Grass skiing, skiing on grass, is a method for training for alpine skiing. Both grass skiing and alpine skiing have become established as sports in their own right. The skis used for grass skiing are short with rolling treads or wheels. These skis are attached to the skiers’ boots. Depending on the skill of the grass skier, high speeds and jumps can be navigated.
Grass skiing
About
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 later, Martin introduced the new skiing variation to the Vosges region of France.
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.
Equipments
Grass skiing equipment is relatively similar to alpine skiing equipment. However, grass skis are designed to function on grass, not on snow. Wheeled grass skis can be used on a variety of terrain, but the majority of grass skis are tracked skis. Tracked grass skis are specifically designed to “slide” on grass, so they require smooth, grassy slopes. Tracked grass skis offer great speed.
Grass skiers use poles just like snow skiers. Just as helmets are a necessity for alpine skiing, helmets are used for grass skiing, too. Many grass skiers wear padding on their knees, legs, and elbows. Grass tends to be much less forgiving than snow.
Associations
- Cross Country Ski Areas Association.
