look less intimidating when viewing bottom up as opposed from the top down. I'm 60 and use a 160 cm slalom ski on them. I still need lots of practice but getting there.

[@stevenbudnick1252]

Ha ha , I think I’m done ! Lol First turn can throw you off. Good to see these “real” runs and grunts . Nice demo!

[@mrslkungpowchikn1206]

I gotta try viewing this video in our virtual reality headset over and over and maybe it will sink in! I just hope i don’t get too motion sickness! PS i just got a Insta360 X3 camera (have Go Pro Hero 9 also). It’s around $450. You might want to try one of those out and see what you think. I’ve been having a lot of fun with mine (to the slight annoyance of my hubby and kids - usually until they see the footage!). But, i’ve found it easier and more reliable than my GoPro and the best part is all the different angles you can get depending on where it is mounted, and you can capture the skiing of those around you. Caveat: Ive however found mounting any of them to be kind of a pain in the rear as i figure out what works best depending on what or who im trying to capture. I definitely dont like holding it in my hand or mounting on pole unless I’m filming my youngest who is still doing wedge turns with no poles. Ive tried sticking it up in my backpack, but i prefer having it off to my side if i can get enough distance and have it stay. I have fallen with it too (not bad falls, mostly lazy tired falls) and so far having it stuck out hasn’t fazed me or the camera in the slightest. Only had 2 weeks but skiied maybe 5 days with it so far. But i think you may like the camera and you could always turn on the GoPro as well for back up footage! 🤓📸⛷️

[@user-xp3vd9ux5t]

Yup Deb...You got this FORSURE...✋💪🥇

[@neilmeiskey5482]

At age 71 and not as an accomplished skier as you are....I am just going to watch:). Lookin’ great Deb!

[@Edgy01]

And that is exactly why, after 62 years of skiing (age 66) I don’t ski moguls! I’m saving myself for another decade or so of skiing!

[@marilenacrisan1965]

I love it.. my opinion..57 is just a number 🤗...u r amazing.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ Thanks

[@rebecahanrahan5556]

In loving these moguls series! Great job! I appreciate how in the last video you spoke about ski width. How about length. On any given day I do a little bit of everything. Even on powder, with powder skis I enjoy getting in the bumps. They say for powder skis you should go longer. Would that compromise my bumps skills?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Gosh, difficult to say. not to wide, not to long. I don't think I have helped.

[@rebecahanrahan5556]

That makes sense!!!

[@michaelmatos9656]

I still completely fall apart on moguls, but they still look like something I want to challenge my 52yo self. Listening to you speak as you go, I can tell you hit each bump a lot harder than I do (“absorption”?) to control your speed. Does it feel like jumping off a step or two as you hit each bump? Love your videos!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I try to ski bumps so that I am not hitting them hard. Too demanding on my older knees. I try using more turn shape to control my speed than hitting the bumps.

[@kambizmerati1119]

You are just awesome!

[@TimTheMusicMan]

Wow. Knees and arms seem to be in good position. I bet if you clocked it you would come close to the top pros. Is this a practice slope for the slalom? I keep telling my daughter that poles are necessary all the pros use them and this video proves it.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Moguls are fantastic for SL

[@markbaum9615]

Poles are needed....however, practicing without poles forces balance point fundamentals and can be beneficial in training

[@richarddzisiewski7197]

Just soften up those bumps a little and they'd be perfect for me. The problem for me is that a lot of European resorts will remove areas like this which is a real shame for skiers that love bumps. I can only remember a hand full of resorts that have had a mogul field and that's partly because those runs are inaccessible to piste bashers. Some of the best bumps i've ever skied are in Scotland due to the fact that a lot of runs up there are in small valleys or gullies and towards to end of the season, forces skiers to the centre more. It can be a bumps skiers paradise as they can be big and soft and allow you to rip...thats is when there's snow up there of course !! Great piece as always.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Love the comment. Thank you

[@kkrsnn5632]

You should do some Olympic parallell competition, gold guaranteed 🥇😁

[@davidbeazer9799]

Good job!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you!!!!

[@davidbeazer9799]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Those spring moguls in/on Africa were great! Africa run at Big Sky that is!

[@vrt1032]

Wow.. 57 years old.. So am I ! i have no excuses now Deb! Great video What skis do you recommend/ride for hardpack moguls Deb ?

[@markbaum9615]

K2 Mambas Hart f17

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I like my 68 under foot. The ski i am on is a 165 SL ski

[@hayleypbop]

“Ahhhh, I think I’m done” 😆

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

HA!!!

[@iggymon1019]

You are a little hard on yourself as far as training, but that why you da champ! Those bumps are ROCK hard. Even hardcore bumpers like us would let'em soften up. Keep ripping Deb!!!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you!!!!

[@szuber42]

Deb what version of the firebird are you skiing??

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I have two pair. I enjoy the HRC, 76 under foot and the ski I am on in this video is the mens SL in a 165 which is 68 under foot. The HRC is my powder, crud ski. The 165 SL is my groomer and bump ripper😉

[@szuber42]

Thanks for the response. Love the videos .

[@PlaneImpactGolfStoneridge]

Love the comment “I think I am done” At 70 I say that a lot 🤣

[@michaelng1008]

What skis are you on Deb?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

In this video I am on a Blizzard SL 165 race ski, 68 under foot. I love it!!!

[@be5718]

Is there a technique to go slower than you were going?

[@nickv3085]

I’d kill for a little mogul line like this and a small lift... Anyone know western resorts that have the best mogul training like this? Squaw can be good

[@utahmogul]

Deer Valley has Olympic mogul run. Snowbird Gad 2 for moguls.

