The moguls event isn't all about the speed, although it may seem that way at first glance. Moguls is a judged sport in which skiers are evaluated on three different criteria, according to the International Ski Federation judging handbook:
- Turns: 60 percent of the score (a maximum of 60 points) is based on how well skiers execute the rapid turns that are the event's signature. Five judges evaluate the turns. The highest and lowest scores (and the highest and lowest deductions) are thrown out, and the remaining scores are added together.
- Jumps: 20 percent of the score (a maximum of 20 points) reflects the quality of the jumps athletes execute between the bumpy sections of the course. Two judges, each with a maximum of 10 points to assign per jump, evaluate the runs. Jumps are judged based on their form (takeoff, air positions, fluidity of movement, and landing), with a "degree of difficulty" multiplier based on the specific maneuvers performed. The judges' scores are then averaged for a total air score, as it's known within the sport.
- Speed: 20 percent of the score (a maximum of 20 points) comes from pure speed. The speed is calculated and assigned a point value based on a "pace" time that's specific to the course.