The reputable ski demonstrator designed a learning approach to skiing called gradually extending the ski length (referred to as the UPS system), which enables the skier to learn how to use carving on gentle slopes in as little as two days. He first described the technique in his book NA KANTO!, and later decided to make an educational sports documentary, too. The film has already premiered in the cinemas around country as well as abroad. We’ve talked to Murovec about how a helmet saved him from a severe head injury during the making of the film, about his co-operation with Tina Maze, and about what the Slovenians are like as recreational skiers.

You’ve invested a lot of work and energy into the film. Are you completely satisfied with the final product?
I’d lie if I said I wasn’t. We didn’t leave anything to luck, and I believe it was worth it. Of course, the most important element is the story, and we hadn’t doubted it for a second, since we’ve been successfully teaching through using the UPS system for a few years now. When such personalities as Tina Maze, Andrea Massi and Nika Fleiss agree to be part of the film, it makes the film all the more convincing and simply glues the viewer to the chair. After all, Tina is Tina. However, I’m also aware of the fact that through such films, one inadvertently assumes the position of someone who knows something other people don’t. This is also an opportunity for reviews, but I believe we left very little room for that.

In which cities abroad has your film premiered, and what was the response? Were cinema auditoriums full there, too?
In the first three weeks, the film exceeded all expectations. In Slovenia, DVDs were sold out in mere ten days. The film has already premiered in Athens, Sarajevo, and St. Moritz. These are not typical film premieres, like the one in Slovenia, but rather presentations for targeted groups that are interested in the film business-wise or as a segment of future co-operation. The responses have been fantastic so far, and we’re already in talks for additional promotion in Austria, Switzerland, USA, the Russian market, Turkey, Italy … I’m also very happy and honoured that the MMC portal has chosen it as the documentary film of the year in its selection of the top 100 sports events in 2013.

Does the Slovenian ski school have good reputation abroad?
Our knowledge of skiing in particular is greatly valued. We Slovenians are a great ski nation. If I give only a few examples: there’s practically no ski team in the world without Slovenian team members, be it in the role of a coach, an assistant, or a serviceperson. You’ll quickly come across a Slovenian in many ski centres around the world, and they’re greatly valued in their respective ski environments. Many among them are even heads of learning programmes, schools or ski clubs. If we add numerous experts who give lectures all around the world and have a rich treasure trove of technical works, literature and patents, you’ll see why. After all, the carving ski is a Slovenian invention.

What has it been like to work with Tina Maze? Can you contribute anything new, and if so, what is that?
The answer to this question lies in the fact that top skiers will do everything they can to find hidden reserves in their techniques. And that’s what their task is – it’s Tina’s task to do so. If I said we worked on these segments a lot, it would seem as if Tina didn’t know to ski. In our joint training sessions, we’re trying to find potential reserves that would upgrade her expert knowledge of skiing. Since ski techniques keep evolving, reserves can always be found. In addition to that, the skier needs to be able to ski on the edge, on the brink of going off the track .We’re seeking technical perfection that would allow Tina to ski on the edge more often and still make it to the finish line.

You worked with Tina Maze during this year’s preparation period, too. At the time, you said the atmosphere in the team had been excellent. But in reality Tina did not get along well with Ronconi, her coach. Was that still unnoticeable then?
I think it’s not a question of getting along well or not. It’s a completely logical fact of trust in the period of the competitive rhythm. The competitor is put in front of the result mirror that reflects many things. Everyone wants to win, especially winners who have proven themselves already, and deviations from expected results always prompt questions as to how, why. This is why it’s impossible to single out an individual as part of the skier’s team. Trust is built on results and vice versa. To be clear, trust in one’s own abilities, too – this in my opinion is the key problem at the moment. Tina has the knowledge, there’s no doubt about it!

Do you believe the new coach will make it easier for her to find the way back to the top? What’s the most important element for her now?
She only needs one top result, something that will bring back her winning mentality, playfulness and instinct. There’s no point in competing with last season, she needs to enjoy the skies and the competition again.