Grass skiing (also written as grasski) is a summer alpine sport in which skiers ride specially designed wheeled skis down grass-covered slopes. The technique replicates alpine skiing so closely that it is widely used as off-season training by competitive alpine skiers — and equally enjoyed as a standalone sport by enthusiasts across Europe, Japan, and beyond.
What Are Grass Skis?
Grass skis are compact, boot-mounted devices built around a continuous belt of small plastic wheels — sometimes described as a caterpillar or tank-track design. They attach directly to regular alpine ski boots using a standard binding system. The wheel belt rolls freely in the direction of travel and resists lateral movement, giving the ski its edge-hold and carving behaviour — very similar to a ski on snow.
Key components
- Elements — consist of 4 rolls and gling insert rolling on a continuous steel frame provide rolling motion
- Frame — wood with aluminium (recreational) or carbon (competition) construction determines weight and stiffness; stiffer frames carve more aggressively
- Plastic edge — called plates are enabling carved-turn dynamics identical to snow
- Binding — compatible with standard ISO 5355 alpine boot soles; no special footwear needed
Lengths range from 65 cm (youth beginners) to 105 cm (advanced competition). Shorter skis are easier to control and ideal for learning; longer skis carve faster and are used in FIS competition.
How Does Grass Skiing Work?
The technique is essentially identical to alpine skiing. You edge the skis to initiate turns and control speed through carved arcs — exactly as on a groomed piste. The wheel track's resistance to lateral movement means the ski holds an edge in the same way as a snow ski.
Slopes should be grass-covered, mowed to a short even height and free of obstacles. Gradients of 5–15 degrees are typical for recreational and competition use — comparable to easy blue to red alpine runs. A well-maintained hillside, sports field slope or dedicated grasski slope all work well.
The History of Grass Skiing
Grass skiing was developed in Germany in the 1960s as a summer training tool for alpine skiers. The sport grew rapidly through the 1970s and was formally adopted by the FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski) in 1978. FIS World Cup competitions began in the 1980s, with national teams from Austria, Germany, Italy, Japan and Czechoslovakia competing at the highest level.
Czech (and Czechoslovak) grass skiing has maintained an outstanding international record. The country has produced multiple World Cup champions and World Championship medallists. Grasski.net has been manufacturing grass skis for Czech national team competitors and recreational skiers since the late 1990s — hand-built in the Czech Republic.
Who Is Grass Skiing For?
Recreational skiers
Anyone who enjoys alpine skiing can pick up grass skiing quickly. The familiar movement patterns keep the learning curve gentle. It is an ideal way for skiing families and club members to stay active and on skis through the summer months without travelling to altitude.
Competitive alpine skiers
Because the technique transfers so directly from grass to snow, alpine coaches worldwide use grass skiing for summer technical refinement and ski-specific conditioning. The cost and logistical barrier is far lower than on-snow summer camps. Grasski.net supplies equipment to several European national team programmes.
Competitive grass skiers
Grass skiing has its own structured competition under FIS: World Cup, European Cup, World Championships and national series. Giant Slalom (GS) and Super-G are the primary disciplines. The Czech Cup (Český pohár) and Children's Cup (Žákovský pohár) provide competitive pathways from youth to senior level.
Kite and outdoors enthusiasts
Power kiting on grass with grass skis is a growing niche — especially with shorter, more manoeuvrable recreational models. Flat ground and sufficient wind are the only requirements.
Is Grass Skiing Safe?
Grass skiing carries broadly similar risks to alpine skiing. Standard ski safety equipment — helmet, gloves, ski poles — is recommended. Beginners should start on gentle, short slopes and build confidence before attempting steeper terrain. Wet or damp grass is significantly faster than dry; novices should stick to dry conditions initially.
Where Can You Grass Ski?
Dedicated grasski slopes exist in Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Italy, Japan and other countries. Many alpine ski areas offer summer grasski sessions. The sport can also be set up on any suitable hillside — a mowed slope of 100–200 m with a 20–30° gradient is enough for a great session.
How to Get Started
- Choose your ski — the Model Easy is our recommended starting point for recreational skiers: tool-free binding, universal boot compatibility, robust construction.
- Gather your gear — alpine ski boots, ski poles, helmet, and long trousers for abrasion protection. No other specialist equipment is needed.
- Find a slope — a gentle, well-mowed grass slope of 50 m or more to begin.
- Take your first runs — start straight, then practise turns. Most skiers with snow experience are linking turns confidently within 30 minutes.
Ready to try grass skiing? Browse our ski models in the online store, or contact us for personalised advice on model selection for your level and goals.