{"id":6386,"date":"2024-06-27T12:58:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-27T10:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowtrex.co.uk\/magazine\/?p=6386"},"modified":"2025-10-30T10:43:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T09:43:42","slug":"grass-skiing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowtrex.co.uk\/magazine\/interviews-reports\/grass-skiing\/","title":{"rendered":"Grass Skiing: Skiing on a Meadow"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Josef Kaiser from Germany had the idea in 1960 that it would be possible to ski on special boards in summer, the foundation stone of grass skiing was laid. In the following years, the summer sport became so popular that even world championships, world cup races and national competitions are now held on grass skis. So what is it that makes grass skiing so special? SnowTrex<\/a> has the details.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n \"Grass<\/a>
\u00a9 grasski.at<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Grass skiing is often reminiscent of alpine skiing. The decisive difference: no snow!<\/div>\n <\/div > \n
\n <\/span><\/p>\n
\n Index\n <\/div>\n
\n This is what grass skis look like<\/span><\/a>The technique of grass skiing<\/span><\/a>Grass skiing facilities<\/span><\/a>Grass skiing season<\/span><\/a>Grass skiing competitions<\/span><\/a>4 questions for a professional grass skier<\/span><\/a>FAQs about grass skiing<\/span><\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n

This is what grass skis look like<\/h2>\n

Grass skis are 60 to 100 cm long and about 12 cm high. In contrast to Alpine skis, they are not a relatively flat board, but consist of two rollers connected by an axle. Above the rollers runs the so-called base, which consists of a belt with sliding elements – just like a tracked vehicle, only smaller. The skis are bent slightly upwards at the front and rear. The stirrup binding on the grass ski is similar to the construction known from big foot skis. On these constructions, grass skiers can ski downhill at speeds of up to 90 or 100 km\/h. The ski boots are again the same as those known from alpine skiing. Grass skis are cared for by cleaning them properly and oiling them occasionally.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"Grass<\/a>
\u00a9 grasski.at<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Grass ski racers in full action.<\/div>\n <\/div > \n

The technique of grass skiing<\/h2>\n

Grass skiing – as the name suggests – is done on grass or a mown meadow. For more than 20 years, the sport has been integrated into the International Ski Federation (FIS), which also determines the rules for the competitions. The same disciplines are distinguished here as in alpine skiing: slalom, giant slalom, super G, downhill and parallel competitions.<\/p>\n

The technique and turns are identical to those of alpine skiers. Due to the lack of snow, however, it is not possible to ski a snow plough or slide sideways. Thus, grass skiing is very similar to carving.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"When<\/a>
\u00a9 grasski.at<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
When skiing, the rule is: practice early to become a master – even on grass.<\/div>\n <\/div > \n

Grass skiing facilities<\/h2>\n

Since grass skiing cannot be slowed down like alpine skiing, the slopes are usually much flatter. In order to come to a standstill, grass skiers have to swing off in a curve and ultimately roll out. Abrupt braking is impossible. For safety reasons, a ski helmet, gloves and ski goggles are therefore strongly recommended.<\/p>\n

Generally speaking, you can ski wherever there are grass-covered slopes. For example, there are grass ski races in Hamburg and Berlin. A ski lift, which can also be used in summer, is, of course, particularly advantageous for the athletes, as in alpine skiing. Alternatively, transportable baby lifts are sometimes installed. Those who live in the flat country and still like to ski can also stretch a kite in front of the grass skis.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"Grass<\/a>
\u00a9 grasski.at<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Grass skiing competitions increase on rather flat slopes, as athletes need more space to brake.<\/div>\n <\/div > \n

Grass skiing season<\/h2>\n

The season for grass skiers lasts from the end of April to the end of September. Originally, grass skis were also intended as summer training equipment for winter sports fans. With grass skis, they could stay fit throughout the summer and further refine their technique. However, this idea did not catch on. What emerged was a summer sport with athletes and hobby skiers specialising in it.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"Riding<\/a>
\u00a9 grasski.at<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Riding the lift with grass skis.<\/div>\n <\/div > \n

Grass skiing competitions<\/h2>\n

In 1971, a European Cup in grass skiing was held for the first time, followed by European Championships in 1976. In 1979, the World Championships were added every 2 years (since 1990 also the Junior World Championships) and the European Cup was finally replaced by the World Cup in 2000. Today, there is also a 5-part racing series, the German Cup, which is equivalent to the German championships. In 1976, the sport of grass skiing even received its own section in the German Ski Association (DSV), and in 1985, the International Ski Federation FIS followed suit.<\/p>\n

<\/div>
FIS Grasski Worldcup 2014 Kaprun.<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>