AUSTRIA The Austria Way - Moguls/Bumps

By Angela Pope

The Austrian Ski Instructors Association (Österreichischer Skilehrerverband (ÖSV) presented two on-snow clinics at Interski, Moguls/Bumps and The Austrian Progression. In the Mogul Clinic Tom, Juri & Patrick started out by giving a brief overview of the progression and structure. Their structured system of teaching skiing is divided into four different color-coded categories: blue, red, black, and gold. Mogul skiing is in the black category, which is designed for advanced skiers who are looking to refine their technique and take on more challenging terrain.

 

    

 

The ÖSV's method to teaching moguls is based on a few key principles. First and foremost, instructors emphasize teaching the fundamentals, the importance of body position and technique. To successfully navigate moguls, skiers must be able to maintain a stable and balanced stance, while also being able to turn and absorb the bumps quickly and efficiently. To achieve this, the ÖSV focuses on teaching a strong and stable stance, with the knees bent and centred over the skis, and the upper body facing downhill.

The clinic began on moderate blue terrain, which allowed for ample opportunity to practice and develop the skills on a forgiving slope. We spent half the clinic developing these skills on the moderate blue terrain before moving on to the bumps. One of the key drills used by the ÖSV is the extension-retraction drill, which involves extending the legs and then retracting them, while also bending the knees and keeping the upper body still. This drill helps skiers to develop the ability to quickly absorb the impact of the moguls and maintain balance and control. We moved through a series of variations to this drill.  We started with an Extension retraction half garland then moved to Extension retraction garlands.  The garland drill, also known as the chicken-out turn, was emphasized as a valuable exercise for practicing the start or finish of a turn. Jon and Patrick stressed the importance of mastering this drill before moving into developing extension retraction turns on the groomer.

The clinic group then moved to the bumps field! We started out doing extension-retraction across moguls in a traverse, which allows the guest to use the drill in the moguls without fear of picking up speed. The group then moved into down one bump and like our association started to link the bumps together, 1 bump, then 2 bumps then 4 bumps. 

 

    

 

The ÖSV's approach to teaching mogul skiing is similar to that of APSI. Both organizations break down the skills required into smaller steps, allowing skiers to learn each step in isolation before moving on to more complex skills. Both organizations emphasize the importance of body position, technique, and safety in mogul skiing, and the importance of mastering basic skills before progressing to more advanced techniques.

We finished the clinic by skiing the zipper line party style, one after another, which was such a fun and exhilarating experience. The Austrian Mogul Clinic was a good insight into the ÖSV approach and was very informative.