Roller skiing is a sport that developed from cross-country skiing and is practiced on special rollers, each with two wheels. Not only is roller skiing a great way to stay fit in the summer, it also offers many health and athletic benefits. In this article you will find out what makes roller skiing so special, what equipment you need for it, how you can train and what the history of this sport is like.

What makes rollerskiing so special?

Roller skiing is a sport that trains the whole body and is very similar to the movements of cross-country skiing. This means that with roller skis you can improve your endurance, strength, coordination and technique, which you need on the cross-country ski trail in winter. In addition, roller skiing is a low-impact activity that strengthens your muscles, ligaments and tendons and increases your joint function. Roller skiing is therefore ideal for everyone who likes to exercise in nature, promote their health and want to prepare for the winter season.

But rollerskiing has even more to offer: It is a sport that is fun and challenges you. You can explore different surfaces with roller skis, such as asphalt or terrain, and use different techniques, such as classic or skating. You can ride alone or with friends, relax or push your limits. You can also participate in competitions or just enjoy the scenery. Roller skiing is a sport that offers you many possibilities and will inspire you again and again!

What equipment do you need for rollerskiing?

In order to be able to roller ski, you first need a pair of roller skis or roller skis . There are different models for the classic or the skating technique, which differ in the length, width and hardness of the wheels. Depending on your level of performance and your surface, you can choose the right wheels that will give you ski-like speed. Standard cross-country ski bindings are mounted on the roller skis, which should match your cross-country ski boots. You can also use your cross-country ski poles as poles, but you should exchange the tips for special roller ski tips that offer a better grip on the asphalt.

Your safety equipment also includes a helmet and possibly protectors for knees and elbows to protect you from injuries in the event of a fall . Since rollerskis don’t have brakes (except for specific models with brakes), you should also learn different techniques to control or stop your speed. These include, for example, snow plow braking, wedge braking or dodging on soft ground.

How can you learn rollerskiing?

If you want to learn how to roller ski, you should have a certain level of basic physical fitness and basic coordination skills. If you already have experience with cross-country skiing, inline skating or ice skating, then training on roller skis should not be a big hurdle .

To learn how to roller ski, you should first strap on the roller skis on a meadow next to the asphalt and gain initial experience with the sports equipment. Then you can practice your first roll passages without poles on flat and level terrain. Focus on your balance, rhythm and arm/leg coordination! In order to learn the individual running techniques correctly , it is best to attend a course or workshop in which professionals will show you everything that is important.

How do you structure the training with rollerskis?

With roller skis you can complete almost any form of training that you can do with cross-country skis. That means you can do strength, speed and endurance training. You should make sure that you warm up well, adjust your intensity to your level and recover regularly. You should also practice different techniques, such as the double pole push, the diagonal step or skating. To make your training varied, you can choose different routes, such as flat or hilly bike paths or special roller tracks. If you want to go off-road, there are also cross roller skis that are suitable for uneven surfaces.

With the roller skis you train the specific muscles and technical skills that you need for cross-country skiing in winter! After you have regularly used rollerskiing as a training tool in summer and autumn, it will be much easier for you to start winter training!

Go ahead and strap on those skies!

We hope this article gave you a first glimpse of roller ski training and made you want to try it yourself! Just go ahead, get started and strap on those skis!