Mogul skiing: tactics, pole plants, edging, rotary, teaching focus points

Nuggets of content here for the instructor, the avid mogul skier or someone needing new focus points to improve their mogul skiing

[@Allen-by6ci]

You know it's a serious lesson when Deb takes off the skis and crawls around on her hands and knees. Nice job Deb.

[@rebenasrekoms]

I also admired the part where she marches backwards on the skis to get back up to the VW bump all the while still facing the camera and explaining. ❤

[@jillandward]

this is the most informative approach to skiing moguls that I've ever come across! Usually its someone ripping down a zipper line showing us how awesome they are. As a newer skier that is trying to develop a competency in navigating bumps to be able to access more of the mountain, I really appreciate this video. Thank you!!

[@stzhou881001]

It's criminal your channel only has 73.5k subscribers. An Olympic champion to boot... I love how humble you are and don't advertise that.

[@hanzhefeng]

OMG this is so far the most in-depth mogul skills i've ever seen, thanks to the close shot for those bumps! and thanks for sharing

[@RickStalkerG55]

Great explanation and example of skiing bumps.

[@Jake-fk5zw]

One video after watching a dozen and I have an entirely new perspective on how to take my technical ability up a whole level. Thank you for putting out this content for free, you're amazing!

[@AlexAutoYYC]

Deb, I have to say that your tutorials are the best! I took a tons of useful information and tricks from you! Thank you so much!

[@rajeshmarfatia4250]

This might be one of the best mogul/bumps tutorials I've seen in 20 years. The absolute fundamentals which have made profound difference/improvements in my skiing... brilliant.

[@Moonplant432]

I just came back from a wonderful week at Ski Santa Fe. I've skiied for over 50 years and this video was so helpful to refine my approach to bumps.

[@user-lk9or3ki9p]

Best instructional mogul lesson I have seen!

[@SMEGMA42069]

did my first double black endurance mogul run this past weekend, this video helped a lot. Never had formal lessons so I wasn't doing a lot of things which seem obvious now after watching this.

[@blueskiesskiing]

I've watched many KZbin videos about mogul skiing. For me, this was the most useful!

[@bruhkamp]

I love your videos. The spine side-slip is something I learned from an instructor at Taos several years ago. I use it all the time when the bumps are extremely rutted out (i.e. down to debris).

[@stevegordonson720]

Great video and love how skiing each mogul was so well illustrated. As I was watching I was wondering when the pole plant would be covered, but you got there.

[@roberts.2536]

I like the tactics covered here especially the sideslip along the spine. Very often bumps are not rounded off at the tops but rather pointy as shown here. The low edge angles and emphasis on rotation reminds me of how I used to watch the late great Joe Wood ski bumps, with just enough edge angle to get it done and no more.

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Precisely. Glad you’re on board with these concepts! ❤

[@richardcastle803]

Deb and Scott, thanks for this video! Such a clean and clear thought process to approach the bumps. Haven't bothered much with bumps ever as I am enjoying detuned race slalom skis, but this weekend I found myself on bumps after dropping into a steep cornice bowl. Tried the approach and for the first time I really enjoyed the bumps! It wasn't a good situation to try new techniques, but the approach is so simple and flexible that it is worth trying. Just don't drop into expert terrain for the first attempt!

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Glad you found the value in these tactics!

[@christophersharp1828]

Deb your YT videos are so doggone useful to me, thank you!!! I was just out at Taos end of February and so bummed I missed you!!! Wanted to meet you so bad. BUT, I did get to have Alain tune my skis, meet him, and have him fly past me on the mountain... priceless.

[@lolo_persian]

Love it! Invaluable tips, gonna find some bumps to practice!

[@user-iw5mp5th6d]

So easy to get into the back seat, pick up speed, and then blow up in VW bumps with a spine. Excellent video explaining how to avoid that.

[@NibbleSnarph]

And now I see it, I am on the cliff with high edge angle wondering why my skis don’t want to rotate and instead shoot out from underneath me in the edge line. So insightful, excited to got hit moguls this weekend!

