Skiing Tips - Drifting Is A Valuable Ski Technique In Moguls And Powder

In our Mogul and Powder Skiing Tip series we talk a lot about the importance of a "drift" or "drifting" to control speed in the bumps. So, what exactly is the definition of a drift?

A drift occurs when you use a combination of rotation (steering the skis perpendicular or higher to the fall line) and edging (using less edge angle - which creates lateral movement - in order to create friction) for the purpose of reducing, or better controlling speed.

In general, the higher your tips are vis-a-vis the fall line and the less edge angle you use, the slower your speed will be. This is probably the most effective way to control speed in moguls because, when done properly (1) it allows you to control your speed without the need for fast reflexes and (2) because the technique is independent of reflex speed it is equally effective regarless of the steepness of the mogul run.

A drift will produce the maximum in speed control when a greater percentage of your momentum is moving laterally rather than moving forward.

By definition, if 51% of your momentum is moving forward then you are likely carving and we want to avoid carving. So - for maximum speed control - flatten your skis and/or steer your ski tips higher in the fall line to make sure that 51% or more of your momentum is drifting laterally DOWN the fall line toward the location where you intend to make your next turn. This gives you the ability to increase or decrease your speed just by making small and subtle adjustments to your edge angles.

To your success in becoming a better mogul and powder skier.

Skiing tips are brought to you by BUMPS FOR BOOMERS® - where you quickly learn how to ski moguls and powder. BUMPS FOR BOOMERS® is an adult specialty program of the Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen • 1-970-989-2529

See Aspen Colorado 24/7 through the lens of our exclusive Aspen Webcam.