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The best Slovak ski mountaineer, Jakub Šiarnik, let us join his ski tour in Jasná. When transitioning onto the piste, he presented a valid ticket to the ski patrol. Jakub feels at home in the mountains, which means the Gopass SKI Season Pass is the perfect choice for him. He then began his ascent along the marked route during the resort opening times.
How to cross a piste correctly?
When traversing a piste, I make sure to cross where I can be seen well, which means not below a crest or in a blind corner. If I have the strength, I speed up to get to the other side as quickly as possible.
Can I use ski pistes to ascend?
The rules allow ascending along the edge of ski slopes, but whenever possible, I prefer to climb outside the piste boundaries. There’s plenty of space, so we can ascend side by side and have a chat along the way, but when we return to the piste, we proceed single file.
What are the rules for groups?
When ascending as a group, the rule is to go single file, especially when climbing along the edge of a ski piste. It’s better to leave gaps between us so that skiers can pass through if there are many of us. If the edge of the slope is wide enough—i.e. the area beyond the slope boundary or beyond pole marking, it’s fine for several of us to ascend there together. However, I always try to climb outside the piste boundaries.
What shall we do on steep or icy pistes?
When a piste is steep or icy, such as the frequently windswept and slippery summit of Mt Chopok, I rely on the grip of my climbing skins. This means I ascend along the fall line and avoid zigzagging or traversing, as this would put me on the edges of my skis and reduce my contact with the surface. So, I go straight up the fall line. If I start slipping, I need to lean on my poles. It’s essential to have the poles properly secured in such cases. This means the straps go through my palm from below, providing proper support.
Of course, my poles have the right height, slightly above a right angle at the elbow when at rest. I maintain a skiing stance, which applies not only to descents but also to ascents. This means I’m slightly forward-lean, with the angle between my ankle and knee matching the angle between my hip and shoulder. I use my whole hand to push, engaging the shoulder, shoulder blade and latissimus dorsi back muscles. My core strength plays a role too. The same applies when ascending icy slopes, but in general, ski touring and ski mountaineering require using your whole body, not just your legs. Basic techniques include not lifting your feet but keeping the skis parallel, avoiding their V or A-shape. The same goes for the poles—keep them parallel, not in a V or A shape.
We have asked the head of the Ski Patrol about the two most important ski touring rules in the resort.
The most serious mistake ski mountaineers and tourers make is not respecting the resort opening times. The second major mistake is not respecting the designated ski touring routes and often using pistes that aren’t intended for ski touring.
With every purchase of a Skialp ticket or Skialp season ticket, you are automatically entered into a draw for the great prizes: 1x Gopass SKI season pass, 1x Fresh track for 2 people, 5x one-day ski pass, 3x cable car ticket.
