Gear guide: rollerski practice
Rollerskiing is the best substitute for on-snow skiing there is, so it makes up a significant component of our summer and fall training. Just as there are separate skis for classic skiing and skate skiing on snow, there are separate classic and skate rollerskis. Skiers must have equipment for both classic and skate rollerskiing.
rollerski ferrules
This is the most common question we get about gear. Rollerski ferrules are attachments for the end of ski poles for use on roads - think of them as summer tires. They run $15-$25 per pair. There are several sizes of ferrules, based on the width of the pole. If you bring your ski poles to Backcountry or AMH and tell them you need rollerski ferrules, they’ll be able to help you!
Rollerski ferrules can also be ordered online here, but keep an eye on sizing. If you are ordering a pair of ferrules online, measure the bottom of the pole with calipers to make sure you’re getting the correct size (ex. 10mm, 16mm). If in doubt, size up.
helmet
Helmets are 100% required for rollerskiing.
Any bike helmet will work. We have a team discount with Rudy Project, check out their selection here!
rollerskis
There are separate classic and skate rollerskis. Skate rollerskis have wheels that are free-spinning, and often thinner than those on classic skis. Classic rollerskis have a ratchet that prevents the wheel from rolling backwards, allowing for the “kick” motion. Because of this construction, you cannot classic ski on skate rollerskis, or skate on classic rollerskis.
ANR has classic and skate rollerskis available to rent for the summer for $25 per pair. If you know you will be skiing for the next few years, please purchase rollerskis. The program skis are a great resource to have, and we would like to keep it available to families just starting out. We do not have enough rollerskis for everyone, if returning athletes and new athletes are all expecting to rent.
notes on rollerskis:
Yes, this is another piece of equipment to buy, however - unlike skis, which teenagers outgrow every couple years, you will not outgrow rollerskis. This makes them easier to find, and easy to resell. Check Facebook marketplace for used rollerskis.
There are three sizes: junior, standard, and long. Junior sized rollerskis will be too small for most high schoolers. The difference between standard and long skis is straightforward: if your boot size is 42 or smaller, you should get standard skis. If your boots are larger than size 42, get long rollerskis if possible - standard will still work, but long will work better.
Avoid rollerskis with brakes. The brakes cause more problems than they solve.
where to buy:
Rollerskis may be purchased from AMH, Backcountry Bike & Ski, or from online retailers. If in-store stock is low, the folks at Backcountry may be able to place an order for you from Swenor.
good: aluminum rollerskis. These are cheap and sturdy. Their downside is that the aluminum frame can rattle on pavement, which gets uncomfortable for long-distance skis. These work well for beginners who won’t be doing 3+ hour rollerskis, but advanced athletes should consider getting rollerskis that dampen road vibration. Our program skis are mostly aluminum.
better: lighter, stiffer aluminum models such as the Fischer RC7s or Swenor Alutech.
best: carbon or wood composite shaft. These are pricier, but much more comfortable on long skis. Here’s a solid pair from Swix. Swenor and Marwe also offer higher-end rollerskis.
boots
Classic and skate boots, same as for snow skiing. Combi boots are discouraged, but models with a sturdy ankle cuff (like this) will work.
good: your skate and classic ski boots from the winter.
better: an older pair of skate and classic boots - maybe a pair that you retired because they were getting hole-y and too cold to ski in. Why do we recommend using beat-up boots for rollerskiing? Boots get more worn-out by rollerskiing than they do from snow skiing. They’ll get dusty, scraped, and soaked by rain and sweat, which can take some years off their life. If you have brand-new boots that you want to last a long time, it’s good to limit their use on roads.
best: rollerski boots. Nice? Yes. Necessary? Not at all. If we were training somewhere really hot (like Wisconsin in July), these might be a game-changer. However, it doesn’t often get hot enough in Alaska for the extra ventilation and summer features to be that much better. They’re included on this list so you’re aware that they exist, in case you decide rollerskiing is your true calling.
poles
Swap out your snow baskets for rollerski ferrules, and your usual ski poles are all you need. If you have separate race poles and practice poles, use your practice poles for rollerskiing. Just like with boots, road use can be hard on poles.
Here’s a reminder of sizing:
Skate: height in cm x .92 = skate pole height. This one is unregulated, and mostly a matter of skier preference. Ballpark height is between your chin and your nose.
Classic: height in cm x .83 = classic pole height. Ballpark height is between your armpit and your shoulder.
