The Effects of Alpine Skiing Training on the Adoption of Skiing Elements in Girls

Rasim Lakota, Berina Turković, Žarko Bilić

Alpine skiing is a complex and physically demanding sport that requires a high level of motor and energy abilities. Successful learning of skiing techniques depends on systematic preparation and the application of appropriate teaching methods. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a five-day alpine skiing training program on the acquisition of basic and advanced skiing elements among school-age girls.

The research was conducted on a sample of 33 girls aged 7 to 10 years from Sarajevo Canton. Seven variables were used to assess the performance of basic skiing elements: straight run, traversing, uphill turn, snowplough, snowplough turns, snowplough curve, and side-slipping. Two additional variables were used to evaluate advanced skiing elements: stem turns and short parallel turns. Overall skiing performance was assessed by a panel of three judges.

The research hypothesis was tested using a dependent-samples t-test. The results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all nine evaluated skiing variables. The five-day training program produced a positive transfer effect on the acquisition of both basic and advanced skiing elements.

The findings indicate that the program’s content, workload, organization, and methodological procedures significantly contributed to learning and improving skiing techniques. The study confirms that a properly structured short-term skiing program can positively influence the acquisition of alpine skiing skills among elementary school girls.