What you need to get started with roller skiing
The great thing about roller skis is that you usually already have a large part of the gear at home. Boots, gloves, and poles are in most cases the same as you use in winter. So you rarely need to buy completely new equipment to get started. For many people, it’s enough to add roller skis, bindings, and a few small details.
So roller skiing doesn’t require much equipment, but it’s important that the parts work well together. With the right gear, skiing is safer, more fun, and more efficient. Here we go through what you actually need to get started.
For most people, six things are enough: roller skis, bindings, boots, poles, a helmet, and gloves.
Roller skis
The roller skis are the foundation of your setup and the most important part to choose correctly from the start. For beginners, stability matters more than speed. A stable model lets you focus on balance and technique instead of struggling with control.
For classic skiing, models like Elpex Classic Wasa or Elpex Classic Team are often a great choice. They feature a stable construction and wheels that provide a secure ride on asphalt.
If you skate in winter and want to train the same technique in summer, a model like Elpex Skate Race may be the right choice. Skate skis are generally a bit more technical and require more balance, but they also offer a more dynamic skiing style.
When choosing roller skis, you should also consider the rolling resistance. Most recreational skiers prefer resistance level 2 or 3, as it gives a feel similar to cross-country skis.
Bonds
The binding connects the boot to the roller ski and lets you transfer power in every pole plant and push-off.
Most roller skis use bindings that fit boots with an NNN sole or an equivalent system. A common and proven model is Rottefella Rollerski, which is specially designed for roller skis and provides a stable feel while skiing. Salomon Prolink Race is also a good alternative. You’ll find these two models among our bindings.
The binding is mounted directly on the roller ski and normally isn’t something you need to adjust once it’s in place.
Boots
Boots are just as important as the skis because they affect both comfort and control.
A classic boot is softer and more flexible in the forefoot. This allows you to push off in diagonal stride and move your foot naturally.
A skate boot is stiffer and offers more support around the ankle. That stability helps you keep your balance when you push off in skate.
If you’re a beginner, comfort is most important. A boot that fits well and doesn’t pinch anywhere makes a big difference on longer sessions.
Poles
Poles provide much of the propulsion in roller skiing, and the right length makes your technique both more efficient and more natural.
Classic poles are usually slightly shorter than skate poles. Most people use their regular cross-country ski poles in summer as well. The most important thing is that the poles have tips designed for asphalt.
Roller ski tips wear against the asphalt and therefore need to be sharpened regularly to maintain good grip. Dull tips provide less traction and make the poles more likely to slip during the pole plant. With a diamond file, you can easily sharpen the tips and restore the grip so your poles work as they should.
Helmet
The helmet is the most important safety equipment. Roller skis are used on asphalt, and even a small fall can hurt.
A standard bike helmet works perfectly. It’s light, ventilated, and provides good protection. A helmet should always be used when roller skiing, even during easy training sessions.
Gloves
Gloves are a simple but important detail. If you fall, it’s almost always your hands that hit the ground first.
A pair of thin training gloves or roller ski gloves protects your palms and gives you a better grip on the poles. They also reduce the risk of blisters during longer sessions.
Summary
To start roller skiing, you don’t need much equipment, but each part serves an important function. With the right roller skis, bindings, and boots, you’ll have good control. With poles, a helmet, and gloves, skiing becomes both effective and safe.
When your equipment works together, you can focus on what matters most: getting out and enjoying your training!