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HISTORY:
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Invented in Germany in
1966, grass skiing
was
introduced
to the Vosges region of
France in 1968 by Richard Martin,
soon to
spread rapidly throughout
the country.
It was mainly
a competitive sport to begin with (France boasts numerous European
and World champions), however
over
recent years grass skiing has become increasingly accessible to the leisure
skiing public,
following
various modifications
to the skis. |
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WHO CAN
GRASS SKI?
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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?
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To discover a new
‘sliding’ sport, easily accessible, addictive and exciting, and which can be
practiced throughout France, on any grassy slope. |
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As a preparation for
learning alpine skiing. |
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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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To simply have fun
skiing between the gates on a race course, taking the jumps, all this,
and
remaining close to nature. |
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WHAT EQUIPMENT?
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There are two types of
grass ski: the wheeled models (Skinov), the tracked models (Rollka,
Roll-Racer, Ongtex, E’sam...). Only the Roll-Racer and Skinov makes are
currently directly available in France. The wheeled model is easy to use,
all-terrain; the ideal ski for beginners, and free-style or off-piste adepts.
The tracked model is fast, precise, and requires grassy, well-prepared slopes.
It's the
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?
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By
taking advantage of the
grass ski centres
already
in existence
all around France,
but particularly in the mountainous regions, rather than by managing on one’s
own: these
centres
provide ski rentals, advice, lessons at all levels.... |
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By participating in ski
camps/courses organised by different
sections of the federal structure (clubs,
regional committees,
the
national commission), which range from initiation
courses to training to competition
(and
also include the training of administrators and
instructors). |
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WHERE?
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Grass skiing is
practiced in all the mountainous areas around France (as well as elsewhere in
Europe, Asia, the Americas, Australia and Japan...), often
organised in tandem with
the
summer activities
offered by
ski resorts. Although in France as yet there are no
indoor slopes (such as in Tokyo), centres are being developed away from the
mountainous areas, such as in Normandy, or around Paris. If your garden has a
long, grassy slope, why not create your very own piste ?! |
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Main French
sites : |
v
Vosges:
Champ du Feu, Ballon d'Alsace, Schlucht...
v
Jura
: Hauteville
v
Massif Central:
Mont Dore;
v
Northern Alps:
Les Gets,
Châtel, Le Grand Bornand, Les Arcs, Valmorel, Val d'Isère, La Norma, le Collet
d'Allevard,
v
Deux-Alpes, l'Alpe d'Huez, Auris...
v
Southern Alps:
Vars, Risoul,
Serre-Chevalier, La Foux d'Allos, Mont-Ventoux,..
v
Pyrenees:
Cauteret, Luz-Ardiden, Lourdes-Hautacam...
v
Normandy:
Vimoutiers,...
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WHEN?
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Mainly
July and August in the ski resorts, however club and national federation
organised activities enable frequent opportunities to practice the sport between
May and October, even in winter when snow is lacking.
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WHO TO CONTACT?
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The
French Ski Federation’s National Grass Skiing Commission, who will be delighted
to advise you on the various possibilities which correspond best to your
requirements: the ski centres, the nearest clubs, local officials, equipment,
events, training, insurance, etc. (see
useful
contacts).
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WHERE TO FIND EQUIPMENT?
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In
certain sports shops in resorts where grass skiing is one of the summer
activities,
or directly from the manufacturer for
the wheeled models (Skinov).
However the easiest and best option is to ask for advice from the Federation's
equipment manager, Philip Herrscher (see
useful
contacts).
For beginners as well as for budding
competitors,
second-hand skis are often available
via the team returns service (see
useful contacts).
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HOW TO
COMPETE?
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The
regional circuits, national competitions and training camps are open to all
those who are affiliated under licence to a French Ski Federation club. However
“Open” races are organised by grass skiing centres: open to all, and which form
the basis for a national league table published at the end of the season, with
the best being rewarded according to category or region.
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HOW TO
ORGANISE COMPETITIONS?
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For a
federal event, the regional representative should be contacted, or indeed the
National Commission, in order that the piste be officially ratified (minimum
200m long with a 40m drop for regional competitions), and for the event to be
entered in the national calendar. On request you will be provided with the
articles and conditions relating to the organisation of regional, national and
international events. With respect to promotional events, the single obligation
is for the slope to respect all security requirements.
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USEFUL
CONTACTS:
FRENCH SKI
FEDERATION:
GRASS SKI COMMISSION
ENQUIRIES IN
ENGLISH:
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Website and general
information:
Peter Garwood - BP20, 84340
Malaucène, France. tel. (+33) [0]682 83 93 43 email:
grasski@alpesprovence.net
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EQUIPMENT:
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