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| Grass Skiing - an Evergreen Sport….. | By Peter Garwood
Skiing is not just a winter sport. As soon as the snowy season is over, out come the caterpillar-tracked skis and the grass skiing season begins. | | | Grass skiing skiers are hardy perennials that don't wilt during the summer months. Instead they hit the slopes in all weathers and in all conditions!
And although grass skiing may have gone to seed in the UK it is still flourishing elsewhere with the season already underway in France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the Balkans!
Its popularity is also growing rapidly in China and Japan and it's even taken root in Iran!
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| HISTORY OF GRASS SKIING | |
Invented in Germany in 1966, grass skiing was introduced to the Vosges region of France in 1968 by Richard Martin. It soon to spread rapidly throughout the country and elsewhere in Europe. It was mainly a competitive sport to begin with, however over recent years grass skiing has become increasingly accessible to the leisure skiing public.
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| WHO CAN GRASS SKI? | |
Anyone in good physical condition can experience the joys of grass skiing, from as young as 5 or 6 years old, even without having previously skied on snow.
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| WHY? |
To discover a new 'sliding' sport, addictive and exciting, which can be practiced on any grassy slope.
It's ideal preparation for learning alpine skiing.
To improve and perfect one's technique and physical condition if already an alpine skier, and wishing to remain active during those periods when snow cover is lacking.
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| WHAT EQUIPMENT? | |
The main models are tracked (Rollka, Roll-Racer, Ongtex, E'sam...). Only the Roll-Racer make is currently directly available in Europe. The latest tracked skis are fast, precise, and require grassy, well-prepared slopes. It's a competitor's ski, for lovers of speed, but which can equally well be used by beginners. Each model exists in different sizes, adapted for skiers of all standards.
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| HOW, WHERE? |
By visiting the grass ski centres that exist in various European countries, but particularly in the mountainous regions. It's better than trying to learn by yourself as these centres provide ski rental, advice and lessons at all levels. Visit www.atbsports.co.uk for more details on grass skiing and boarding
Alterntively you can attend a ski camp or course.
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| WHEN? | |
Mainly July and August in the ski resorts, however club-organised activities allow addicts to practice the sport between May and October, even in winter when snow is lacking. |
So don't be a weed and vegetate during the off-season ! Drop in at one of the numerous events around Europe and see how the real fanatics do it….
Further info about grass skiing around Europe on the www.grasski.org website. To try the sport in the US, contact Horst Locher (skischool@bryceresort.com) at Bryce Resort - www.bryceresort.com … just a couple of hours from Washington DC.
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