Any slope that is used by a large number of skiers develops
moguls, or bumps (the two terms are synonymous). The process starts
when, by chance, a few skiers turn in the same place. They carve a gentle
dip and create a tiny mound. Successive skiers find it easier to turn
in the same place, and each scrapes out the dip a little more and pushes
up the mound a little further. Soon the snow is sculpted into a series
of pronounced bumps.
The uphill stem turn allows you to make your first sorties into this
landscape. The key lies in timing your turn so that you take advantage of
the terrain. Make your first attempts on isolated bumps on shallow slopes,
before venturing into more difficult mogul fields. The uphill stem is a versatile turn and can be used in quite extreme
bumps.
Begin in the standard traverse stance. Choose your mogul and approach
the uphill face. Bring your pole forwards to anticipate the pole plant.
As you pass over the mogul, push your unweighted uphill ski into
a stem and plant your pole.
Transfer pressure onto the stemmed ski, steering it towards the fall
line. Release the pole as you pass it.
Match your inside ski. Flex down and complete the
turn in a controlled, parallel skid down the far side of the mogul.
As you finish your turn, rise back up into the standard traverse
stance and plot your route to the next turn.
TIPS
Time your turn for the crest of the mogul. Stem too early and you
will have to work hard to steer your skis; stem too late and you will
be thrown off balance by passing over the crest of the mogul.
Don't leave your pole planted for too long: this will pull your
arm behind you and throw you off balance.
Try to turn on every mogul. Once you miss one, your rhythm is ruined.
![[Photos: Complete skier]](/graphics/ifyouski/photos/moguls1.jpg)
![[Photos: Complete skier]](/graphics/ifyouski/photos/moguls2.jpg)
![[Photos: Complete skier]](/graphics/ifyouski/photos/moguls3.jpg)
![[Photos: Complete skier]](/graphics/ifyouski/photos/moguls4.jpg)
![[Photos: Complete skier]](/graphics/ifyouski/photos/moguls5.jpg)
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