Grass Skiing

Grass skiing is a summer variant of alpine skiing in which athletes descend grass-covered slopes on short skis fitted with rolling tracks or wheels underneath. FIS-sanctioned events mirror the alpine format — Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super-G and Super Combined — and are contested on prepared summer race courses. It is one of FIS's six biennial World Championship disciplines and provides a summer training and competition pathway for many alpine skiers.

Selection is based on FIS Grass Skiing points, national trials and performance on the FIS Grass Skiing World Cup. Because the equipment differs from alpine skiing, nations require athletes to log a minimum number of qualifying starts on grass skis before international nomination. Standard FIS licence, medical and anti-doping requirements apply.

Grass skiing was developed in West Germany in the 1960s as a summer training method for alpine racers and quickly became a competitive discipline in its own right. FIS accepted it in 1977 and the first World Championships were held in 1979. Central European nations — the Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland and Austria — traditionally dominate, and the Czech Republic's Jan Němec is among the most decorated athletes with 57 World Cup wins.