Grasski slope & preparation

How to choose suitable slope and how to prepare it

Let start with basic premise - grass ski are generaly faster than alpine ski.

Just from this is clear that suitable slope for grass skiing must be less steep compared to slopes for alpine ski. Therefore, slopes that may seem too flat in winter will be ideal for grass skiing. It is an exaggeration to say that an "inclined golf course" is ideal. Because easier is the slope easier is also process of learning grasski basics.

Especially if you are going to run a grass ski rental, the right slope is very important. On the gentle slope, the skis will go a little slower, beginners will not be afraid or even scared and everyone will be happy and such customer will be happy to return. On the slopes with a greater inclination, the skis will go faster and not only beginners but also advanced will have to work harder to get to bottom of ski slope. Remember that grasski can´t be slowed down by skidding. As a result, you will discourage potential customers.

During my visit to Japan, I encountered skiing on slopes very similar to slightly inclined golf courses, and the interest was similar to alpine skiing in our winter resorts. In contrast, some european countries have very demanding slopes for competitors where sport skiers lose interest after the first rides.

In addition to the slope, the shape and width of the piste is also important. Grass skis cannot be stopped by sliding as in winter. It is necessary to have a counter-hill or use a longer arch to stop by turning back uphill, but in this case a larger slope width is required to make the arc.

If you own or want to ride in a meadow where you have not ridden grass skis yet, you may need to do a few basic things:

  • Height and type of grass: not suitable for skiing on hard grass or thistles. The ideal height is between 5-15 cm, but you can also ski on taller grass. The higher is grass the slower skis go and the more they get dirty.
  • Slope surface: no medium-sized or large stones, sticks, cones or other objects may lie on the slope. If there are holes or larger irregularities in the slope, it is good to cover them with clay.
If you want to achieve an ideal surface, it is advisable to repeat the following procedure every spring:
  • Spinning gates
  • Fill any larger holes with soil and sow
  • Torture all the way to the dirt (very rough, which again compensates for the inequalities)
  • If there is very little grass somewhere, it is good to sow
  • Ideally, still roll to achieve maximum surface evenness
  • Cut the grass. Mowing is quite important because uncut or rarely cut grass is harder. Mowing should be repeated 2-3 times a year.

Photos of slopes

Here are few photos comparing nice and easy with difficult slopes where skiing is for more advanced skiers.

Example of very steep and bumpy slope suitable only for very advanced skiers
Example of gentle and nice slope - suitable for beginners or rental
Example of very little space to stop, unsuitable for beginners
Example of gentle and especially wide slope suitable for beginners
Example of slope with large terrain irregularities. Nice for advanced skiers but very difficult for beginners
Example of long, flat and gentle slope, suitable for beginners