Guide to Skiing at Jahorina: Tips for Beginners from Our Long-Term Experience!
Welcome to Jahorina!
This beautiful mountain offers perfect conditions for skiing, with a variety of slopes ranging from blue to black, especially for those who are putting on skis for the first time and learning to ski. In this brief summarized guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to enjoy skiing without stress and wasted time.
Basic Equipment
Before heading to the slopes, it’s important to have safe and suitable skiing equipment. The basic components include:
- Skis: Choose skis suited to your level and knowledge, with lengths between your chin and nose.
- Shorter Radius Skis: These skis are ideal for beginners as they make turning and maneuvering easier. With a shorter radius, it’s easier to turn, which is crucial when learning the basics of skiing. The radius is much smaller, making the skis more stable, while shorter skis are easier to maneuver.
- Larger Radius Skis: These skis are ideal for more experienced skiers and those who want stability at high speeds. A larger radius allows for longer and smoother turns, which is perfect for faster slopes at Jahorina.
- Ski Boots: Make sure your boots are comfortable, dry, and fit well (when leaning forward, your toes should not touch the tip of the boot). It’s very important for intermediate skiers or beginners not to choose boots with a high flex (Flex in ski boots refers to the hardness or softness of the boots, which affects how the boots behave while skiing. Flex is an important factor because it influences comfort, control, and performance).
- Ski Poles: Turn the pole upside down, holding it below the basket (the wider part at the bottom of the pole). Bend your arm at a 90-degree angle at the elbow. If the pole forms a right angle with your arm, the pole height is ideal for you; if the angle is sharper than 90 degrees, the pole is too long; if the angle is wider, the pole is too short.
- Goggles: Quality ski goggles provide eye protection and improve visibility in various weather conditions, which is crucial for safe and pleasant skiing. Here are some reasons why they are essential: Snow reflects up to 80% of UV radiation, which can damage your eyes during a day on the slopes. Ski goggles with 100% UV protection prevent damage and reduce eye fatigue. Goggles provide a clear view in low visibility conditions, fog, snowfall, and bright sunlight. Goggles with adjustable or interchangeable lenses make it easier to adapt to different conditions. Quality goggles protect your eyes from snow, wind, and potential debris on the slopes, which can be uncomfortable and dangerous.
- Helmet: Safety is paramount! Wearing a helmet is mandatory, and it will protect you from injuries.
Safety and Speed Control on Skis
Speed control is a key aspect of skiing that plays a vital role in the safety of skiers and others on the slope. Here are some important points regarding speed control while skiing:
- The basic technique for beginners to control speed is the snowplow technique and turning, where you slow down and stop your skis. Learning how to properly use this technique with a ski instructor can significantly reduce speed, giving you complete control on your skis.
- Skiers should practice turning control, as proper turning can help maintain the desired speed—speed control is a top priority.
- Always be aware of other skiers, obstacles, and the condition of the slope. By paying attention to your surroundings, you can adjust your speed to avoid collisions or other hazards.
- Beginners should choose blue slopes that match their skill level; wider and gentler slopes allow for easier speed control, while steeper and narrower slopes can increase speed and make control more challenging.
- A helmet and other protective gear are essential parts of ski equipment. Although they do not prevent falls, they can reduce the severity of injuries in case of an accident.
- Speed control requires good skiing technique. Working with an instructor or taking skiing lessons can help skiers develop better skills and techniques for safer skiing.
- Always listen to your body and recognize when it’s time to slow down or take a break. Fatigue can diminish your ability to focus and control speed, increasing the risk of injuries.
First Time on a Ski Lift? Here’s What You Need to Know:
- In Line for the Ski Lift: Form a line behind other skiers. When it’s your turn, approach slowly and carefully, avoiding stepping on or damaging someone else’s ski equipment. Don’t push, as it can lead to falls and injuries to yourself or other skiers. Follow signs and signals; your ski pass should always be in an appropriate place for quick scanning.
- Getting on the Ski Lift: When boarding, hold your poles in one hand, with the pole going between your legs. Do not sit down while the lift is moving, and follow the lift path without swaying left or right.
- Dismounting the Ski Lift: Safety is the most important thing. ALWAYS watch out for skiers who have fallen on the path to avoid injuring them. If you see someone injured, immediately notify the responsible person at the exit station. Follow warning signs when approaching the exit station, and don’t let go of your pole until you see the warning sign. If you fall on the slope, move aside to not obstruct other skiers and assist others in distress.
