SPASOJEVIĆ: STAYING IN THE MOUNTAINS IS BECOMING A NECESSITY

PALE, JANUARY 2 /SRNA/ - Jahorina ski instructor Ognjen Spasojević told SRNA that throughout his career, he has worked with skiers ranging in age from two to 80, coming from many European countries, and emphasized that the most important thing is the desire to learn how to ski.

Spasojević said that the mountain is most beautiful in winter, and praised the Jahorina Olympic Center and everyone responsible for the well-maintained slopes and overall atmosphere that attracts winter sports enthusiasts from across the region and Europe.

He added that at a time of increasingly frequent air pollution, staying in the mountains is becoming a necessity.

"Spending time in the mountains, as well as skiing, is healthy, beneficial, and necessary. One should know how to swim, ski, and ride a bicycle. These are the basics," Spasojević said.

FOUR DECADES OF SKIING

Spasojević has been skiing for 42 years and has worked as a ski instructor for 26 years.

"By chance, I started skiing when I moved from Sarajevo to Jahorina. I already knew the basics. I got a job at the Olympic Center, worked for two or three seasons, and then realized that I could and wanted more. The turning point was the year 2000, when, thanks to my friend Vladimir Lučić, I joined his ski school, where I remain to this day," Spasojević said.

According to him, his working day begins long before he sets foot on the slopes; it starts in the evening with bookings, arrangements with guests, introductions, preparation, and organization - all with the aim of ensuring visitors a complete and enjoyable experience.

Spasojević arrives on the mountain at around 8:00 a.m., where, as the coordinator of the VIP Ski School Jahorina, he holds a meeting with his instructors. His schedule is filled with lessons every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Each lesson lasts 55 minutes, allowing time for breaks and rest.

IN THE END, EVERYONE LEARNS TO SKI

Spasojević pointed out that throughout his career, he has taught people from all continents how to ski and that there is almost no city in Europe from which he has not had students.

When it comes to learning, Spasojević has a clear view: the best beginners are those who know nothing at all.

"The worst option is when someone has already tried to learn on their own or was taught by a parent, uncle, or grandparent. Then I have to correct mistakes, but in the end everyone learns, they just need more lessons," Spasojević explained.

He said that before starting, the instructor asks about the student’s health, checks the equipment, assesses the skier’s abilities, and then gradually begins the training.

Spasojević said that there are 15 different ski schools on Jahorina, all staffed with licensed instructors who love the mountain and their work.

He emphasized that injuries do not occur when a student has an experienced instructor who can assess both the slope and the skier’s abilities, and when the skier uses proper equipment.

"These injuries most often happen to skiers who have been skiing for two or three years but are unaware of their limits and attempt slopes beyond their skill level. You have to be 100 percent certain, because skiing is an extreme sport," Spasojević said.