Roller Skiing
Roller Skiing is an alternative for no-snow months. Because of this country's poor recent snow record it has become a mainstay for many ski racers in improving their fitness. Snowsport England Nordic arranges the bulk of its summer skills courses to take place on roller skis.

In terms of training, Roller Skiing is the equivalent of the dry ski slope for the Alpine skier. In some ways a close cousin of in-line skates, roller skis allow you to get as close as possible to the feel of skiing on snow.

The roller skis themselves have a wood or metal body to which are fixed two wheels - for the most part made of rubber. Protective equipment such as knee and elbow pads, gloves, and cycle helmets should be worn by beginners. With no brakes, roller skis require a generally flat and smooth tarmac surface and, for safety reasons, a route largely free of motor traffic.

Not only are there specific circuits which can be used for roller skiing, but it is possible to use cycle tracks to create a day-long tour. Popular off-road routes include the Lancaster to Morecambe cycle path (Lune Valley), the Bristol to Bath path, and the Manifold Valley route in the Peak District. Cross Country Ski Clubs in the UK regularly organise a series of informal roller ski tours throughout the year.

Boots and Bindings
Improvements in the binding system on cross-country skis have revolutionized the sport. The flimsy three-pin binding that clipped the boot toe to the ski (the heel stayed free) is gone. Modern boots and bindings are literally sole mates: Ridges in the top of the ski latch on to tracks built into the boot, giving the skier much greater control.

Venues

Finding a suitable location to Roller Ski that has good tarmac and is not too steep can be a problem. There are many locations through out the UK, which have been listed in the UK Rollerski Directory. These locations have been tried and tested by skiers for skiers. For more information please click here.

Click on the boxes below to learn more about Roller Ski Equipment and how to select it