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 Run
out of snow? No problem. Strap on some caterpillar tracks and join
the hardy perennials who don't wilt in the summer months, hitting
the slopes whatever the conditions. The grass skiing season is underway
in France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the Balkans,
and its popularity is growing rapidly in China, Japan and even Iran.
 Training
and experience all summer
Invented in Germany in 1966, grass skiing was introduced to the
Vosges region of France in 1968 by Richard Martin and spread rapidly
throughout the 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.
 Anyone
can grass ski, and previous experience on snow is not a necessity.
It's more accessible, as you don't need snow, and a perfect way
to experience alpine skiing without the travel or expense, or to
keep yourself in training over the summer months. It's a great way
to learn slalom racing, although it can hurt a bit more when you
fall over!
 Technical
equipment
The main models are tracked, and only the Roll-Racer and Skinov
makes are currently directly available in Europe. The latest models
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. Further info about grass skiing around
Europe and a comprehensive list of dates is available on the Grasski
website.
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