How to Snowboard Moguls: A nwBro Guide

By
drexnefex
Published: Feb 1st, 2010

Moguls have been the nemesis of snowboarders everywhere since the dawn of time.  Although murderous, painful, and technically difficult moguls are in fact manageable.  Still you must be alert at all times or you could find yourself in a sea of moguls with no help.  For example, the last thing you want to do during a “chinese downhill” at Snoqualmie (aka Summit West), is launch off the no-jumping roller located about mid-way down the hill and land in a previously unknown mogul mine field, explode on impact, compress your spine, tea-bag your stomp pad, full body cartwheel and eject your goggles.  Always be aware.

Regardless of how you happen upon these bumps of death there are a few techniques to make your experience safer and more enjoyable.  Lets take a look at a few.




Note: I decided to scientifically rate the methods below base on a 0 to 4 scale–4 being the highest.

Unstrap and walk down.

Safety Rating 3, Fun Rating 0

If you just got off the top chair at Alpental and ate shit, chances you blew it–you’re a beginner in expert terrain.  No sense in half-assing it now.  Head towards Upper International also known as “the most extreme inbounds run in WA state.” Post up on the edge and look below ya.  Are the moguls the size of VW Beetles?  Could you theoretical play hide n seek in these things?  If so, it might be a better idea to just walk down.  As a beginner this isn’t fun to ride anyways, might as well just keep it safe bro.

Jump em.

Safety Rating 0, Fun Rating 4

If the moguls are in the knee to waist high range, or in other words you live in an area (the NW) that gets enough snow to cover (the NW) up moguls on the reg, then you might want to consider jumping these things.  Good chance they’re soft anyways.  Don’t bother scoping a “line” cause whatever path you think you’re gonna take will not be what ends up happening.  Just take a gander up-hill, make sure the coast is clear and point that shit!  Ef it!  Ef your knees!  Double em.  Triple em if you can.  Throw in a grab-tweak maybe.  Yeah dog!

Here’s some inspiration.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnguU1n-3I8

Side-slip.

Safety Rating 3, Fun Rating 2

If you still can’t shake that intermediate rider status you’re probably too good to unstrap and sure as hell aren’t comfortable with your board leaving the ground.  You’re way too proud to let this mogul field get the best of you so there’s really only one thing left to do.  That’s right…side-slip right through the mogul field!  Don’t worry, it helps smooth out the moguls.  Skiers love this.

Ride Around.

Safety Rating 4, Fun Rating 1

Sometimes moguls can just be too much–regardless of your ability level.  Maybe you just don’t feel like jumping, or you don’t want to deal with the body jolting fun that is riding moguls.  Maybe you’re drunk.  In any case, if you do find yourself in this mode there ain’t no shame in just riding around.  Go for it.  Heck, you might even come across another snowboarder walking down.  In this case, realize that the stars have aligned and hose the fuck out of em!  FYI – hosings always max out the fun rating.  So this could potentially be a full 4/4.

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There you have it.  A nwBro Guide to Riding Moguls.  We hope this has been an informative read and that these tips might come in handy on your local hill.  nwBroweather makes no claims to the safety nor efficacy of these mogul riding techniques.  Always use common sense, obey all signs, and ride within your ability level.  Stay safe out there dude!

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