Snow lovers are already planning their winter holidays, as the ski season is slowly gaining momentum. For many, skiing is more than just a sport; it is a way of life: enjoying mountain air, winter activities, and socialising. Reports from mountain resorts in Bosnia and Herzegovina say that cable cars and lifts have been overhauled, slopes cleaned, and artificial snowmaking systems prepared.
However, before embarking on an adventure on the white slopes, you should know that proper training is essential, as it provides the knowledge and skills that make skiing safer, more enjoyable, and technically correct.
We are ready for skiing only when we meet several basic conditions related to physical preparedness, health status, and psychological readiness. It is necessary to have at least “basic strength,” core stability, and satisfactory balance. You should also be free of acute pain in the knees, back, and joints. A key factor is mental preparation, where we must be ready to accept the conditions on the mountain.
“Skiing is a technically and biomechanically demanding sport in which proper preparation plays a crucial role in safety and enjoyment. When we step onto skis without prior training, we increase the risk of typical beginner injuries. Proper training significantly reduces that risk because it teaches correct body positions, fundamental biomechanics, and how to control skis. Training involves much more than simply sliding down a slope. It includes familiarisation with equipment and clothing, adaptation, correct behaviour in the lift/ropeway area and on the slopes, as well as understanding FIS rules, which form the basis of safe movement at ski resorts. An instructor recognises typical psychological barriers, such as fear or stiffness and adjusts the pace and method of training accordingly. Instructors should work according to internationally standardised methods, taking into account the skier’s age, motor skills, and experience,” says Mirza Ibrahimović, a licensed ski instructor, for Visit BiH magazine.
Basic safety rules also include knowing your equipment. But what equipment should you choose? According to Ibrahimović, the length of skis is usually determined by the skier’s level of experience and height. Beginners benefit from softer and shorter skis (approximately from chin to nose level), while advanced skiers choose longer and stiffer models depending on their technique and style. Ski boots may be the most important part of the equipment. The flex index determines stiffness: beginners usually need softer boots (60–80 flex), while more advanced skiers use 90 and above.
“It is important that the heel is completely stable, that the boot does not cause pain, and that it is not too soft. A helmet is mandatory regardless of skill level. It must be the right size and without any functional damage. Goggles are important for visibility and safety. They should be selected according to weather conditions and must provide UV protection. Ski clothing should be worn in layers—thermal underwear, fleece, ski jacket and pants, ski gloves, ski socks, and a balaclava. Well-chosen clothing ensures a comfortable stay at low temperatures,” Ibrahimović emphasises.
Before stepping onto the slope, skis must be serviced, bindings adjusted according to weight and skill level, and the condition of boots and helmets checked. Quality and well-maintained equipment directly affect safety. Proper physical preparation before skiing is also important, as it helps you feel more confident and reduces the risk of injuries. It is enough to regularly strengthen the legs, maintain balance, and stay physically active through simple exercises such as walking, running, or light stretching.
“Before skiing, it is useful to understand the basic skiing stance, ways of stopping, and controlling speed. It is important to learn basic FIS rules, as well as the characteristics of the terrain, typical hazards, and basic skiing terminology. That small amount of theoretical knowledge often makes a big difference on the slopes,” he explains.
For safety reasons, it is also important how you store and maintain your equipment after enjoying the snow.
“Proper equipment maintenance extends its lifespan and affects safety while skiing. It is best to transport skis in a protective bag and keep helmets and goggles in appropriate cases to prevent damage, while ski boots should not be left in the cold as the plastic can become hard and brittle. After skiing, it is enough to wipe the edges, occasionally wax the base, and always dry the boots and check the bindings to ensure the equipment remains safe and ready for the next day on the slopes,” says Ibrahimović.
However, it is also important to note that certain conditions make it safer to postpone skiing or at least adjust your time on the slopes.
Conditions such as fog and poor visibility make it difficult to assess the terrain, while heavy crowds increase the likelihood of collisions, especially for beginners and children. Instructors must pay special attention to this, as they hold significant responsibility. Additionally, ski patrols and instructors are required to warn skiers about safety aspects in the interest of all users of the ski area.
Low temperatures, especially 15 degrees below zero, pose a risk for children, so the volume and intensity of training, as well as breaks, must be carefully planned. Strong winds, especially near cable cars and in open mountain areas, can also make movement difficult. Fatigue significantly affects concentration and movement control, which is why most injuries occur in the “last hour of skiing,” when attention decreases, and the body becomes exhausted, Ibrahimović concludes.