[@watchfulatmoney1911]

Riding the moguls/bumps is a love-hate relationship. Bumps come in all shapes and sizes which in turn constantly changes their dynamics. You could either have some nice fluffy pow bumps that are forgiving. Or you can have bumps like the conditions in the video that will make you work extra hard physically, but also mentally as you need to really visualize your line based on the condition of the mogul. Overall though riding the moguls is so crucial to being a better skier in my opinion as you develop so many valuable skills and confidence in your skiing.

[@markvaldez8602]

so excited to try these tips out in the moguls! I tried one mogul run and left with my tail tucked between my legs but I'm coming back for revenge!!!!!

[@KeithCamden]

This is so wonderful. I love how this lesson incorporates a bunch of past lessons; side slipping, falling leaf drill, doing short radius turns on the flats, skiing to the neighboring bump. I was just at Mary Jane for a couple of weeks with my daughter, and we talked about Deb’s lessons while we were skiing bumps. Thanks Deb.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Love it!!

[@theclimbingchef]

Just had a moguls lesson and i felt more confused after than before. Thank you for a great refresh of how and what it should feel like

[@MrSjGibbs]

Vision focus is really important too. I tell my students to look at the next bump down. You are on one and committed to the next one so be looking at the next bump down. It slows everything down. Good tips, and words, thanks.

[@billtanch8273]

What a great demo team! Terrific, packed video. Onward!

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Aww. Thanks. ❤😊

[@rayj3215]

The best "how to bump" video, it really helps. Thanks Deb!

[@Mars_Life_and_Beings]

Excellent explanation of avoiding the T-bone by going flat edge. Body position is important on the wider swing. Keeping hips forward and bend zeee knees.

[@ladperenyi993]

Great video showing how to make terrain your friend, really lucid explanation of so much important stuff!

[@arnaldosimisschver523]

brilliant lesson Deb, crystal clear, thanks for your time

[@mileshinton2291]

I agree with everything in the video. Skiing against the neighboring bump seems like one would be going much faster. However it turns out that that it is not faster because you travel a much longer distance in a bigger arc. It does take more courage and trust to learn.

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Thanks for your reflection. To go slower and attain speed control, one has to spend more time in the fall line. Seems counter-intuitive, right?

[@bobdavis2689]

Scott, oh yes, does seem counterintuitive. But when I've bailed out and pogoed across several bumps, I'm reminded of the wisdom of your statement. 😳

[@ParkingLotBacon]

Great stuff. I kept getting distracted by those empty chairs in the background. Apparently I need to get to Taos.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ha!!!!! Yes you do, but we were on an 8am chair😉

[@rebenasrekoms]

Such an excellent and helpful video as always!

[@AKFortyKevin25]

This video hit for me at the absolutely perfect time! I just graduated to blues and blue bumps last week and was really struggling with larger moguls - picking up speed, turning too quickly, and finding myself "T-boning" the bump just as you describe. This video is just a toolbox full of tools to handle this exact scenario - perfect video from the best ski school on youtube!

[@jogihaug9243]

I love your authentic videos

[@shoes123uk8]

Well explained and demonstrated, Thank you! ❤

[@billalbert5829]

Wow! Incredible Video. I learned so much from this video!

[@kenkoellner9421]

A couple of my fave one-liners for the bumps... First "No window shopping." Window shopping is looking at the bumps from the lift trying to plan a line; they'll look completely different coming down, don't waste your time. Talk to your buds about your favorite beer or music on the lift and save the skiing for the way down. "Touch him in the toes; punch him in the nose." Refers to that pole plant when slowing at the top of the bump. When skiers first learn that, they may hang on to that pole plant and let the pole pull their shoulder back; a cure is to bunch forward with the hand when starting the new turn.

[@Osnosis]

One analogy I use is “think of it like a stick-shift and push the (planted) pole into 3rd gear”.

