FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are "rollerskis" used for?

Rollerskis are a fun way to train for cross country skiing, either skating or classical technique, in the off-season. They should not be purchased to use in training for alpine (downhill) skiing. The rollerski simulates the feel of a racing x-c ski. Most have aluminum frames that flex like a ski, and rubber or polyurethane wheels.

"Classic" and "combi" rollerskis have one set of wheels that are locking or ratcheted, allowing the skier to go only forward without slipping.

"Skating" rollerskis usually have non-locking wheels made of a harder material to counter the more aggresive wheel wear skating creates. Wheel speed varies from brand to brand.

Classic skis tend to be slower and use softer, rubber wheels. But some companies, like V2, offer different wheel speeds - from super slow to very fast. Slow wheel speed means higher resistance, which may be better for hilly terrain and stronger skiers.

A faster rollerski may be more fun initially, but can also be more dangerous (slowing and stopping on rollerskis without speed reduction mechanisms is not as easy as with your snow skis!) Also, rollerskis come without bindings; the skier will use the same boot/binding system (either Salomon or Rottefella) as on their snow skis.