Rollerski Parts

Rollerskiing is the ultimate dry-land training method for cross-country skiing, allowing you to experience the sensation of gliding on snow year-round, and it is a great way to maintain fitness and technique during the dry season.

Just like on the snow, rollerskiing is divided into two distinct styles: Classic and Skate. Classic rollerskis feature wider, smaller wheels equipped with a one-way ratcheting mechanism (usually in the front wheel). This ratchet locks when you push backward, simulating the "kick" or grip zone of a traditional classic snow ski. On the other hand, skate rollerskis have narrower and larger-diameter wheels without ratchets. As a result of the non-ratcheting wheels, these skis require a diagonal skating style push-off in order to move forward. These skis allow the skier to practice the different skate skiing techniques that are used on snow.

Rollerskis use standard winter cross-country ski bindings (mounted directly to the frame of the ski. Most skiers wear their standard winter Nordic ski boots, though some opt for summer rollerski-specific boots that are more breathable and have a more durable sole for walking on pavement.

Winter ski poles work great for rollersking, but you must swap out the snow baskets for ultra-hard tungsten carbide rollerski tips (ferrules). Standard winter tips will dull or brake after only a few minutes on asphalt.

Safety is non-negotiable; a bicycle helmet and high visibility clothing or blinky bike lights are mandatory for every roller ski. For beginners, full finger gloves and elbow/knee pads are recommended to make the learning as safe and injury-free as possible. Furthermore, many ski brands offer speed reducers, which can be adjusted to add friction to the skis to reduce the overall speed of the ski when descending.

Location

For your first ski, look for a freshly paved and flat empty parking lot or other wide open space away from traffic. Be mindful of any debris, cracks, or loose stones, as these will impact how smoothly the skis will roll.

First steps

Leave your poles to the side at first. Spend time clicking into your skis and rolling slowly on the flat pavement. Practice finding your center of gravity and shifting your weight fully from one foot to the other to build a basic understanding of how the skis feel and handle.

Double Poling

Once you feel comfortable balancing on the skis, the next step is to grab your poles and practice some basic poling. Using the same form as when skiing on snow, start double-poling slowly to get a feel for how upper-body movement affects your balance on the skis. Regardless if on skate or classic skis, we recommend spending a lot of time double-poling, as once you are comfortable, it will be much easier to build and transition to the other techniques and strides.

Breaking and Maneuvering

Before leaving a flat and spacious area, it is crucial to practice the basics of breaking and turning on rollerskis. The main difference from snow skiing is that rollerskis can not skid or slide sideways across the pavement, making snowplowing or sliding around turns impossible. The best way to slow down is a similar concept to the snowplow (pizza), but instead of keeping your weight centered between your left and right feet while the skis are pointed to the center, you are going to have to shift your weight back and forth from standing on one ski to the other. The result is a zig-zag motion where you will be standing on your right ski, moving to the left, then, after a moment, quickly switch to standing on your left ski while pointed to the right, then repeat switching back to the right ski. As you start to slow down, it is possible to increase the angle that the skis are pointing to the center to further increase the rate of deceleration.

For turning, the technique is similar to step turning around a turn on a groomed Nordic trail. Just remember to stay confident and committed to the steps, as it is not possible to switch to skidding around the turn like it is on snow.