Grass skiing

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Grass Skier

Grass skiing was started in France in 1966 as a method for training for alpine skiing. Short skis that were actually continuous 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 on the skill of the grass skier, high speeds and jumps could be navigated.

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.

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 the USA, Europe, Italy, Taiwan, China, Japan, Iran, Lebanon, Austria, and Switzerland, and the Grass Skiing World Cup has already been established. There is also a place in Northern Spain, a village called Pajares, in which every last weekend of August they celebrate the annual Skiing on the Grass race, in which they have participants of all ages.

Equipment

Tracked grass skis

Originally, 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 can be used in various terrains and for freestyle skiing and off-piste skiing. The tracked model on the other hand is specifically designed to be used in grassy slopes.

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.

Grasski USA

Grasski USA Inc. is the main distributor and reseller of grass skis in the United States and Canada. They work with the European manufacturers and ski resorts located around the country to promote and build the sport of grass skiing.

See also

References

    External links

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