Safety on the Slope and Ski Slope Rules:
- First Rule: Always yield to skiers below you. Skiers below you on the slope have the right of way. When moving downhill, always look to the side before turning or crossing onto another slope.
- Speed Control: Adjust your speed to the slopes and conditions. Skiing too fast can lead to loss of control and increases the risk of collisions with serious injuries.
- Respect the Rules: Follow and respect the signs on the slopes, which indicate important information about slope conditions, prohibitions, and hazards.
- Avoid Jumping on the Slope: If you want to jump or perform tricks, use designated areas like fun parks.
- Skiing in Groups: If you are skiing with a group, stay in contact and avoid sudden changes in direction. Maintain distance between skiers to reduce the risk of collisions and interference with other skiers.
Proper Behavior on the Ski Slope:
- Awareness of Surroundings: Always be aware of other skiers, skiers returning to the slope, and potential obstacles. Keep your eyes open for unexpected situations.
- Choosing a Slope: Choose a slope that matches your skill level. Avoid skiing on slopes that are too difficult or too demanding for your physical strength.
- Adapting Skiing to Conditions: Based on the weather, snow conditions, and slope state, adjust your skiing. For example, in snowfall, wind, or ice, reduce speed and be cautious.
- Enjoying and Relaxing: While speed control is important, don’t forget to enjoy skiing and the beautiful landscapes. Taking short breaks can help you relax and regain energy.
Dangers of Skiing Off-Piste
Groomed slopes are prepared to reduce the risk of hidden obstacles, while in untouched snow, there may be hidden rocks, trees, holes, and steep slopes that skiers cannot see. One wrong move can lead to serious injuries. Therefore, always choose groomed ski slopes!
Monitoring Warning Signs:
- Warning Signs: Always pay attention to warning signs and marked zones, such as signs warning of dangerous areas like steep drops or slopes with poor conditions.
- Slope Markings: Markings for different slopes (green, blue, red, and black) help you determine the difficulty level of the slope. Always ski on slopes that are suitable for your abilities.
- Weather Information: Keep an eye on weather information provided by ski centers as well as local weather forecasts.
Safety is a priority when skiing. All skiers should keep in mind several key points to ensure their health and the safety of others on the slope.
Behavior in Case of a Fall:
If you fall, remain calm; panic can lead to further injuries. Assess the situation before getting up. Slowly get up, using your skis or hands to find balance. If necessary, help yourself return to the slope, but be careful not to obstruct other passing skiers. If you notice someone who has fallen or is injured, immediately notify mountain rescue. NEVER attempt to help an injured person without appropriate training, especially if it’s a serious injury like a fracture, as there is a risk of further injury. Just secure the area above the injured person (be mindful of your safety) and inform other skiers to slow down until the mountain rescue arrives.
Taking Care of Ski Equipment:
Proper maintenance of your ski equipment is crucial for preserving its quality and reducing the risk of loss or replacement. Here are some tips on how to protect your equipment while enjoying skiing:
- If you must leave your equipment, place it where you can easily see it, such as near the ski lift or close to your destination. This will reduce the chance of someone inadvertently taking your equipment.
- Mark your equipment with unique labels, stickers, or colored ribbons. This will make it easier to identify your equipment and reduce the risk of replacement.
- If you notice that you are missing equipment, immediately notify ski patrol or ski center staff. Quick action can help recover your equipment faster.
- Always avoid leaving skis, boots, or other equipment on the ski slope when you are not skiing, as ski equipment can easily be lost or swapped with that of other skiers.
Returning Ski Equipment – User Responsibility
Always take care of your rented equipment during use and avoid risks that could lead to damage or loss of ski equipment, such as excessively aggressive skiing off the slopes or leaving the equipment unattended.
In case the equipment is returned damaged or lost, users are required to compensate the ski rental for the damage; this compensation covers the costs of repair or replacement of the equipment, and the amount will depend on the extent of the damage or the value of the lost items.
When picking up the equipment, it is recommended to carefully check its condition. If you notice any irregularities or damage to the equipment you are taking, please report them immediately to the ski rental staff to avoid misunderstandings when returning the equipment.
