Many mountain devotees will tell you that March is the most beautiful month to stay in the snow. The motive is to spend more time in the clean mountain air, in addition to many holidays and the highest number of visits to the ski center “Kolašin 1600” in January, favorable weather conditions, enough snow cover, and really beautiful sunny weather that is characteristic for the March at Bjelasica.
This time of year has its specifics in mountain areas regarding the type and quality of snow that has remained from the previous period or it is new precipitation that has its own characteristics that we need to know. We point out that the structure and quality of the snow cover on the ski slopes are variable, depending on the temperature. The lower the temperature, the snow is finer and contains 3 to 5% water, and when the temperature rises, which is typical for March, the snow contains a higher percentage of water up to 10 to 15%, which requires greater caution and self-control of skiers. Sports literature usually talks about two types of snow which are dry and wet snow.
Increasing the capacity of the ski infrastructure at the ski center Kolašin 1600 by putting into operation the new six-seater K7 chair lift and an additional 10.5 km of slopes inevitably leads to an increased number of users-skiers and therefore to the increased possibility of injuries and other adverse events. Therefore, we are all in obligation to be more careful with our behavior on the ski slopes, to respect each other, and to strictly adhere to the ski rules that are clearly stated on the ski center, in order to prevent potential accidents together.
There are numerous situations in which the skier finds himself, and in which the basic rule is to ensure his own safety and the safety of other skiers, and only after that – party can begin. The ability to maintain balance is probably the most important which distinguishes skillful from beginner skier. Therefore, skiing is definitely a sport of balance both physically and mentally.
Given the complexity of ski disciplines, we emphasize to all of those who use the ski infrastructure and ski slopes, whether they are skiers, snowboarders, and recreational hikers at the ski center who walk on snowshoes or do other activities, to monitor and respect the signs on ski slopes as well as recommendations and instructions of ski rangers.
Pursuant to the current legal regulations regulated by the Law on Ski Resorts of Montenegro, which relate to the work and organization of ski resorts, it is mandatory that children under 18 must wear ski helmets exclusively for their own safety and security, while the same recommendation applies to adults.
In order to achieve a primary sense of control on skis in different weather conditions on ski slopes, three important elements should be kept in mind:
– Technique rules include ski balance, relaxed muscles, mastering different types of turns and connecting them, simultaneous control of skis in different conditions on the track, with special emphasis on speed control and complete ski maneuver.
– Physical posture mainly means relaxed muscles that react quickly to different situations in winter conditions, avoiding unnecessary movements, which can be one of the most important elements to achieve the desired goal – safe skiing.
– Psychological momentum with a generally acceptable attitude puts the focus on self-confidence, but with a high degree of caution, that must be dominant, especially in situations where it is possible to make a mistake.
With the primary goal of reducing the number of injuries and increasing the safety of skiers, as well as the goal of carefree enjoyment on ski slopes, the International Ski Federation (FIS) has prescribed ski rules of skiing and general behavior on slopes that must be respected by all skiers, snowboarders, hikers or others.
1. Carefully with other skiers
Every skier or snowboarder should behave in a manner so that he is not endangered or disturbed. The skier is not only responsible for his behavior contrary to the prescribed rules but is responsible for the consequences that are predicted by the use of inadequate and improperly maintained equipment. This also applies to the use of newly developed sports equipment.
2. Control speed and driving style
Every skier should ski so that he can stop on time. He must adjust his speed and driving style to the terrain, snow, and weather conditions, as well as the density of “traffic” on the ski slopes. Collisions of skiers on the slopes are often the result of speeding, uncontrolled driving, or lack of attention to events on the slopes. In the area of his field of vision, a skier or snowboarder must be able to stop immediately, turn aside and avoid a collision with another skier. It is necessary to ski slowly in inaccessible places or in crowds, especially along the edges of trails and the edges of towing devices and cable cars.
