Grass skiing

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Grass skiing was started in the mid-1970s as a method for training for alpine skiing. Short skis that were actually rolling treads, much like those on tanks, or wheels were used. These skis were attached to the skiers boots and a grassy downhill slope was found. Depending upon the skill of the grass skier, high speeds and jumps could be navigated. This area of the sport has not found a great following as of 2003.

For those who want to practice their skiing skills during the off-season, grass can be a substitute for snow. As long as there is a grassy mountain slope, one can run using grass skis and be able to have a unique skiing experience even during the height of summer. For those who can’t wait to ski on snow, it is good to try grass skiing.

As the name implies, grass skiing entails skiing on grassy mountain slopes or grass ski centers with the aid of grass skis. These are short, skeeler-like skis with caterpillar tracks.

Grass Skiing is ideal for skiers who want to train over the summer season. Using grass skis, they can ski on grassy slopes, even in the confines of their own backyards. Many skiers have created their own pistes as an alternative to grass ski centers or grassy mountainous regions. Moreover, aspiring alpine skiers or skiing beginners in general can try this skiing variation to learn skiing moves and techniques even before the onset of snow.

Those who haven't tried skiing on snow and even five-year-old kids can do this skiing variation. However, you should be in good physical condition before wearing grass skis and going downhill.

1 History
2 Equipment
3 Related sports
4 Resources

[edit] History

Grass skiing was invented by Richard Martin in Germany in 1966. It was created initially as a training method for skiers before the winter season. Two years after, Martin introduced the new skiing variation to the Vosges region of France. Eventually, it has grown in popularity and became wide-known in the country.

Starting as a competitive sport, grass skiing has gained a worldwide audience and consequently, there have been ski modifications through the years. Grass skiing centers can be found in Europe, Japan, China, Iran, Austria, and Switzerland, and the Grass Skiing World Cup has already been established.

[edit] Equipment

Before, skis used in grass skiing were like rolling treads attached to the ski boots. Nowadays, there are two types of skis used in grass skiing. These are the wheeled models and the tracked ones.

The wheeled model which is ideal for novice skiers can be used in various terrains and for freestyle and off-piste action. The tracked model, on the other hand, has been specifically designed to be used in grassy slopes. This grass ski model is perfect for those who love to ski in a fast pace, but this doesn't mean that beginners would have a hard time using this.

Grass skiers also use ski poles just like in snow skiing. For protection, grass skiers wear padding on the legs and elbows, as well as helmets.

Grass skiing is an all-year round discipline which takes skiing to a new surface. This just shows how versatile skiing is. Try this discipline and enjoy skiing even without snow.