MASI : Montenegro INTERSKI

On 2 March 2026 in Nikšić, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the University of Montenegro – Faculty of Sport and Physical Education and NVU MASI.

The Memorandum was signed by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Jovan Gardašević, and the President of NVU MASI, Prof. Dr. Dragoslav Nenzić. The signing ceremony was also attended by members of the NVU MASI Board of Directors.

The aim of this cooperation is to enhance students’ skiing knowledge through joint projects, training sessions, and professional development programs, as well as to strengthen the connection between academic education and practical experience.

NVU MASI emphasized that this agreement represents the beginning of more intensive cooperation with institutions dedicated to the development of youth and sport, with a clear commitment to further joint initiatives and to raising the quality of professional work in the field of skiing.

Last weekend, I was invited to join the MASI snow instructors’ seminar in beautiful Kolašin, Montenegro, where I was responsible for the snowboard instructor segment. I was accompanied by my colleague Deni, and together we worked with four talented and promising snowboarders who were eager to use their snowboarding skills to pass knowledge on to beginners.

It was my first time in Kolašin, and I was truly impressed by the infrastructure of both the town and the ski slopes. It is a destination very well suited for beginners, but not only for them. The charming mountain offers slopes of varying difficulty, making it an ideal place for both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. The staff was extremely helpful and understood the specific needs of our seminar, and thanks to their professional approach, there was never any overcrowding. The seminar was organized over two days, both of which ran smoothly. On the second day, even the weather was on our side, and we were blessed with sunshine.

The seminar was divided into two days and was very intensive in terms of the information provided to the candidates. On the first day, we spent the entire day on the slopes, practicing various aspects of snowboarding and learning how to move away from old riding habits and adopt new, pedagogically approved approaches. After a full day on the slopes, we met again in the evening to go through the theory behind everything we had practiced. The lecture was very pleasant and took the form of an open discussion, where each candidate contributed with their thoughts, opinions, and experiences. The following day, we met again for additional practice before the candidates took their exam to demonstrate whether they were ready to become snowboard instructors. Given the high quality of the candidates, it was no surprise that they all passed successfully. Three candidates passed Level 1, which requires them to complete 30 hours in a ski school under the supervision of senior instructors over the course of a year before qualifying for Level 2, which allows independent work as an instructor. One candidate passed Level 2. Montenegro is now enriched with four highly competent and skilled snowboard instructors.

The group of candidates was very diverse in terms of age and experience. Some of the younger candidates demonstrated a very advanced and stylish riding level, reminiscent of someone ready to begin competing. Based on my observations, I recommended that some of the candidates are ready and mature enough to start their competitive journey. Ethan, the youngest candidate, has a great sense of style and talent for freestyle snowboarding and should begin riding and training in snow parks, focusing on the slopestyle, big air, and halfpipe disciplines. He should also start competing in these disciplines and collecting FIS points, as he is young and has plenty of time ahead of him. Pavle, the most experienced instructor among them, has a strong feel and interest in snowboard cross, a discipline positioned at the intersection of snowboard racing and freestyle. He is fully ready to enter competitions immediately, and I would recommend that he do so as soon as possible. As he is still quite young, he has great potential for excellent results. Finally, Filip was the most dedicated to becoming an instructor and was close to taking the Level 2 exam. The way he demonstrates exercises, combined with his pedagogical approach, makes him a confident and high-quality instructor, and he should continue on this path, potentially even reaching Level 3 in the future.

Overall, I was very impressed by the snowboard scene in Montenegro. I was truly happy to be part of such a great seminar and group of people. I would like to thank Milovan and Ivan for the invitation, and I look forward to returning next year. Until then, I wish you all plenty of snowy days and great rides.

MASI Seminar
Kolašin, February 17–22, 2026

Dear teachers and instructors of alpine skiing,

A few days ago, we successfully concluded the seminar of our association, MASI. After several previous editions, this time we were fortunate with both the weather and snow conditions. I firmly believe that, thanks to the high-quality work with our demonstrators, the seminar participants left Kolašin satisfied.

You are likely already familiar with the recent changes in our organizational structure. Following the completion of the seminar, I firmly stand by the view that these changes have proven successful.

In order to ensure high-quality and effective work, we organized four days of preparation with candidates for the demo team prior to the seminar itself. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their dedicated and diligent efforts. I am confident that some of them will become members of the MASI Demo Team in the future.

Kolašin once again proved to be an excellent ski centre. I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the seminar being conducted in the best possible manner.

In addition to practical on-snow training with instructors, the core of the seminar was complemented by theoretical lectures. The speakers, Indira Hrapović (Austria), with her presentation “Young Stars Leistungspass” – the current program of the Austrian Ski Association for children in ski schools – and Prof. Peter Sitar, with his lecture “Presentation of Ski Forms Planned for Examination Testing (Levels I–II–III),” successfully captured the interest of the audience.

During the seminar, with the aim of providing even better preparation and training for new ski instructors, the reintroduction of a course-based training format was proposed, starting as early as next season. The goal is clear: to ensure that MASI instructors leave fully prepared to take responsibility for training in Montenegro, as well as at European and international ski resorts.

Wishing you all a successful conclusion to the ski season,

Peter

Alta Badia, February 25, 2026
President
Peter Sitar

Former No. 1 on the international FIS ranking list in the slopestyle discipline, Andrea Ugrinoska will be in charge of seminars intended for future snowboard instructors.

Andrea Ugrinoska, 33, from Skopje, North Macedonia, has been involved in snowboarding for more than two decades. She developed her love for the sport on her home mountain, Mavrovo, after which she became a champion and a member of the Macedonian national team in the disciplines of slopestyle, big air, and halfpipe.

