How are mogul skis different from Alpine skis? What makes slopestyle skis unique from both of those?

Learn more about the equipment used in various freestyle skiing and freeskiing events, plus a recent rule change that could impact freeskiers at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

The size and design of the skis vary by discipline. 

For freeskiing events (halfpipe, slopestyle, big air), skis have a "twin-tip" design in which both ends of the skis (the tips and tails) slightly are bent up to allow for easier skiing both forward and backward (switch). The skis used by slopestyle skiers also have reinforced edges to withstand rails.

Mogul skiers use skis that are shorter than those used in Alpine skiing. Aerial skiers use skis which are light and usually are shorter than the skier, which allows for better control on the sharp curve of the ramp and permits precise movement in the air.

Ski cross racers typically use giant slalom skis with softer tips and no regulation on length or side cut.

Yes, poles now are required for athletes competing in halfpipe, slopestyle and big air — at least for high-level FIS (International Ski Federation) events, including the Winter Olympics.

However, this is a recent change that started with the 2023-24 season.

In the past, freeskiers were not required to use poles, and some athletes chose not to use them, particularly if an injury (such as a broken hand) made them difficult to hold. But the consensus within the freeski community is that skiing with poles increases the difficulty of tricks, especially when it comes to executing grabs. Once a trend emerged of some athletes competing without poles to gain a slight advantage, FIS stepped in and made them a requirement.

If a skier chooses to compete without poles (at least for a non-medical reason), they “will be scored accordingly and will receive a score in the crash range,” according to the official FIS judging handbook.

Ski suits for both moguls and aerials are chosen by the teams and afford ease of movement and sensitivity to function. In moguls, knee control is essential, so skiers' suits often will have a knee patch that is a different color from the rest of their pants. This is intended to draw the judge's attention to the skier's expertise.

Suits for ski cross may be one or two pieces. In the past, the suits were required to be two pieces (pants and a separate top), a rule that still exists for snowboard cross.

Freeskiing events (halfpipe, slopestyle, big air) don’t have clothing specifications.

Poles

Poles are used to aid the skier in accelerating, turning and maintaining balance.

Helmets

The use of helmets is required for all events. Made of hard plastic, they are used to prevent potential head injuries. 

Gloves

The use of ski gloves is strongly recommended, as they offer protection from weather and external forces.

Goggles

Goggles are worn to improve visibility and protect the skier's eyes from snow, wind and sun. Lenses come in a variety of tints, with different tints being better suited for particular weather and visibility conditions.

Ski cross racers are prohibited from using goggles that have been reshaped to obtain aerodynamic advantages.

Boots

For aerials, normal ski boots specifically are fit to allow for a strong takeoff, good form and a solid landing.

Protection

Non-protruding body protection and padding is recommended. Protection equipment must be worn on the body. For ski cross racers, no straps, fastening devices or other methods can be used to attach the equipment to the ski suit.

One of the most important innovations came in the 1990s with the birth of freeskiing.

Mike Douglas, a mogul skier who later became known as the “godfather of freeskiing,” helped pioneer the invention of twin-tip skis — skis that featured tips on both ends, allowing skiers to take-off and land switch (backward). Twin-tip skis allowed skiers to do the same tricks that snowboarders were doing in halfpipes and terrain parks.

With the advent of twin-tip skis, the freeskiing movement branched off from freestyle skiing and led to skiers competing in halfpipe, slopestyle and big air events.