Mogul skill building: Pole touch in moguls

Goal: Taming moguls
Level: Expert
Suggested terrain: Moguls on a slope well below your ability (easier)
Author: Kobus Reyneke
Summary: Correct pole technique is extremely important in the moguls.

Photos and Videos coming soon!

IMPORTANT! Understanding our approach and philosophy is important if you'd like to successfully use the drills in Ski Smarts
 ... read more.

Many instructors still teach pole "blocking" in the moguls.. Blocking is fine if you are an old dog in the bumps, but for anyone except the experts, a block will pull your shoulders back and throw you off balance. You'll also lose your much-needed anticipated (countered) stance.
  • Don't block; TOUCH!

Touch and punch
This is actually good for skiing on any terrain--"punch" your hand over the pole as you touch it to the snow. The action "pulls" your upper body down the hill.

Immediately following the pole touch, punch that hand forward and over the top of the pole grip down the flow line.

Reach out and down
This triggers a breakthrough for many--instead of touching the poles on the top or on the uphill side of the bumps, reach over the bump and try to touch it as far down the downhill side as possible. It works wonders.

Reaching down keeps your body moving forward and introduces patience into the turn. Try it!

  • In the moguls, the poles should always swing straight down the flow line.

Swing without touching
Swinging the poles without touching will prevent you from leaning on the poles. It will also help direct the upper body down the flow line.

Practice on short radius turns on groomed terrain, before applying it to moguls.

Print this out for future reference and remember to have fun!