Mogul skiing is our long standing program that has been passed down through a number of generations of directors and coaches. Started by Park Smalley in the mid 70’s, the program owes its current success to his pioneering spirit. Currently directed by one of Park’s former athletes from the time he was a child to a large part of his time on the US Ski Team, Bobby Aldighieri now leads the program. Bobby and his staff aim to create a world class training environment that offers programming for U13 skiers that simply want to have fun and learn to ski proficiently up to the High Performance group with World Cup and Olympic aspirations. The SSWSC produces more Olympians than any other town in the US and mogul skiers have been a significant part of that tally. We believe with innovative thinking, clear goals and organization we can provide high quality programming for all levels of athletes through the SSWSC. It is a great environment for kids to learn and develop skills that is based the history of diligence and pride that the club has had for so many years. The support of the community is evident at all times and we are very fortunate to be part of the history of this 100 plus year old club.
SSWSC is one of very few clubs in the world to have a water ramp facility to practice aerial and acrobatic skills throughout the summer. Six different jumps on a plastic surface landing into Bald Eagle Lake gives skiers the opportunity to progress their tricks in a safer environment. Check out the video, courtesy of Steamboat Ski Resort, to get a taste of what it’s like at our water ramp facility.
Interesting Facts About Mogul Skiing
- The term “mogul” is from the Bavarian language word “mugel,” which means mound or small hill.
- The first competition involving mogul skiing occurred in 1971.
- The FIS created the Freestyle World Cup Circuit in 1980.
- The first World Championships were held in 1986 in Tignes, France.
- It was a demonstration sport in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.
- It has been a medal event in the Winter Olympics since 1992.