Beginner Ski Training Plan – Jahorina Prestige Ski School

Learning to ski requires a gradual and structured approach

Beginners first need to become familiar with their equipment and develop a sense of balance on skis. They then learn basic movement, climbing, falling and getting up, speed control and changes of direction. Each new skill builds on previously learned elements.

The beginner training programme of Jahorina Prestige Ski School includes practical snow exercises, warm-up activities, games and revision. Its aim is to help participants understand the movements, develop control over their skis and gain confidence gradually, according to their age and ability.

1. Getting Familiar with Ski Equipment

Before going onto the slope, participants should learn about the equipment they will use and understand the purpose of its main components.

Main parts of a ski

• Tip.
• Body and waist.
• Tail.
• Base.
• Edges.
• Bindings.

Practical exercises

• Putting on and fastening ski boots correctly.
• Putting on and wearing a ski helmet correctly.
• Learning how ski boots fit into bindings.
• Carrying skis correctly to the training area.
• Getting familiar with skis, poles and other equipment used for skiing.

These activities give beginners a basic understanding of their equipment before they start practising movements on skis. Binding adjustment and safety checks should be carried out by appropriately qualified personnel.

2. General Warm-Up Exercises

Warming up is an important part of preparing for physical activity. The original programme places particular emphasis on the legs while also including other parts of the body. Exercises should be selected according to the participant’s age, abilities and weather conditions.

Warm-up exercises

• Moving the head forwards, backwards and sideways.
• Shoulder circles and arm swings.
• Forearm and wrist rotations.
• Trunk circles, forward bends, side bends and twists.
• Squats and lunges.
• Knee circles.
• High-knee running movements.
• Leg swings forwards and backwards.
• Two-foot jumps, where appropriate for the participant.
• Suitable stretching exercises, particularly for the lower limbs.

Exercises should be performed in a controlled manner without forcing movements. The goal is to prepare the body for activity on snow, not to exhaust participants before the lesson begins.

3. Games on Snow

Games allow participants to repeat and improve previously learned movements in a more engaging environment. They may also help develop coordination, attention, spatial awareness and cooperation with other participants.

Types of games in the original programme

• Basic games without equipment.
• Games using snow.
• Games using equipment such as balls, poles, cones and hoops.
• Relay games.
• Cooperative games that encourage participants to work together.
• Games in a limited flat area, including tag games.

The instructor selects games according to age, group size, available space and the skills being practised. Games can provide a break between exercises while still contributing to the learning process.

4. Flat-Ground Exercises: Balance and Basic Skiing Stance

Before moving onto a slope, beginners need to become accustomed to their skis and develop a sense of balance. Flat-ground exercises help them learn about gliding, body position and basic movements without unnecessary rushing.

Exercise sequence

1. Positioning ski boots in the bindings.
2. Walking with one ski, followed by both skis.
3. Walking in a circle without using poles.
4. Following a packed track in the shape of a square and different curves.
5. Walking with the skis in a V-shaped position.
6. Gliding on one ski while pushing off with the opposite leg, known as the “scooter” exercise.
7. Pushing off from the supporting ski and progressing towards a gliding step.
8. Games in a limited flat area.
9. Adopting the basic skiing stance.
10. Practising controlled body movements in different directions.
11. Practising high, medium and low skiing stances.
12. Turning by stepping around the tails of the skis.
13. Turning by stepping around the tips of the skis.
14. Moving sideways by stepping.

At this stage, it is important for participants to develop a basic feel for their skis and learn to move in a controlled way. Exercises should be repeated as needed to establish a foundation for the next tasks.

5. Climbing, Falling and Getting Up

Beginners learn how to move up a gentle slope, get up after a fall and position their skis according to the terrain. The original programme also explains the fall line—the direction in which the slope descends. This concept should be explained in a way that is appropriate to the participant’s age and understanding.

Climbing techniques

• Side-stepping uphill.
• Climbing with the skis in a V-shaped position.
• Side-stepping on flat ground without skis.
• Side-stepping with one ski, followed by both skis.
• Moving sideways up and down using the stepping technique.
• Walking in a V-shaped position on flat ground, with or without poles.
• Climbing in a V-shaped position.
• Diagonal and sideways step-climbing and descending.