3. Choose skiing direction
The overtaking skier or snowboarder must adjust the direction in a manner not to endanger the skier in front of him. Skiing is a sport of free movement where he wants and how he wants while respecting the rules, respecting the space of others, and keeping in mind personal abilities and the current situation at the ski resort. Priority is given to the skier in front. If you are skiing behind someone in the same direction, you should keep enough distance to leave enough space for the skier in front to move freely.
4. Overtaking
Overtaking is allowed from above, left and right, of course, if the distance when overtaking is sufficient to allow to overtaken skier enough space for all his intentional or unintentional movements. The overtaking skier or snowboarder is fully responsible for the entire overtaking maneuver in a way that does not cause any difficulty to the overtaking. This also applies when skiing next to a skier standing still. The skier who overtakes the other is entirely responsible for completing the overtaking, in a way that does not cause difficulties to the overtaken skier. He is responsible until the overtaking is over. This rule also applies when overtaking a skier who is standing still.
5. Intersecting slope and continuing skiing
Every skier who wants to intersect the slope, after stopping or falling, must look up and down to make sure that he can do so without endangering himself or others. Experience has shown that intersecting the trail and continuing skiing often leads to accidents. That is why it is necessary for a skier who gets involved in “traffic” to get involved harmoniously and safely for himself and others.
According to rule no.3, skis with an increased side arch (carving skis) and snowboards enable that is allow their users to take sharper bends and turns on the slopes, which other skiers must keep in mind.
6. Stopping
Every skier or snowboarder must avoid stopping on narrow or inaccessible parts of the slopes unless it is absolutely necessary. A skier who has fallen due to loss of control is obliged to get off the track as soon as possible and at the same time warning of his presence and condition at that moment. Only on wide sections of the slope do skiers or snowboarders can stop briefly in the middle, and pull to the edge of the slope as soon as possible. Narrow and opaque parts, which are impossible or difficult to see, must remain free. In case of a severe fall that caused a more serious injury, if, for understandable reasons he cannot get away from the unsafe part of the trail, the skier is obliged to try to warn other skiers of his presence, as much as possible.
7. Climbing or descending
A skier or snowboarder who climbs or descends on foot must do so by the very edge of the slope. Moving in the wrong direction from the main “traffic” is an unforeseen obstacle for skiers. Also, traces of walking destroy the slope itself, thus endangering skiers.
8. Respect for signs and markings
Every skier must respect the markings and signals. Depending on difficulty, the slopes are marked in blue, red, and black. Each skier or snowboarder is free to choose the appropriate slope. Slopes are also marked with directional signs as well as danger warnings or ski bans. If the slope is marked as closed, such marking should be observed as well as danger signs. The skier must know that the complete signalization (directions of movement, danger, or prohibition) is aimed at increasing his safety and security.
9. Accident assistance
Humanity is imperative. Providing first aid to an injured skier is not only a legal duty but one of the most important principles of sportsmanship. Providing first aid, informing the rescue service about the place and type of injury, and securing the place of the accident are the basic postulates. Leaving the place of a ski accident is treated the same as leaving the place of a traffic accident on the main road.
10. Duty to legitimize
Every skier or snowboarder, who may be a witness or participant in causing an accident or accident, is obliged to provide the responsible persons of the ski center with personal data, photographs, videos, and other information that may shed light on the circumstances of the accident.
Unfortunately, modern lifestyles are increasingly limiting the time that is necessary to devote to performing physical activities that are a prerequisite for proper physical development in children and youth. The interest of every community is the intensive involvement of the general population in healthy lifestyles, of which we justifiably single out skiing as a sport that combines proper development of motoric skills, intensive development of complete musculature, creating a sense of responsibility for ourselves and others, sociological development. And the psychological element and sports culture are all ahead with a strong and immeasurable positive impact on the health of skiers due to their stay in nature and in the fresh air as well. SO LETS SKI!
Ski Resorts of Montenegro
Dženis Nurković