TL;DR: Mogul skis are specially designed for navigating bumpy terrains, featuring characteristics like shorter length, narrower waist, pronounced tips and tails, softer flex, and specific core materials. Key features to consider when choosing mogul skis include flexibility, sidecut, length, ski width, core material, and camber/rocker profile. In this article, I recommend several top mogul skis for 2024, each with unique features catering to different skier preferences. The right pair of mogul skis can significantly enhance a skier's ability to tackle challenging mogul runs with confidence and control.

I’ve been skiing for over 25 years, and in that time, I’ve found that mogul skiing is widely recognized as the ultimate challenge on the slopes, demanding precision, agility, and the right equipment. Navigating through moguls requires a solid skill set and the right skis. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the critical features of what makes good mogul skis, delve into the nuances of ski construction, and present a curated list of recommended mogul skis for various preferences and skill levels. Remember, you can always reach out to a Curated Expert to help you find what skis would be the best for you and your ability level!

What Are Mogul Skis?

Defining mogul skis can be a bit difficult, since there isn’t really one “true” type of mogul ski. However, mogul skiers tend to look for certain characteristics when it comes to finding a suitable mogul ski. They often have a shorter length to facilitate quick turns, and a narrow waist for better edge control. The tips and tails have more rocker to aid in initiating and completing turns efficiently. Additionally, mogul skis may have a softer flex to absorb the impacts of moguls, and provide a smoother ride. Skiers who enjoy tackling mogul runs or participating in mogul competitions often opt for skis that match these characteristics in order to optimize their performance and responsiveness on mogul fields' demanding and dynamic terrain.

Features to Look for in Mogul Skis

Here are some features to look out for in your next ski purchase if you want to hit moguls like a pro:

Flexibility

Flexibility is a crucial factor in mogul skiing, allowing skiers to absorb the impact of bumps and maintain control over their turns. Mogul skis are designed with a specific flex pattern that balances responsiveness and stability. Unlike other skis, mogul skis typically have a softer flex, enabling quicker and more controlled turns, catering to the dynamic nature of mogul skiing.

Sidecut

A ski's sidecut refers to its hourglass shape, narrower waist, and broader tips and tails. In mogul skiing, a well-defined sidecut is crucial for initiating and completing turns efficiently, enabling skiers to navigate moguls with precision. Mogul skis often feature a more pronounced sidecut than others, facilitating quicker edge-to-edge transitions and making it easier to navigate tight turns on mogul courses.

Length

Choosing the correct length for mogul skis depends on various factors, including skier height, weight, and skill level. Shorter skis are generally better than longer skis for mogul skiing, providing increased maneuverability in tight spaces. Shorter length enhances maneuverability, allowing skiers to turn rapidly and navigate bumps more efficiently, which contributes to better control—a crucial aspect of tackling challenging moguls.

Ski Width

Ski width directly influences performance in moguls. While wider skis provide stability and float in powder and fresh snow, mogul enthusiasts generally prefer narrower skis for enhanced agility and quick edge-to-edge transitions. For mogul skiing, skis with a waist width between 70 mm and 90 mm underfoot are most recommended; however, it is generally up to the skier's preference. Going with a narrower or wider ski than the recommended width isn't going to ruin your mogul skiing experience, so don't worry too much.

Core Material

The core material of mogul skis plays a vital role in overall performance. A lightweight yet durable core is essential for maintaining agility and responsiveness, while providing the necessary strength to withstand the impact of moguls. Popular core materials for mogul skis include lightweight woods such as paulownia or balsa, combined with carbon or fiberglass layers. This construction ensures a good balance between strength and weight, enhancing the ski's performance in mogul conditions.

Camber and Rocker

Camber and rocker refer to the ski's profile when resting on a flat surface. Combining a cambered and rockered profile in mogul skis is crucial for effective turn initiation and bump absorption. Mogul skis often feature a combination of moderate camber underfoot for edge control, and rocker in the tip and tail for improved maneuverability. This profile allows skiers to navigate moguls with precision and confidence.

The Best Mogul Skis

Keep in mind that this list does not rank any ski over another—it's just to give you an idea of what options are out there, and which skis might suit you best. One of these skis might be the perfect pair for you, but not for another skier. As with most things in life, it's really up to your preference, personality, and skill level.

Now, let's explore my most recommended mogul skis for the upcoming year:

1. Völkl Kendo 88 Skis 2024

The 2024 Volkl Kendo 88 Skis are versatile all-mountain skis, perfect for skiing moguls. This ski has revised geometry and a tight turning radius, thanks to a one-meter shorter center radius in its 3D Radius Sidecut. This ski's versatility encourages a sporty, intuitive style on groomed slopes, and provides the maneuverability and flexibility you need to navigate mogul terrain. It also has a multilayer wood core surrounded by a full sidewall and a P-Tex base.

