What is Freestyle Skiing?
Freestyle skiing is an exciting discipline that combines traditional skiing with acrobatics and creativity. It involves using purpose-built features and performing tricks such as jumps, spins, grabs and flips.
At a competitive level, freestyle skiing includes several recognised disciplines such as moguls, aerials, ski cross, halfpipe, slopestyle and big air. For beginners, freestyle skiing often starts with simple tricks on gentle terrain before progressing to snowpark features.
Who Should Try Freestyle Skiing?
Freestyle skiing is accessible to anyone, but you should already be a confident skier, able to link parallel turns on blue runs and control your speed.
If you’re new to freestyle skiing, learning with a qualified ski instructor is highly recommended. Proper instruction helps you progress faster, build confidence and stay safe while learning new freestyle skills.
When was Freestyle Skiing Invented?
Freestyle skiing was officially recognised as a competitive sport by the International Ski Federation (FIS) in 1979. It made its Olympic debut as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, before moguls became an official medal event in 1992. By the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, all six freestyle skiing disciplines were included in the Olympic programme.
Top Freestyle Skiing Athletes
Freestyle skiing is now one of the most exciting winter sports to watch and participate in. Top freestyle skiers to follow at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics include Eileen Gu (China), Mikael Kingsbury (Canada), Alex Hall (USA), Tess Ledeux (France), Birk Ruud (Norway) and Kirsty Muir (Great Britain).
Freestyle Skiing Olympic Disciplines Explained:
1. Moguls
Mogul skiing involves skiing down a steep course covered in bumps (called moguls) while performing two aerial jumps along the way. Skiers are judged on turn technique, speed and aerial tricks.
2. Aerials
Aerial skiing sees athletes launch off a steep ramp to perform high-flying flips and twists before landing on a steep slope. Judges score take-off, height, distance, execution and landing.
3. Slopestyle
Slopestyle combines freestyle skiing with elements inspired by skateboarding. Skiers ride a course filled with rails, boxes, and jumps, performing tricks on each feature. Creativity, difficulty and execution are key.
4. Halfpipe
The halfpipe takes place in a large U-shaped snow structure. Skiers travel from side to side, launching into the air to perform spins, grabs, and flips. Amplitude, difficulty, variety and execution are judged.
5. Ski Cross
Ski cross is similar to BMX racing on skis. Four athletes race head-to-head down a course featuring jumps, rollers and banked turns. Speed and tactical racing are essential.
6. Big Air
Big Air involves one large jump where skiers perform a single trick. Introduced to the Olympics in 2022, Big Air rewards creativity, style and technical difficulty, with no pre-determined run structure.
What Equipment Do You Need for Freestyle Skiing?
For freestyle skiing, you’ll need your regular ski gear, including skis, boots and poles. A helmet is important for safety. Twin-tip skis are recommended, as they make it easier to ski and land tricks both forwards and backwards. If you don’t have freestyle skis, then an off-piste or freeride ski is preferable.
Five Easy Freestyle Skiing Tricks for Beginners
Ready to try freestyle skiing? These five beginner-friendly tricks can be performed on the piste or in the terrain park and are perfect for first-timers.
Trick 1: Tip drag to switch skiing
A stylish move where you drag your ski tip while rotating smoothly into switch (backwards) skiing.
Trick 2: The spread eagle jump
A classic, big-energy jump where you spread your skis wide in the air for maximum style and airtime!
Trick 3: The Japan grab
A playful grab where you reach behind your boot to hold the ski mid-air.
Trick 4: The shifty on skis
A quick, controlled hip-twist that turns the skis one way and the upper body the other way.
Trick 5: The worm turn
A smooth on-snow pivot where you slide on your front and rotate back onto your feet.
Learn These 5 Easy Freestyle Skiing Tricks for Beginners (Video Tutorial)
Watch the full freestyle skiing tutorial with former Freeride World Tour athlete Frankie P, where he demonstrates these top 5 beginner freestyle ski tricks step by step.
Tips for Learning Freestyle Skiing Tricks Safely
Safety is essential when learning freestyle skiing, especially for beginners trying their first tricks. Top safety tips:
- Start small and progress gradually
- Practice tricks on gentle terrain first
- Always check your surroundings and landing area
- Wear a helmet and consider back protection
- Never attempt tricks beyond your ability level
Book Freestyle Skiing Lessons with Maison Sport
Whether you need help navigating a snowpark for the first time, want to learn new tricks or improve your freestyle skiing skills, private freestyle ski lessons with Maison Sport can help you progress safely and confidently.
During a private lesson, your instructor will guide you through jumps, boxes, rails and beginner tricks, all tailored to your ability level. From learning your first 360° to refining advanced tricks, our top-rated instructors will help you reach your freestyle skiing goals.