[@PantheonChun]

Thanks for sharing the informative bump lesson. I'm used to jumping on top of the bump for a quick turn, but sometimes i couldn't control direction well through moguls. I'll try those useful skill next time for improving my moguls skiing.

[@jimroberts6176]

A lot of great info and tips!

[@DLeopoldi914]

Excellent video. One thing that made me better at skiing steeps is shorter poles because you reach more for the plant so your not in the back seat.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Hum, that reach gives me the visual of breaking at the waist??

[@DLeopoldi914]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrongright and it’s timing but shorter poles makes you reach more to plant keeping your weight down the hill

[@markbaum9615]

I'm with Deb on this one..... VW bumps ...slight longer poles.. However...shorties thru the zip line All day.......36" zippers

[@jontwibell2467]

Very helpful video, thank you!

[@humanbeing2420]

I think the key prerequisite to being able to execute the techniques shown here is to first be in the same stance as these experts. To them it's second nature, but it's the one thing I'm always conscious of as I ski. That stance requires commitment and work, because you have to flex a lot of leg muscles and keep them flexed as long as your skis are moving. In that stance, you are in the optimum position to use your skis and their edges for their designed purposes. If you're not in that stance, you will not ski well - end of story.

[@datukalex]

Bend knees when you’re at the top of the bump. Extend the legs as you make the turn. That’s all I’ve got to add 😊

[@bobdavis2689]

I find it helpful to visualize keeping my head at a constant distance from the snow. Watch the good bump skiers, their head seems to be floating down the mountain as their legs leap around.

[@vladarino]

Moguls are what's keeping me from transitioning from intermediate to advanced. I keep working at 'em. This video helps a lot. Great tips. I for one have whipped out of the steep side of a bump one to many times at uncomfortable speeds. Often doesn't end well.

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Moguls stand between you and a lot of really cool places! Hope you can start to conquer them. ;)

[@vladarino]

@@scott.e.wiseman Yes, my advanced friends go on wonderful journeys on the advanced side of the mountain without me :-( I'll get there!

[@leeseoWestport]

Oh man…this great. I want to get out there so bad to try these techniques.

[@lenma2816]

好多謝，教得好細致

[@MrEyeist]

A ski that is a little bit thinner, shorter, and lighter than your all-mountain ski is a fun mogul ski for your quiver. Those things help to have a shorter turn radius and to not work as hard. Also, a flat tail helps with pivoting.

[@user-tp7xg1vl3g]

I wish KZbin allows me to give this lesson more that one thumbs up!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ha! Thanks

[@PR-rh9qm]

Bigger bumps than Deb's Steamboat Springs videos, apparently a bit crustier snow, and some obstacles too. There are so many ways, and so many different shapes of moguls, different slopes, and different snow conditions! I like that this one shows a "go slow" method of bump survival. I would like to see more on absorption, but for the moguls here I don't think it's much of a factor. Nice job, and fun to watch.

[@ChuckBricker]

Great lesson. I have a couple of questions: 1. what would you say is the weight distribution of the skis hitting the top of the mogul and then switching skis after the turn on the backside of the mogul 80/20? 70/30 or 50/50? 2. How do you keep your skis together, are you thinking of feet or knees together? Mine tend to be okay on easier moguls, but on harder more irregular moguls get separated and then start going off on different directions. Your previous mogul videos have improved my mogul skiing quite a bit, but still a work in progress (especially in harder/icier conditions or moguls with deep troughs like a toboggan run). Thanks again!

[@scott.e.wiseman]

1. It’s really difficult to say what percent of weight is on which ski because of how much it varies in a mogul run. But you do want to be predominantly weighted to the outside ski in every turn. More weight on inside ski is a common problem and will feel very unbalanced. 2. If you ski the bumps according to the line Deb and I are suggesting, you’ll find your feet working together more. There’s nothing more unnerving than one ski getting caught on the cliff of a bump and another in the trough and the terrain pulls our feet apart.

