Use the Back Face of Each Bump as a Platform to Turn On

What This Cue Means

When you’re skiing moguls at an expert level, every bump becomes a tool rather than an obstacle. The cue “Use the back face of each bump as a platform to turn on” is about seeing the mogul not just as something to avoid or absorb, but as a pivot point that can help you guide your skis smoothly through the field.

The back face of a bump is the downslope side after the peak. It’s usually less steep and offers a natural angle that supports your skis as you initiate your turn. Instead of trying to carve on the bump’s peak or front face, which can be uneven and unstable, you wait until you reach the backside. Here, the bump acts like a little ramp or platform that helps your skis pivot around more easily.

When to Use It

When done right, you’ll feel a subtle but firm pressure under your skis as you roll them onto the back face. It’s almost like the bump is giving you a gentle push to start your turn. This timing helps keep your upper body balanced and your legs ready to absorb the next bump. The rhythm becomes smoother because you’re not fighting the terrain; you’re working with it.

How to Practice

A common mistake is trying to turn too early, right on the bump’s peak or front face. This often makes your skis skid or catch unexpectedly, throwing off your balance. On the other hand, waiting too long to turn means you end up rushing your movements and lose control, especially in tight mogul fields.

This cue fits into the broader skill set of expert mogul skiing by emphasizing precise timing and movement flow. For more on controlling your line and body position, check out the expert moguls skill page. Related cues like “Absorb bumps with flexed legs” and “Keep your upper body stable over your skis” complement this technique well.

Remember, using the back face as a platform is about making the bumps work for you, not against you. Turn Lab highlights this as a key movement strategy to improve your pivot and maintain consistent rhythm in challenging mogul terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why focus on the back face of the bump instead of the front?

The back face offers a stable, angled platform that naturally assists in pivoting your skis, whereas the front face is steeper and less predictable for initiating turns.

How does this cue help with timing in mogul skiing?

Turning on the back face sets a consistent rhythm, allowing you to anticipate each bump’s shape and adjust your movements smoothly.

What happens if I try to turn too early or too late on the bump?

Turning too early can cause you to lose balance or get stuck on the bump’s steep front, while turning too late may result in rushed, unstable movements and poor line choice.