Traditionally used methods for kinematic analysis of alpine skiing has limitations regarding data collecting and data processing. Also, analysis of measured parameters, interpretation, and implementation in practice are postponed. Therefore, aim of this paper was to determine differences in the performance of slalom turns between three conditions using a relatively new technology that allows fast data collecting and analysis. Twenty kinematic variables were analysed for each turn (both the left and right) and 26 turns were executed in each condition. All turns were performed by a national skiing demonstrator. Differences were determined by MANOVA (F=71.3; p=.00). Tukey’s post-hoc test showed that the turns performed on the ski simulator differed in every variable from the turns performed in other two condition, and the free skiing turns differed from the corridor turns in the following variables: hip joint angle of abduction of the right leg in the left turn, p=.00; distance of the projection of the centre of mass relative to the right foot in the left turn, p=.00; hip joint angle of flexion of the left leg in the left turn, p=.02; hip joint angle of abduction of the left leg in the left turn, p=.01; distance of the projection of the centre of mass relative to the left foot in the left turn, p=.00; knee angle of flexion of the left leg in the right turn, p=.04). The kinematic parameters obtained using the XSENS suit during slalom turns performed on the ski simulator and ski slope suggested significant differences in the position of the lower extremities, which might be important for situational efficiency and technical performance. Our results can be used to improve the alpine skiing technique. They suggest more precise relations between space parameters, such as body position and the angles between different body segments during a slalom turn. Methodology of research and technology used could contribute to the development of new scientific approaches in biomechanical research of top-level sports.

The complexity of skiing movements urges recreational alpine skiers and competitors to undertake many specific skill trainings not only during the season but also during the off-season using alternative sports. In AS, the role of the outside leg is crucial for successful turn performance. By measuring kinematic and kinetic parameters, we could define whether there is an objective similarity of the role and the movements of the outside leg while performing a turn in AS to those in the most used additional activity, IS. The sample consisted of ten female alpine ski instructors (age 31.6 ± 8.23, height 170.66 ± 7.32 cm, weight 60.16 ± 7.58 kg). Overall, 280 turns were analyzed (140 for AS and 140 for IS). For the purposes of this study, the variable sample consisted of 14 variables in total. For the detection of differences between short turn performance in AS and IS, MANOVA was used. The main findings of our study are defined similarities in pressure distribution during IS and AS and noticeable differences in the kinematic parameters of the outside leg between the mentioned activities. Based on the gathered results, recreational alpine skiers should be aware that IS cannot be used for the purpose of AS adoption, but rather as a dry-land additional activity for AS preparation.

There are numerous programs worldwide adapted for alpine ski beginners and they all share the same primary goal—inclusion of skiing beginners in alpine ski schools. The final elements of ski school taught in the parallel skiing technique are parallel turn and short turn. Synchronized analysis of kinetic and kinematic parameters of the parallel turn (PT) and short turn (ST) was conducted to determine the main biomechanical differences from a standpoint of foot pressure and lower limb angles. Both elements were performed by nine male ski instructors (age 33.4 ± 8.62, height 179.52 ± 5.98 cm, weight 78.6 ± 8.88 kg). Kinetic and kinematic analysis was conducted on 180 turns, 90 for each element. Differences in kinetic and kinematic parameters between parallel and short turns were tested by a paired t-test. The main findings of our study are determined differences in the ratio of pressure distribution on the inside and the outside foot and differences in kinematic parameters of the outside leg between elements. The mentioned analysis can provide an objective insight into the complexity of each element and provide guidelines for teaching process of those elements. This study determined the reasons for higher complexity of ST compared to PT based on the objective evaluation of biomechanical factors.

Nowadays, various programs are used in ski schools to teach beginners. All programs have the same goal, and that is to teach beginners specific body movements with which they will be able to manage their skis. Three programs are most commonly used in alpine skiing schools. According to one program, ski beginners are taught the basics of alpine skiing exclusively with elements of parallel skiing techniques. In the second program, ski beginners acquire knowledge using elements of snowplough and parallel ski technique. The third alpine skiing learning program combines these two methods. In addition to the program, in practice there are two approaches to learning alpine skiing. The first method involves a daily trip to a ski slope or a nearby winter tourist centre, where the skiing technique is adopted and beginners return to the place of residence the same day. The second way consists of an organized, usually seven-day, winter trip, during which the basics of alpine skiing are learned every day during the stay in the ski-resort. Regardless of the learning programs used, the safety of skiers is a priority in every alpine skiing school. Therefore, it is advisable for all beginner skiers to get involved in an alpine skiing school, as this is the best way to prevent injuries.

Danas se u skijaškim školama primjenjuju različiti programi po kojima se uče skijaški početnici. Svi programi imaju isti cilj, a to je naučiti početnike specifične pokrete tijela pomoću kojih će moći upravljati skijama.Tri se programa najčešće koriste u školama alpskoga skijanja. Po jednom programu skijaške početnike se uči osnovama alpskoga skijanja isključivo elementima paralelne skijaške tehnike. Drugim programom skijaški početnici usvajaju znanja pomoću elemenata plužne i paralelne skijaške tehnike. Treći program učenja alpskoga skijanja kombinira navedena dva načina. Osim programa, u praksi postoje dva pristupa učenja alpskoga skijanja. Prvi način uključuje svakodnevni odlazak do skijaškog poligona ili obližnjeg zimskog turističkog centra, na kojemu se usvaja skijaška tehnika te se isti dan vraća u mjesto stanovanja. Drugi način sastoji se u organiziranom, najčešće sedmodnevnom, odlasku na zimovanje u sklopu čega se svaki dan uče osnove alpskoga skijanja. Neovisno o korištenim programima učenja, sigurnost skijaša prioritet je u svakoj školi alpskoga skijanja. Stoga je savjet svim skijašima početnicima uključiti se u školu alpskoga skijanja, jer na taj način čine najbolju prevenciju nastanka ozljeda.