[@stevedoe1630]

0:41, What does “blocking pole plant” mean?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I sue a strong pole plant to "block" further moment, to stop an action. To stabilize my upperbody. With more balance, strength, precision i wouldn't need such a strong pole plant. I could get away with just a pole touch.

[@stevedoe1630]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Thanks a bunch. 👍

[@stevedoe1630]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Is it possible to have the opposite, where a pole plant induces a movement? I only ask because I am sure you have seen it all. Couple years back my ankles were sore and I wasn’t using them well to ski... “think” I caught myself inducing lower body movements by starting the motion with the upper body, to the rhythm of “inducing pole plants.” Didn’t even realize how sore my ankles were until I started actually activating them. Ankle-calf-foot exercises really helped get back on track. Is this a thing you see frequently with poor technique / poor fitness, or am I just a weirdo?

[@roneymahoney1794]

Where are you from Deb?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I live in Steamboat Springs CO

[@roneymahoney1794]

Where is This CO, This IS in USA?

[@roneymahoney1794]

i Live in Brazil, I Wanna ski in Janeiro 2021i Im Go to the Austria- Sr Anton

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@roneymahoney1794 yes, USA

[@RobertGentleman]

@@roneymahoney1794 COlorado

[@user-vm3uf3gh3c]

at my well over 50+ I think ll be done by just looking at those moguls, but huge respect to Deb :)

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you!!

[@TimTheMusicMan]

Are you using 148’s & 76’s ?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

This ski is a Slalom race ski. A 165 with 68 under foot.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong ok

[@filmic1]

Very cool! That would suck the wind out of you for sure, compressing the diaphragm.

[@tompem]

Deb argues.."I could take a more direct line, but that would require more speed and more absorption than this 57 year old body would like to endure". I'm not sure that is the case Deb, for the following reasons. Bobby Aldegheri, COULD take a more direct line, he COULD take more speed, and his body is JUST as old as yours. When you, a WORLD class skier, ski the bumps, you do not ski them as good as Bobby A. You are an excellent athlete, and a dedicated mogul student, and yet you are unable to ski bumps like Mr Aldegheri. Why is that? I believe it shows just how indelible the patterns are that we've learned. You grew up making thousands and thousands of racing turns MAXIMIZING speed through the turn which is the exact opposite of CONTROLLING speed through a turn A bumper makes thousands of turns maximizing ABSORPTION. Like a speaker of a second language, you have an accent that is very difficult to shake. Bumpers grew up controlling speed, you, the opposite. I should think learning a second language accent free in someone's late 50's should be very challenging to say the least. Learning by definition requires new, UNPROVEN to you, motions that inherently carry the risk of screwing up. That is problematic for even a GREAT middle aged skier in a challenging zipper line.. Learning as adults, we revert to learned, trusted, proven patterns of motion. Kids can fail...and fall...and learn. We adults don't go there. Our learning is consequently hampered. It's just tough for us old dogs with these new tricks. Deb, LOVE all you do...your content, your attitude, your generosity to share with us. We so appreciate it!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks for the appreciation and comment. I absolutely love moguls, always have and I consider myself a good mogul skier, not at a competitive level. Love love love learning, love love love absorption. I’m not just a ski racer, never way, always a total mountain skier, total mountain conditions, a complete skier I will say. And I learn something new on the hill everyday I am out. I lead two clinics yesterday and learned even more as I lead the clinic

[@wjames2000]

It sounds icy.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

YEP, it was

[@otisregatoni617]

Suzy Chaffee ?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

What about Suzi?

[@cswalker21]

Oh, man Suzy Chaffee was great! Everyone knows about her Chapstick commercial, but not everyone knows that before she was a freestyler, she was an Olympian in downhill in Grenoble. But she was more than a skier too. She's been a tremendous activist and advocate for women in sports and even helped get some legislation passed on that. What she has to do with this video, I'll never know. But thanks for the random memories.

[@otisregatoni617]

@@cswalker21 cool comment. Nice one 👍👊.

[@otisregatoni617]

Same amount of passion

[@gregorydavid5894]

Very good! Me, I will wait till those bumps are corn, being a couple of months short of 69 (and of course, not as good as you:)

[@elainenilsson5472]

I'm 58 so no excuses, lol...just kidding. You were back on your skis at the start. The tips came up. Fresh snow would have slowed it down for you and you would look and feel better.

[@ThatOldGuy]

i feel your comment at the end. from a 54 yo body.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

HA!!

[@donaldfiesta8666]

57? You're a kid❤

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I know I am. Always. But I'm 58 now😉😉😉

[@markbaum9615]

Nice bumpage Debshred... One thing though.... Try some shorter poles... I'm 5'6"...poles are 37"... You'll like that much more

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Hi Mark. Yes, I agree, shorter poles in this situation would be very good. however for my all around skiing I don't like my poles so short. thoughts?

[@markbaum9615]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong ....I use trekking poles for all mountain, however ... I mostly shred the bumpage for 4 hours.. then I'm toast....so predominanty, I use the zipline baby lollipopsticks ...

[@brycejames7626]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong I agree poles are too long (thus the left arm falling back a bit). I use a flint-lock touring pole (the older twist types weaken). Great job, must be from those days at Alpy!

[@geeknee551]

low angle.

[@vitaminb4869]

The man made moguls are a work of art...and a JOKE. Go ride some natural ones, that are all over the place, never uniform, never evenly spaced out, always extremely variable, etc.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Of course, love that too. Icy bumps are not a joke however.

[@markbaum9615]

Don't dismiss the uniformity of fake bumps for instructional purposes .. Yet, nothing beats ungroomed domain to master the art of bumpage