Throughout her career, she competed in numerous regional and international competitions, and in 2009 she held first place on the international FIS ranking list in slopestyle for a full year. She was also invited as a prospective Olympic representative to PyeongChang, Korea.

She ended her competitive career at the age of 20 due to a series of injuries, after which she continued working as a professional snowboard instructor. She completed Levels 1–3 in Slovenia and has been a member of the MAISS Executive Board for the past five years, serving as the main coordinator for the certification of new snowboard instructors in Macedonia.

The MASI delegation, composed of Secretary General Milovan Šoškić and President of the Executive Board Ivan Ivanović, stayed in Kolašin last weekend, where the final preparations were completed for the post-season ski instructors’ seminar. The seminar will be held from February 19 to 22 in Kolašin and at the Kolašin 1600 ski center.

During the night between Saturday and Sunday, around 20 centimeters of new snow fell, creating ideal conditions for on-snow training. Candidates for the Demo Team, instructors registered for higher-level certification exams, as well as new candidates who are yet to obtain the title of ski and snowboard instructor, can expect excellent conditions on the slopes.

“We can already say with satisfaction that everything is ready for the start of the seminar. On this occasion, I would like to thank the Kolašin 1600 Ski Center, as well as the Kolašin Cultural Center, for their exceptionally correct and hospitable attitude towards the Association,” states the report from Kolašin signed by Secretary General Milovan Šoškić.

The seminar begins on Wednesday, February 18, with the gathering of Demo Team candidates, who will work under the supervision of coach Peter Sitar and team leader Tarik Hadžić until Friday. From Friday, other Association members will also arrive. They are required to report to the Kolašin 1600 ski center on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. for registration, group allocation, and settlement of obligations towards the Association. The official program begins at 9:00 a.m.

The Association reminds its members to complete the application form and register via the official website.

18–22 February 2026

February 18
08:30 Preparation of Demo Team candidates for the seminar with Demo Team coach Prof. Peter Sitar, Ski Center Kolašin 1600

February 19
09:00 Preparation of Demo Team candidates for the seminar with Demo Team coach Prof. Peter Sitar, Ski Center Kolašin 1600

February 20
09:00 Preparation of Demo Team candidates for the seminar with Demo Team coach Prof. Peter Sitar, Ski Center Kolašin 1600
19:00 MASI Board Meeting (Association work guidelines, technical preparations for the ISIA Congress – Vail, Colorado 2027)

Saturday, 21 February 2026

08:00 – 08:50 Registration of seminar participants, Ski Center Kolašin 1600 (Settlement of obligations towards the Association – membership fee for 2025/26 for those who have not paid, seminar fee €50, exam fee €50)
08:50 – 09:00 Opening of the seminar
09:00 – 15:00 On-snow workshops with instructors and the Demo Team; preparation of candidates for Level I, II and III exams under the supervision of Demo Team coach Prof. Peter Sitar
17:00 Meeting of the Evaluation Commission (President: Rešad Kardović; Members: Prof. Peter Sitar, Prof. Rašid Hadžić and Ivan Ivanović)
17:30 Gathering of candidates at the Cultural Center Kolašin (Settlement of obligations towards the Association – membership fee for 2025/26 for those who have not paid, seminar fee €50, exam fee €50)
18:00 – 21:00 Lectures according to the program – Cultural Center Kolašin Hall
18:00 – 19:00 “Young Stars Leistungspass” – current program of the Austrian Ski Association for children’s ski schools, Lecturer: Prof. Indira Hrapović (Austria)
19:00 – 20:00 “Presentation of ski forms planned for exam testing (Level I–II–III)”, Lecturer: Prof. Peter Sitar (Slovenia)
20:00 – 20:45 Screening of the film “History of MASI – ISIA Revision Durmitor 2012”, KNB Production

Sunday, 22 February 2026

08:30 – 09:00 On-snow presentation of the “Young Stars Leistungspass” program of the Austrian Ski Association for children’s ski schools, Prof. Indira Hrapović (Austria), Ski Center Kolašin 1600
09:00 – 11:00 On-snow workshops with demonstrators, Ski Center Kolašin 1600
11:00 Examination (candidate testing)
14:00 Closing of the seminar

Members of the Association are required to register for participation in the seminar by completing the application form published on the MASI Viber channel and on the website www.montenegrointerski.me no later than Friday, 20 February 2026.

SNOWBOARD

The snowboard seminar will be conducted according to a program that will be presented before the start of the seminar and will be led by a snowboard demonstrator, provided there are interested candidates for snowboard instructor certification.

We invite all snowboarders interested in renewing or obtaining a M.A.S.I. license to register in a timely manner, so that we can prepare the program in cooperation with colleagues from Macedonia.

MASI BOARD

Dear members and colleagues,

We would like to inform all interested parties that MASI will hold a professional seminar on February 20th, 21st, and 22nd. More details regarding the venue, program, schedule, and registration will be announced soon.

The seminar is intended for all instructors, demonstrators, and candidates who wish to renew, obtain, or upgrade their license, as well as for everyone interested in additional professional development in the field of snow sports.

Kind regards,
MASI

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MASI SEMINAR

Dear members and colleagues,

We would like to inform all interested participants that MASI will hold a professional seminar from 20 to 21 December at the Kolašin 1600 or Kolašin 1450 ski resort, depending on current weather conditions and the situation on the slopes.

The implementation of the seminar will be adjusted according to snow conditions, and the practical part of the program will depend on snowfall levels and slope safety. We hope for favorable conditions and a successful start of the season.

The seminar is intended for all instructors, demonstrators, and candidates who wish to renew, obtain, or upgrade their license, as well as for anyone seeking additional professional development in snow sports.

More details regarding the program, schedule, and registration will be published soon.

Kind regards,
MASI