Taking your first runs on grass skis is surprisingly straightforward — especially if you already ski on snow. This guide walks you through equipment selection, slope choice and the first techniques to practise before your first full session.
Equipment You Need
Grass skis
For beginners and recreational skiers we recommend the Model Easy. It is designed specifically for recreational use with a simple tool-free binding system, robust construction and reliable performance on varied slope conditions. Competitive skiers transitioning from snow training may prefer the Model Race for more responsive carving performance.
Alpine ski boots
Standard alpine ski boots are all you need — your existing snow ski boots are perfect. Grass ski bindings are compatible with standard ISO 5355 alpine boot soles. Telemark or touring boots are not suitable.
Ski poles
Your regular alpine ski poles work fine — same length, same usage as on snow.
Safety gear
- Helmet — mandatory at events and strongly recommended for all sessions
- Gloves — protects hands in the event of a fall
- Long trousers — grass abrasion protection; ski trousers or softshell trousers ideal
- Back protector — optional but recommended for steeper slopes
Choosing the Right Ski Length
Grass ski length works differently to snow ski length — shorter is easier, and beginners should always start shorter regardless of height:
- 65–75 cm — children and young beginners
- 80 cm — adult beginners and recreational skiers
- 80–85 cm — experienced recreational skiers transitioning from snow
- 90–105 cm — advanced skiers and competitive racers
A shorter ski pivots more readily, is easier to stop and builds confidence faster. You can always progress to a longer ski once your technique is solid.
Mounting the Bindings
The Model Easy binding mounts tool-free directly onto the ski frame. Place the ski on a flat surface, position your boot and click in as you would with a standard alpine binding. The boot position and forward lean will feel completely familiar from snow skiing. Full step-by-step mounting instructions are available in our tutorial section.
Choosing Your First Slope
The ideal beginner slope is:
- Short — 30–80 m is more than enough for a first session
- Gentle gradient — 5–20 degrees, roughly equivalent to an easy blue run
- Well mowed — short, even grass without bare patches, tufts or hidden obstacles
- Flat run-out — open, obstacle-free area at the bottom to slow down naturally
Avoid wet or damp grass for your first sessions — it is significantly faster than dry grass. Start on dry ground until you are comfortable at speed.
Your First Runs — Step by Step
Step 1: Straight running
Start with several straight runs from top to bottom without turning. Use an athletic, slightly forward stance — weight balanced over both feet, the same position as on snow. Let the skis roll and get a feel for the speed and how they track.
Step 2: Speed control — snowplough / wedge
To slow down and stop, use a snowplough: push both heels outward and roll your ankles inward to edge both skis simultaneously. This works identically to the snowplough on snow. Practise stopping reliably before progressing to turns.
Step 3: Basic turns
To turn left, shift your weight to your right ski and roll your right ankle inward. To turn right, weight and edge the left ski. The wheel belt's resistance to lateral movement means the ski carves readily once edged — the feeling is very close to a carved turn on groomed snow.
Step 4: Linking turns
Once comfortable with individual turns, practise linking them in a continuous S-shape down the slope. The rhythm is the same as alpine skiing — weight transfer, edge, steer, transfer again. Most recreational skiers who ski on snow can link comfortable turns within one or two short sessions.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Leaning back — the most common error. Causes loss of control and acceleration. Stay forward over the bindings.
- Stiff upper body — let ankles, knees and hips absorb terrain changes.
- Too-steep slope too soon — build confidence on gentle ground first.
- Wet grass — far faster than dry. Beginners should ski only in dry conditions.
- Skis too long — start short; a ski that is too long is much harder to control.
After Your First Session: What Next?
Once you can link turns comfortably and stop reliably, you're ready to progress:
- Move to a longer, steeper slope for more speed and carving challenge
- Work on carved turns and refine your technique — see our Skiing Technique guide
- Join a local grasski club or attend an event
- Consider upgrading to the Model Race for more responsive carving performance
Questions about equipment, slope selection or your first session? Contact us — we're always happy to help beginners get started with grass skiing.