What are Roller Skis?

Roller skis are like a combination of regular snow skis and roller skates! Special ratcheting wheels allow for a diagonal cross-country ski stride or, if the person prefers, the wheels can spin freely to utilize the "skating" skiing technique.

The roller skier uses poles and boots exactly like those of a snow skier but with addition of pads and helmets for road safety. Not many drivers expect to see a skier on the road! The technique for roller skiing is very similar to that of cross-country skiing on snow, with some adjustments being made for the special conditions of being on a paved surface rather than on snow.

An experienced roller skier can cover large distances in a relatively short period of time. Alex's goal is to cover about 100 km (60 miles) every day, which will depend greatly on traffic and weather conditions.

Here is a picture of a roller ski that has inflatable wheels, ideal for rougher highways and roads.

Here is another example of a different type of roller ski. These skis are more appropriate for smoother roads.

 

For more information on roller skis and to purchase Roller Ski equipment,
please visit our sponsor Jenex, Inc.