Discovering the world of SAS moguls is above all about carefully observing the slope and seeking unique sensations, while diving into a surprising facet of French ski culture. Through these 25 photos illustrating different levels and styles, every detail – from the relief of the moguls to the play of light on the snow – reveals why these courses attract both passionate freeriders and technical progression enthusiasts. A real diversity of approaches can be observed: between the desire to learn, self-improvement, or simply aesthetic pleasure, everyone finds their terrain.
25 SAS Moguls in Images – A Visual Immersion to Understand and Inspire
What do the famous “SAS moguls” actually look like on a ski slope, and why are they so popular among freeriders? For many of them, the trigger is often visual: sometimes just a few images are enough to grasp their technicality and specific aesthetics. This immersive gallery offers 25 high-resolution photos, carefully selected to provide an authentic and stimulating overview.
From the first series, you can observe the evolution between freshly groomed moguls, entanglements of natural moguls, or slopes reworked after competitions. The captions indicate each spot, the typical height (between 50 and 120 cm for the largest), the spacing, or the texture of the snow that day. A point not to underestimate: on the SAS courses examined in 2025-2026, moguls are regularly spaced 3 to 4 meters apart, which completely changes momentum management compared to a standard slope. Some professionals recall that this spacing adjustment even influences terrain reading for the best riders.
For those who want to get to the point, the carousel immediately displays four levels: for beginners (gentle moguls of 60 cm at the top of Courchevel), for progression (tight moguls on a black run at Val Thorens), for experts (well-spaced “breaking” moguls at 4.5 m on the SAS Freeride Event), and freestyle versions (sometimes lit at night). At each stage, a caption highlights the main challenges or tips for knowing where to look, where to place your weight. Some riders say they sometimes hold their breath before the verticality of certain runs, or the commitment required approaching the 18th mogul – one can assume that everyone feels this thrill at some point.
Carousel of the 25 Best SAS Photos – Structure and Uses
Each shot contributes, indeed, to understanding the subtleties: intact moguls at dawn, slopes deformed by day’s end, workshops specially shaped for training… Browsing this gallery is also comparing the variety of height and snow conditions, from the powdery blanket of December to the spring crust, so unique to ride. Let’s note some distinctive points –
- “Starting” moguls: generally well-formed, 0.5 m high, packed snow for better hold
- Intermediate zones: tight mogul grouping marked by repeated passes, height up to 1 m
- Final sections or variants: more spaced moguls, south-facing, with heights exceeding 1.2 m on some spots
- Modern SAS lines: hand-shaped and regularly spaced, often 3.5 m between each mogul (a sign of the shapers’ precision)
Yet, have you ever noticed how the shadow cast on a mogul changes the perception of the slope? Some skiers say this simple visual effect is enough to reassess their trajectory. A trainer mentioned this phenomenon, noting that it is sometimes more revealing for progression than any technical sheet.
SAS Breakdown: Moguls, Origins, and Technical Variants
The term “SAS moguls” regularly puzzles skiers. Is it an official spot, a particular competition, or just a technical specialty? In other words – SAS mainly refers to “Special Alpine Style,” a freestyle philosophy dedicated to moguls, initiated by French clubs and adopted by the Ski Alpine Series on the federal circuit.
This tradition was born in the Northern Alps, in Courchevel or Val d’Isere for example, where slopes are shaped in “SAS” mode: moguls aligned to the millimeter, intentionally spaced to allow visually impressive runs, and often certified for competitions. A telling detail: during the 2025 SAS events, 25 moguls were systematically numbered, which facilitates on-site coaching (source – Freeride-Magazine, December 15, 2025). Some coaches share that this system reassures beginners, who know at every moment where they are on the course.
The question then arises: is it possible to attempt these moguls with basic technique? Trying is often possible, of course. But it is better to anticipate that the gap, height, and “breaking” technical profile of SAS moguls make the exercise more demanding than it appears… According to some coaches, night and mountain bike variants, which have existed since 2024, demonstrate the growing success of this format, even outside pure skiing.
Key Figures for SAS Courses in France
| Spot | Number of Moguls | Average Height | Spacing | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courchevel 1850 (SAS) | 25 | 0.7–1 m | 3 m | Intermediate to expert |
| Val Thorens – Stadium | 18 | 0.6–1.2 m | 3.5 m | Expert |
| La Clusaz – Beginner Zone | 10 | 0.5–0.7 m | 2.5 m | Beginner |
Having a detailed map of the spot allows you to anticipate your lines and effort much better. It is regularly observed that downloading GPX files or consulting an interactive map has become an essential habit for those planning a run on these courses.
