I Want to Ski Bumps Like the Pros - Page 2
By Todd Murchison, January 15, 2001

Pro Mogul skiers ski the moguls competively, they are rated 50% on turns and line, 25% on their two jumps, and 25% on speed. They ski where the water flows, also known as the zipper line. They inspect the run and find the path of least resistance. This is a route that is very close to the fall line and takes them mostly between the moguls. They tend to keep their feet locked together because they are pivoting from edge set to edge set keeping their skis flat whenever possible. Because they let their skis follow a specific and smooth line there is relatively little side-to-side movement in their knees. Yet there is a tremendous up-and-down pumping motion in their legs, as they flex to absorb each bump and then extend over the backside of the bump.

This style of skiing the moguls demands anticipation, comfort with speed, quick feet and a readiness to let your whole body collapse like an accordion to absorb radical terrain changes. It takes less actual finesse and skill to ski this way than you might guess! What it does take is courage, practice, and fast reflexes. The downside of this style of skiing? There is not one member of the US Mogul Team or the Pro Mogul squad who has not had at least one knee surgery. It may take years to catch up with you, but catch up with you it will!

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