Are roller skis difficult? Let's start with the most important thing first: Cross-country skiing and roller skiing are among the most effective forms of exercise you can do! Gentle training for the whole body, strength training for legs, arms, and core muscles, as well as good cardiovascular training. You get the best effect if you ski in varied terrain, just to use different parts of the body with varied techniques and pulse frequencies.
So, let's get to the core; Is roller skiing difficult?
- No, if you choose a completely flat and clear track, it is not particularly demanding. You can double pole, skate, and use classic technique. It takes some practice to transfer the technique you have learned on snow skis to wheels/asphalt, but it comes quickly. You also avoid missing out on classic technique, which makes it even easier to get started.
- Yes, if you want to ski in more varied terrain with inclines for better training effect. For most people, inclines also mean they have to go downhill again. Training in terrain with downhills, turns, and intersections means you have to be able to brake. Braking on roller skis requires a lot of practice and is considered the biggest barrier to using roller skis as part of training.
There are 3 different braking methods:
Manual, for example, by standing with legs wide and plowing (similar to cross-country skiing). This is the most common method but demanding at high speed or on wet/uneven asphalt. The risk is also there if you hit gravel or leaves. Legs quickly get tired with longer braking. Alternative methods include dragging 1 ski behind and scraping it against the asphalt. The downside is that it wears out the wheels a lot. The last variant for the more experienced athletes is to stand with 1 ski out in the gravel/grass outside the asphalt.
Mechanical, where roller skis have a mechanical brake activated by the athlete. The 3 most common solutions are either a strut pressed against the rear wheel by leaning the foot/ankle backward, a block pressed against the wheel with the pole tip, or a block screwed against the wheel before planned descents. The challenges with all solutions are that they require good balance and can provide limited braking effect.
Electronic brake, with wireless control from the pole. In 2011, the development of the world's first wireless brake for roller skis began, and RollerSafe was launched in 2016. The award-winning and patented SmartBrake technology is integrated into the skis, providing the athlete with robust hydraulic disc brakes on each ski. Control from the pole enables the athlete to maintain good balance in a natural position, regardless of speed and terrain. The braking force can be adjusted as needed to give each athlete the best possible experience. Read more and watch product videos here
RollerSafe is developed and tested in Norway and sold to customers in more than 20 countries worldwide. The purpose of the innovation was twofold;
To address the weaknesses of manual and mechanical braking, thus making it easier and safer to brake at all skill levels, without the need for extensive training or balance
To further develop the sport of roller skiing by enabling the use of roller skis in new types of tracks that provide more variation, inspiration, and training effect
A paradox is the extensive investment that has taken place in the development of roller ski facilities, both in Norway and internationally. Many of these tracks are laid in existing ski resorts, with demanding descents and sharp turns. The world's most beautiful roller ski track in Holmenkollen is a good example; used by the pros but to a very limited extent by less experienced recreational skiers.