[@MissySkis]

I learned more about using the adjacent bump firsthand when I did the women's ski week last season in Taos. (Shout out to our awesome instructor Lindsay!) Anyway, I was just in Big Sky and this came in so very handy in the bumps and trees there.. it's awesome to have another tactic in my arsenal for different terrain and bump types. Very useful tactic to work on.. when I'm able to use it it definitely brings more flow to my bump skiing.. which needs all the help it can get and is very much a work in progress! :) I am curious though.. what specifically will help when you have double fall line bumps? I have a really hard time with flow there and with not just continuing to go more and more down to whichever side the trail leans versus staying high and going down the fall line.. due to the longer and shorter turns on each side when that type of terrain occurs. I have no problem with this on a groomer with a double fall line, but when bumps get thrown in forget it.

[@williamparr8356]

Alpi Native,, Tactics for the bumps. Great Video.. Shop for the bumps with the credit card out. Don't T-Bone. I share your story with the kids. You're the best of us. Debbie's Gold ❤ You should see the kids, Alpi's producing some real skiers.. ❤Fall line of Nash to Felson, under the cliffs, in to Snake Dance (skiers right) Cheers & thanks for filling me with the spirit of a champ Sincerely Will

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Love it. Thank you🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@up_an_down]

I hope you get plenty more snow there Scott.. I may be there for a few days later this March

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Oh, you and me both. The bumps have gotten crispy! 😅

[@gogglebro9421]

Deb, is what looks to me like a concrete structure being built in the base area the new St. Bernard Hotel? And thanks to you and Scott for this wonderful primer for skiing the bumps at TSV. //Marshall

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Yes, that will be the new St B

[@gogglebro9421]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Thank you.

[@zvonimirleko2131]

Thank you

[@larrynjr]

I love your video's Deb. BUT, what I'd love to see is a mogul video on steep icy slopes, with crusty icy bumps and icy troughs. Thats what is what I find on my home mountain more often than not. Also the bumps never seem to be a regularly spaced. They are weirdly staggered and hard (for me) to visualize a path. (58 y.o. skier) Thanks!

[@danielsteinberg4209]

Yup, icy bumps here in the east may call for different tactics, including taking advantage of the high edge angle and pressure under foot available on the spine/back of a bump.

[@Eddie07S]

Ski the East! For bumps here, I like the flat ski method shown here. With a flat ski I can side slip on the front half of the ski to the next bump. There I let the bump slow me down and compress the ski in prep for the turn around that bump. This allows me to do what Deb talked about in the beginning - not T-bone the backside of the bump I am going around. This works for my 71 y.o. bones. I will admit, there are many ways to get through the bump, though. However, I think no matter how you make the turns, you can’t let the skis get ahead of you. Getting on the tails will end it very quickly.

[@larrynjr]

surprisingly, i'm in Wa. state. early powder here is great but within days it's hard and fast and apparently no one knows how to create regularly spaced moguls. I've got the most # of days on the hill this season ever and I'm feeling more in control and comfortable but still, those icy bumps and troughs.....

[@chadwolak882]

Deb. Your videos are amazing. They are the best. I would take 1000 lessons with you if I could afford it. Best skis for bumps and carving groomers?

[@bobdavis2689]

Since no one answered yet, my two bits: for bumps a softish rockered ski is better. For carving pistes, a stiffer fully cambered ski is better. Here in the East, underfoot width of mid 80s seems useful.

[@NeilDHerbert]

I can see the technique better. But I still struggle to see the route after the first turn. Thanks for the help.

[@Gregworms]

Were you at Alpental yesterday? I hadn’t seen your videos before but after discovering your videos today and watching a few , including the one where you say alpental is your favorite ski place, i think i road chair 2 with you.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ha! No, not there yesterday 😉

[@stuartjackiegraymccoy8151]

Thanks!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you!!!!

