The Best Roller Skis To Prep For Winter
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A winter is only as good as you make it. And a huge part of getting the most out of the snowy season is having the stamina to keep up, day after day, week after week. Training for the upcoming months starts now—and for those who like hitting the cross-country trails as much as getting pitted on a powder day, roller skis are the perfect summer workout.
Here’s the how-to on navigating roller skis, and the best classic and skate skis to get you out the door this summer, so you can be on the trails all winter long.
Table of Contents
What are Roller Skis?
The name gives it all away: roller skis are simply a short, ski-like piece of equipment with two wheels on the bottom, designed to be used on hard surfaces to mimic cross country skiing in the off season.
Credit - iStock Sportpoint
Like in cross country skiing, there are two variations of roller skis. Classic denotes the form of sliding one foot forward than the other, a movement similar to running, while skate skiing resembles, well, skating—pushing outward with one foot than the other. The wheels on classic skis are smaller and wider, and have lock mechanisms so the wheels don’t slide backward. On skate roller skis, the wheels are larger, and there isn’t any lock—wheels can move forward and back.
For those who backcountry or skimo, classic roller skiing is likely the best option. Those looking to skate ski in the winter, stick to the same style in the off season.
How Do You Start Roller Skiing?
Getting into roller skiing requires some gumption. Skiers will be traveling at high speeds on pavement, likely on country roads where drivers are unfamiliar with the sport. Given the risk involved, it’s important to start carefully to slowly build up confidence and skill sets.
Credit - iStock Gibson Pictures
To begin, skiers should head to a flat, evenly paved surface. Parking lots, sidewalks, and schools are good places to find this kind of “forgiving” asphalt. Take your time getting familiar with your equipment even before heading out and, once on your even surface, mindfully work through maintaining a similar form to winter skiing.
Knees should remain bent in an athletic stance, with center of gravity forward in the boot—putting weight in the back of the boot will likely end with your backside on the ground, especially given the lock mechanism that prohibits backward movement. From here, poling or double poling is your friend, and will keep you moving. It’s important to use proper roller ski poles that do not have baskets.
How Do You Stop on Roller Skis?
Great! You’re on the move. And you’re still moving…and need to stop before the next intersection. Braking on roller skis comes in a few different ways, and requires significant practice before hitting the road.
Credit - Michelangelo OP Vecteezy
Skiers’ best bet is to do the old faithful snow plow, widening your stance and keeping roller skis far apart to eventually bring momentum to a halt. The next method is not for beginners—roller skiers can tow one leg behind the other, placing the back leg at a 45-degree angle to the front. Again, this is not recommended for those just getting into the sport. Finally, there’s always the emergency bail. This entails heading off the road, into grass or a ditch, as carefully as possible. Try to lower and stabilize your center of gravity as much as possible before attempting this last-ditch effort.
What Are The Benefits of Roller Skiing?
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The Swix Classic Roadline C2 is a classic model with applicability for beginners, recreationalists and elite athletes. Skiing, whether cross country or downhill, is a seasonal endeavor for the majority of us. That fact leaves a months-long off-season to train for the year ahead. Roller skiing is the closest skiers can get to copying the movement of skiing on snow, which allows skiers to maintain and improve upon technique.
As with any niche sport, skiing also comes with its own specific requirements for muscle strength and endurance; maintaining that specific level of fitness can be difficult with basic strength and conditioning. Roller skiing helps to ensure athletes are well-prepped for the season ahead.
Our Favorite Roller Skis:
Best Classic Roller Ski: Swix Classic Roadline C2
The Swix Classic Roadline C2 is a classic model with applicability for beginners, recreationalists and elite athletes.
Credit - Turenn.net
The Swix Classic Roadline is one of the brand’s most popular models. And rightfully so—the roller ski is known for its stable construction and is used by a range of skiers from recreationalists to elite athletes.
The Roadline C2 is constructed from aluminum, designed to be durable against wear from asphalt. Along with longevity in performance, an aluminum frame is also stiff, which helps with power transfer from skier to ground—basically, it’s tough and efficient.
Swix then paired that tough construction with low, wide wheels; the C2 sports a 50 mm wheel width that is intended to give as much stability, making it easier to maintain balance, especially for beginners or when skiing on uneven surfaces. The wide wheels also help with traction, providing increased contact area with the ground which comes in handy on rough or loose surfaces. The downside of wider wheels is slightly more weight and resistance but, unless training for competitions, the tradeoff is well worth it for a steady, consistent ride.
The combination of a stiff, tough aluminum frame and low, wide wheels make for a ride that’s overall smooth and responsive, two excellent outcomes when trying to mimic the feel of sliding on snow.
Best Skate Roller Ski: Fischer RC7 Skate Ski
The Fischer RC7 Skate ski is best suited for intermediate to advanced roller skiers—the ski emphasizes performance and precision.
Credit - New Moon
Fischer’s RC7 Skate ski is best suited for intermediate to advanced roller skiers—the ski emphasizes performance and precision. Designed with an aluminum frame, the RC7 offers a more affordable option to Fischer’s Carbonlite model without sacrificing much in the way of precision.
While slightly heavier than Carbonlite, the aluminum still provides power transfer from skier to ground thanks to its torsionally stiff frame, making it a responsive enough ski for competitors and recreationalists alike.
As for the wheels, the RC7 sports the same size wheels as the Carbonlite—a 100 mm diameter and 24 mm in width option that’s designed to take performance seriously, while the rubber construction provides consistent grip and reduced vibration. The wheels ultimately serve their purpose, mimicking the feel of on-snow skating.
In a 2023 Cross Country Skier review, testers noted the RC7 Skate similarity to skate skiing, with one tester commenting on the RC7’s “Fast, smooth and very stable,” performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need for roller skiing?
In short, you’ll need roller skis, ski boots compatible with your bindings, ski poles, and protective gear such as a helmet and pads.
How do I choose the right roller skis?
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right roller skis. Be honest with your skill level—are you just starting out? Have a few seasons under your belt? Then consider, are you looking to skate or classic ski, and from there factor in your build and weight. Beginners often prefer more stable and durable models, while advanced skiers may opt for lighter, more responsive skis.
Is roller skiing safe?
Roller skiing entails moving at a fast clip on hard surfaces, so there’s inherent risk involved. That being said, proper protective gear worn and safety precautions followed, it should be a relatively safe outing. Wear a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and use appropriate braking techniques, and stick to inclines that match your skill level.
Can I use my winter ski boots and poles for roller skiing?
Many roller skis are compatible with cross country ski boots and poles. However, roller skiing poles are often fitted with carbide tips to grip asphalt, which can be swapped with your winter pole tips.
Credit - Lucy Higgins
The Author: Lucy Higgins
Lucy is a seasoned editor and writer with a background in magazine publishing and creative directing. Formerly the Editor-in-Chief at Backcountry Magazine, she now works as a freelance writer and editor.
When Lucy's not at a desk, she can be found running, skiing, and spending time with her toddler.
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