SAS Mogul Descent Techniques: Visualize, Learn, Dare
Looking at certain photos, one sometimes hesitates – the technicality does not necessarily jump out at first attempts, but progression on SAS moguls relies on patient learning, and some well-known tips from those who coach clubs. “Keep your gaze far ahead, regularly bend your knees, and do not try to chain all the jumps\!” (advice from a coach met at Val d’Isere).
A recurring benchmark: on SAS moguls spaced 3 m apart, novice skiers frequently bounce every two moguls before daring a true direct sequence. Here again, commented videos or photos often serve as an unlocking tool, proof that a simple visual support can make the difference.
To illustrate: an intermediate-level rider (2 out of 5) generally spends 1 to 2 hours mastering a 25-mogul run, first prioritizing slow speed management and working on lateral support. No surprise that fear sometimes shows up: experienced freeriders still admit to missing one mogul in ten – everyone progresses over time, and nobody should be surprised (a SAS forum moderator confirmed this feeling during a group session).
Tips for Progressing on the 25 SAS Moguls
Before diving in, here are some commonly shared recommendations –
- Prefer a twin-tip ski or one with a slight rocker (ideal size: 170–180 cm for average adult)
- Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended, as the surprise factor increases significantly after the 15th mogul
- Shortened poles and wrist/knee protections are recommended to limit unexpected impacts
- Watching a run-cam on YouTube or the official gallery helps better visualize the course before the session
Progression sometimes hinges on an unusual detail: some try a “by night” version, slower, to tame the slope on their first outing… This format is noted to reassure many beginners, who return to train later.
Comparative Gallery: Variants, Before/After, Rider Views
How do moguls evolve after the passage of several hundred skiers? Comparative galleries illustrate these transformations extremely well, allowing you to grasp the phenomenon: the deformation, natural widening under turns, or even marks left by falls (just take a look at the end of the day to see for yourself\!).
New in 2026: on some courses, AI-powered analysis tools photograph the lines every two hours to track changes. It is estimated that a mogul can lose up to 20 cm in height throughout the day, simply from compaction. Some shapers regularly discuss this on specialized forums, pointing out this necessary adaptation to terrain changes.
Comparing shots is also allowing yourself to smile after a memorable fall or admire the perfection of a line captured on the fly. Who has not tried to immortalize “their first big wipeout” on one of these legendary moguls? On rider networks, these memories are often shared to downplay and learn.
Varying the Pleasures: Night, Mountain Bike, or Timed Challenge
Since 2025, mountain bike and night formats have been developing on official SAS zones, the terrain transforms and the light changes perception, and the difficulty in images is no longer comparable: under the spotlights, each mogul takes on Hollywood set airs\! Here is what is noticed according to activities:
- Night course: moguls reshaped with LED marking (innovation in 2026, praised by several local clubs)
- Mountain bike run: lowered moguls, spacing reduced to approximately 2 m to maintain control and accessibility
- Timed photo challenge: photos taken at regular intervals, allowing trajectory analysis in video – some experts note that this significantly improves individual technique
Daring a new format is always expecting to be surprised – and, according to feedback, you never come back quite the same. Even the most seasoned discover new challenges (a shaper recently discussed this during a resort meeting).
FAQ and Additional Resources for a Smooth Run
Hesitations sometimes remain among newcomers: is it suitable, how to choose your session well? Several questions systematically come up in forums, and it would be a shame to dive in without benchmarks. Below, the essentials of answers gathered from specialized communities and official FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions – 25 SAS Moguls (2026 Edition)
| Question | Brief Answer |
|---|---|
| Where to find a 25 SAS mogul run in France? | Courchevel, Val Thorens, Tignes, La Plagne; easy access, parking located 5 min walk away |
| Which skis to prefer? | Twin-tip 170–180 cm, rocker facilitating cushioning and absorption |
| How long for 25 SAS moguls? | Between 6 and 8 minutes for athletes, 12 to 15 minutes in gentle technical descent |
| Is the gallery or GPX downloadable? | Yes, photo carousel and GPX file available on Ski.fr or Freeride-Magazine.com |
And if doubt persists, a detour through the interactive photo gallery or the attached 360° video (see link at end of article) quickly clarifies the last questions. Nothing precludes the adventure often starting with a striking image – then it is up to each person to chart their course, according to the inspiration of the moment.
Going Further: Guides, Tips, and Community Engagement
Want to extend the experience? Practical guides are available from $9.50 (compact format) up to $19.50 for the complete edition (often offered around $12.50 on promotion). This includes access to forums, coaching modules, and the ability to download expanded galleries. A regular increase in discussions on technical analysis related to these images is noted, published on Freeride Magazine or Snowboard-Pro. Many professionals advise testing, observing, commenting: the SAS community remains open and dynamic, encouraging all curious minds to take the plunge\!