2. Salomon Stance 84 Skis 2024

The 2024 Salomon Stance 84 is an all-mountain ski that offers excellent stability and good edge hold while skiing moguls. The ski has a progressive frontside sidecut and a poplar wood core that offers lively and controllable turns, no matter how steep or deep the snow is. The Titanal frame also gives you the right energy to cruise through crud and icy groomers.

3. Stockli Nela 88 Skis Women's 2024

The 2024 Stockli Nela 88 Skis are a versatile women's ski that can handle any terrain, and are an excellent option for mogul skiers. With impressive dampening qualities and exceptional edge hold, these skis dominate even on rough and icy terrain. The ski has a waist of 88 mm, and a progressive frontside sidecut. The poplar wood core provides a solid foundation for the ski, while the Titanal frame's sheets of metal offer good power transfer and make it easier to ski through hard or soft snow.

4. Armada ARV 88 Skis 2024

The 2024 Armada ARV 88 Skis are an excellent choice for intermediate skiers who often tackle groomed and hard-packed terrain. With an underfoot width of 88 mm, full tip/tail rocker, and medium to firm flex, they provide good stability, easy turn initiation, and playful maneuverability. The ski has a poplar wood core and a w3Dgewall sidewall construction that improves durability. The ash inserts underneath the bindings reinforce a typically weak spot, so you can trust that your gear won't let you down. The ski is also a true park performance ski, with tons of camber underfoot and a poppy poplar core.

5. Rossignol Experience 80 CA Skis 2024

The 2024 Rossignol Experience 80 CA Skis are all-mountain skis that deliver a full carve across the entire resort. Perfect for beginners, or intermediate to advanced skiers. They’re designed to ensure smooth and progressive absorption of uneven terrain in all types of snow, and their perfectly tailored profile and sidecut guarantees the ideal behavior of the tips in any condition. The flex is tuned to deliver a relaxed feel and effortless carving. These skis have a progressive frontside sidecut and a paulownia wood core, offering a ski that can make quick turns through any terrain.

6. Head Kore 93 Skis 2024

The 2024 Head Kore 93 Skis are an all-mountain specialist that can carve up corduroy, fly through moguls, conquer tough snow conditions, or offer lightweight performance for touring. They’re designed to ensure smooth and progressive absorption of uneven terrain areas in all types of snow, and have a light build with confident edge control for all-resort skiing. The flex is tuned to deliver a relaxed feel and effortless carving.

7. Faction Le Mogul Pro 2024

The 2024 Faction Le Mogul Pro Ski is a handmade, all-mountain freestyle ski designed for pure mogul enthusiasts. It has a waist of 66 mm, and a progressive frontside sidecut that guarantees controllable turns through moguls. They have a poplar and beech wood core construction, with an elliptical sidecut that provides flex, pop, and vibration absorption. This model is stiffer than the standard Le Mono, making it ideal for those looking for precision handling when hitting the bumps.

8. Black Crows Captis Skis 2024

The 2024 Black Crow Captis are another excellent option for mogul skiers. Their ability to change edges quickly, bend easily, and move nimbly allows them to thrive in this terrain. The ski profile carves well through the bumps, and they transfer well between jump-turns and longer carves.

How to Choose the Right Mogul Skis

Finding the right mogul skis for you might seem difficult with how many options are out there. To figure out which ski is the right one for you, you first need to figure out what your main use for the ski will be. Are you a competitive mogul skier who needs the perfect ski for a demanding sport? Or are you a more casual skier who enjoys moguls, and is looking for a ski that will excel in moguls but still allow you to ski comfortably on the rest of the mountain?

If you’re looking for a ski to add to your quiver that will only be used for moguls, take a look at the skis that have more of a freestyle cut to them, like the Armada ARV 88s, Faction Le Mogul Pros, or the Black Crow Captis. If you’re looking for an all-arounder that still performs great on moguls, I’d recommend taking a look at some of the all-mountain skis, such as the Volkl Kendo 88s, the Salomon Stance 84s, the Stockli Nela 88s, or the Rossignol Experience 80 CAs, and size down around 5 inches from the length of skis that you normally use to make turning easier. A general rule is a mogul ski should sit around your chin height.

Find the Best Mogul Skis for You

Choosing the right pair of skis is essential for maximizing your slope performance and enjoyment. To do this, skiers must make informed decisions that tailor to their needs by understanding the importance of ski construction and their own skill levels and preferences. The right mogul skis can significantly enhance a skier's ability to navigate challenging mogul runs confidently and in control, leading to an elevated mogul skiing experience.

If you’re still looking for more advice on how to find your perfect pair of mogul skis, chat with a Curated Winter Sports Expert for free, personalized advice, and get fitted with the perfect skis so you can conquer moguls with style!