Freestyle mogul skiing is an exhilarating winter sport that combines speed, technique, and aerial maneuvers as athletes navigate a steep, mogul-covered slope. The sport is divided into two main event formats: Single Moguls and Dual Moguls. Both require competitors to showcase their agility and skill while performing jumps and absorbing the impact of rapid mogul turns.
What to Expect
- Course Layout
- The course is a steep, bumpy run filled with evenly spaced moguls (small, rounded snow mounds).
- Two designated jump zones are positioned along the course where athletes perform aerial tricks.
- The finish line marks the end of the timed run.
- Event Formats
- Freestyle Moguls (Single Moguls): Skiers compete one at a time, judged on speed, turns, and aerial tricks.
- Dual Moguls: Two skiers race side by side on parallel courses, adding an exciting head-to-head element. The winner advances in a bracket-style competition.
- Scoring System
- Turns (60%) – Judges evaluate control, technique, and the skier’s ability to absorb moguls smoothly.
- Aerials (20%) – Scores are based on trick difficulty, execution, and landing quality.
- Speed (20%) – Faster times earn more points, with deductions for excessive hesitation or errors.
- Deductions
- Poor turn technique – Loss of control or excessive skidding can result in point deductions.
- Unstable aerial landings – Athletes must land cleanly and in control; instability or falls reduce scores.
- Missed jumps – If a skier fails to complete an aerial maneuver properly, they will receive deductions.
- Excessive breaks in rhythm – Hesitation or slowing down too much can negatively impact scores.
- Not staying in line with the course – Deviating from the intended path leads to deductions.
- Key Athlete Skills
- Knee absorption – Athletes flex and extend their knees rapidly to maintain control over moguls.
- Upper body stability – A quiet, stable upper body contrasts with the dynamic leg movements.
- Explosive jumps – Skiers launch off jumps to perform flips, spins, and grabs, aiming for clean landings.
Best Viewing Spots
- Mid-course – Best for watching technical mogul skiing and turns.
- Jump zones – Great for witnessing high-flying aerial maneuvers.
- Finish area – Ideal for seeing final speeds and athlete reactions.
Parking Information
Parking reservations are required in all Palisades Tahoe parking lots this weekend prior to 1pm. Carpooling and alternative transportation options are highly encouraged. Read our guide on what to do if parking reservations sell out.
Fan Tips
- Dress warmly! These events take place in cold, snowy conditions—layer up.
- Bring binoculars. They help catch details of the jumps and mogul techniques.
- Cheer loudly! Support athletes as they push their limits in this high-adrenaline sport.
Enjoy the action-packed spectacle of freestyle moguls and dual moguls!
Complete Competition Schedule:
Subject to change, weather and conditions permitting.