[@KmmBev]

Your bumps look so wide and luxurious compared to the ones we have here at Mad River Glen on Chute.. they are very condensed and have large troughs.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Watch the clip closer where I demo three or 4 turns of the sideslipping the spine of the bump. I understand your bumps are even deeper and sharper but the bumps I’m on will give you an idea. Utilizing the spine is a good way to go

[@KmmBev]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrongthanks Deb, I find myself utilizing everything I can find 😂 fun fact MRG held an IFSA competition on Chute yesterday and all the kids from out west were appalled at what we ski😂 hope to make it out west someday!

[@steveosterday3179]

One of the fist comments is about upper body, and he turns shoulders (not his hips)?? … There were just two videos on ‘hips’; basically a discussion on distinctions between the shoulders, hips, legs. (One of your own and one coordinated with PSIA). I want to offer that it’s turning the legs in the hips. Most people skiing bumps go where there hips direct them; for many of Scott’s turns, the hips move to the fall line and the skis follow. I’m not sure of what I’m seeing??? Are the hips mostly more aligned with the skis as I think u talked about in the hip video. Then moving to the fall line (more separation) at turn initiation? This is an awesome video that I have already shared with others.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Not sure I am following you. Scott is talking about turning the legs and not turning the hips as opposed to the other videos I made on squaring up the hips, different types of turns

[@billtanch8273]

Steve... Can't speak for Deb, but cooked down... 1) Smaller/quicker turns ie SL turns and moguls>>> still upper body facing down the fall line / towards the valley...be supple...don't be to literal about it. 2) Larger/"slower" turns ie GS/cruising groomers >>> quiet upper body with shoulders,hips, knees and ankles mimicking with Tip Lead...be supple...don't be to literal about it. Hth.

[@BlueAxisYachts]

It's not a T-Bone if your jumping in the bumps...but great way to explain it to my kids!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Who said jumping?

[@BlueAxisYachts]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong at 2:41 I would have jumped that bump and cased the top of the next then turned.if i needed to check my speed. But when teaching my kids I need to teach them the correct lines when learning and not setting up to T-bone the next bump from the initial turn up top. I make my 6 and 7-year-old watch all of your videos you do an incredible job breaking it all down and keeping it fun.

[@sheldonpaula]

I have been trying to learn how to ski the “bumps” this year. Seemed like a good idea at 53. 😂 My question that has never been addressed in any type of video is about the skis. Is there an ideal type of ski or length for moguls? My daily driver is an Atomic Maverick 88 which are 184 in length. At 5’10” I do find the 184 a little long in the bumps and trees, but love them on the groomers. It could just be a lack of skill in the bumps and trees. What are your thoughts on gear for the bumps?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

A bit narrower and shorter may help. I’d suggest demoing

[@Osnosis]

I would agree on length (shorter), but the side cut and design are most critical vis-a-vis width. So-called rockered skis are NOT good in the bumps (except, perhaps on heavy powder days). A traditional tail is critical so you don’t lose ‘grip’ as you finish your turn.

[@Osnosis]

Deb, I call that ‘neighboring bump” the ‘roller coaster ride’. When teaching that line, it reduces the panic a student experiences and slows down the sequence of events in navigating and anticipating bumps.

[@Mongol69_]

I feel that you explain it very clearly, but I still don’t understand English well and can’t learn all the intricacies of ski equipment;)

[@user-gr3ee9sd6h]

SC's are the friendliest "bump" ski...🤫

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Why not?! 😅😂

[@chuckjunge]

Ahem! I love teaching and skiing the blue line.

[@scott.e.wiseman]

“The Taos Instructor line”. Haha😅

[@Esperluet]

Is it less easy with track skis?

[@vladarino]

How long should our pole be when doing moguls? Should our elbow be at a 90 degree angle when holding the pole?

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Interestingly enough, I like to ski with poles some might consider “too short”. The big advantage this has is to stay flexed at the top of a bump. It’s also really helpful in a turn with a lot of retraction, like short turns. With modern technique, we don’t use up-unweighting like we used to. Longer poles encourage us to “pop” up or extend. I’m about 6’ tall and have my adjustable poles currently set at 120cm.