Falling and getting up

• Practising falling and getting up on gentle terrain.
• Moving both skis together in different directions while lying on the back, first on flat ground and then on a gentle slope.
• Getting up on a gentle slope without poles, where possible.
• Getting up with the help of one pole.
• Getting up with the help of both poles.

Learning to get up and recover after a fall is an important part of beginner training. The instructor decides how to perform the exercises and helps participants practise without unnecessary risk.

6. Snowplough Stance and Movements

The snowplough technique is a foundation of beginner skiing. It helps participants develop control over speed and direction on suitable gentle terrain.

Basic snowplough elements

• Snowplough stance.
• Straight gliding in the snowplough position.
• Braking in the snowplough position.
• Snowplough turns.
• Wedge stance and wedge turns as preparation for further skills.

Snowplough exercises

1. Adopting the snowplough stance while stationary on flat ground.
2. Gliding straight in the snowplough position and stopping on a gentle slope.
3. Alternately narrowing and widening the tails of the skis while gliding straight.
4. Moving from the basic skiing stance into the snowplough stance, including a small jump where appropriate.
5. Making a controlled stop from a straight descent in the snowplough position.
6. Practising symmetrical knee movements forwards and inwards, adapting the pace to the participant’s ability.
7. Making a snowplough turn in one direction.
8. Repeating the turn in the opposite direction.
9. Linking left and right snowplough turns.
10. Practising turns without poles, with hands resting on the knees.
11. Practising turns with arms extended to the sides in an “airplane” position.
12. Linking snowplough turns around markers, cones or poles.
13. Making linked turns within a marked corridor.
14. Practising snowplough garlands.
15. Practising wedge turns as preparation for the next stage of learning.

The instructor observes body position, balance, speed control and the ability to link turns. Participants should only progress to more demanding exercises when they are ready, rather than simply because a predetermined number of lessons has passed.

7. Introduction to Ski Lifts

The original programme includes a section on becoming familiar with ski lifts. Using them requires attention, an understanding of the instructions and the ability to follow the rules of the specific installation.

Topics in the original plan

• Beginner surface lift: learning about ski positioning, approaching the installation correctly and maintaining an upright position while travelling.
• Platter or T-bar lift: an introduction to how the lift is used through an instructor’s explanation and demonstration.
• Chairlift: an introduction to approaching, sitting down and following the rules when boarding and exiting.

The 2018 programme also includes simulated exercises for certain installations. These are part of the historical plan and should not be treated as mandatory current procedures. In real conditions, only the appropriate lift, official instructions and supervision from instructors and resort staff should be used.

8. Lesson Sequence from the Programme.

The original post presents 20 teaching units within a five-day programme for children. It describes two training blocks per day, each lasting 90 minutes, which equals four 45-minute school lessons per day. The total of 20 school lessons therefore corresponds to five days of training.

The table below preserves the main sequence from the original post. It documents the historical programme and does not confirm that the same schedule is used in the school’s current organisation.

9. Revision, Progress and Final Assessment

Revision is an essential part of learning. Through repeated exercises, participants reinforce their basic stance, speed control, snowplough technique and linked turns. Basic, relay and cooperative games can provide additional practice and help maintain attention.

The original programme lists a final race as the concluding activity. If such an activity is organised, it must suit the participants’ abilities and take place in an appropriate area. It should not be treated as proof that every beginner must progress at the same speed or master every element within the same period.

Safety During Training

• Use suitable equipment that has been properly adjusted.
• Wear a ski helmet.
• Follow the instructor’s guidance and resort rules.
• Practise on terrain appropriate to current ability.
• Adjust speed to personal ability and watch out for other skiers.
• Take particular care when falling, getting up and using ski lifts.

The goal of beginner training is not only to make the first turns. Participants need to understand basic movements, learn to control their speed and develop responsible habits for being on the slopes.

Ski School Jahorina Prestige

Ski School Jahorina Prestige offers ski instruction for children and adults, from beginners to skiers who want to improve their skills. Lesson types, pace and terrain depend on each participant’s experience, age and needs.

For more information, visit Ski School Jahorina Prestige. Information about the team is available on the Ski Instructors Jahorina Prestige page, while equipment information is available on the Ski Rental Jahorina Prestige page.