[@markbaum9615]

36 inch ( 92 cm) Is perfect for zipline intermediate bumps..... Our bump group all use around same length and we vary in height 5'6"-6'2".. Try with no poles to force front position and you'll see why shorties are superior

[@vladarino]

​@markbaum9615 92cm? Wow that is short. I've never tried moguls with my sticks that short. Maybe that's part of the reason I'm not good at it. I'm normally at 120cm.

[@chanyu9797]

🎉🎉🎉

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you!!!

[@angesimonpietri4235]

we teach our students to put your pole staps on just incase you drop you pole on the ski run and have to hike back upto get it !

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ok

[@normalizedaudio2481]

How do I get rid of park and ride on steeps?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Move. Thats how you get ride of park and ride everywhere, move

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Strong upper/lower body separation. Never stop turning the feet and legs.

[@dzuvovbrat780]

👍

[@bradmoskowitz2958]

What exactly, is a "triple fall line"?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Great question, I said it and I don’t know🤣🤣

[@bigsquidmeyer]

Slow dog noddles

[@CC-ys8qq]

Those are easy "bumps" lol, how about some tips for equipment, ski flex, length, width, boot flex, in choppy hacked bumps frozen bumps

[@pamgoodley2209]

I think Deb's objective is to provide guidance on the fundamentals to her current 73-thousand subscribers (a wide variety of skill levels and knowledge). I'm betting she'd agree the other factors listed are important; videos of a certain length (to fit attention spans) likely can't cover it all in a thorough manner.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

There is a clip in the video where I side slip the spine of frozen smaller bumps. When I get into deep frozen bumps I often use that tactic to negotiate them

[@Blether333]

Nice. And you're really hitting the moguls this season. For myself, I pretty much avoided them, as usual :) Have you seen this guy ski? One of my favourite ski videos - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3rLqGOwZslkodEsi=1QX07UiTyvQFzWjh - is "technical mogul ski-ing" a thing?

[@jamesreilly7684]

This technique does not work on really steep slopes.. .You need to scrub speed by using the back of the mogul otherwise you will blow out. In well formed bumps this works.

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Locating and positioning yourself on the flat part of the top of the bump will still work on very steep runs.

[@jamesreilly7684]

I think we are saying the same thing. The troughs are not the place to be or even the front side of a bump in the steeps. When you lift the back of your skis (or push down ) to maintain fwd balance you still need to edge to scrub speed. This edging is necessarily either on top of the bump (or on the backside) Are you saying that you edge on the top of the bump? @@scott.e.wiseman

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Good question! On the top of the bump, I’m more focused on the moment just before edge change- the transition. This is where both skis are flat and evenly weighted. From here there are options

[@jamesreilly7684]

It appears that You are arguing for the Olivia Giaccio style of turning on moguls. In a different Deb video she claims that she still carves every turn which makes sense to me. In that scenario you can apply more pressure on the top of the bump to scrub speed. I could do it on my old skinny skies. Not so much on anything above a 96. @@scott.e.wiseman

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Top of the bump is where I let off of pressure.

[@brycejames7626]

Just a point counter-point... turning on top or backside of the bump has its place, except on the upside down canoe bumps caused usually by snowboards. You mentioned this later in the video. Here are the reasons for turning multiple times on a single bump: 1) easier to turn in softer snow from snow scraped off the frontside, 2) speed control, 3) the backside can often offer easier pivoting opportunities. Making two turns out of one big bump has its place. I dont know why you call it T-boning when you can carve the backside, then pivot and then use the front side of the next bump to control speed. This make sense running a zipperline vs wide track bump skiing. As Budha says: there are lots of way to the top of the mountain, in this case, down a mogul field.

[@mrredithhall7115]

💖FUN....da.....mental🎿

[@BrianHoughtaling]

Thanks!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you!!

[@larryc6598]

Thanks!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you!!!