Skiing is a sport that moves thousands of people around the world. Descending a snowy slope, in the middle of beautiful natural scenery, is one of the most rewarding experiences there is. Unfortunately, skiing requires snow and very few places have snow all year round.
So what can a ski enthusiast do when there is no snow? And, not least, how can you prepare your ski season so that you can enjoy it from the very first minute without muscle pain or risk of injury?
The answer to these and many other questions is relatively simple: SKATING!
Similarities between skiing and skating
Many skiers go to the gym, run or ride their bikes to prepare for the ski season. All these practices undoubtedly help to prepare the musculature and our cardiovascular system to face the entire ski season at full capacity. However, inline skating not only helps to work both muscles and the cardiovascular system in a much more similar way to that needed for skiing, but it also activates our sense of balance. and, once we have a good level of skating, it will give us sensations similar to those we experience when we speed down a snowy slope.
In fact, there is even a skating modality, Alpine Inline, which simulates several competitive Alpine skiing events.
Practice alpine skiing and cross-country skiing with your skates
Just as there are many similarities between alpine skiing and inline skating, there are also similarities with cross-country skiing. In fact, there is even more of a connection between inline skating and cross-country skiing as the way of propelling oneself, the so-called “skating step”, is very similar in both sports.
There are cross-country skiers who use their inline skates with poles in the summer to get even closer to the moves they make on their favorite ski slopes.
Therefore, for both professionals and amateurs, inline skating is ideal to continue skiing all year round, whether there is snow or not.
Inline skates ideal for skiers
Over the years, inline skating has become very specialized. There are several disciplines that require a very specific type of skate. However, if we had to choose one type of skate for an alpine skier, we would go for a hard boot. Normally, this type of skates is known as Freeskate skates and the offer is really big.
For an average skier, we recommend Freeskate skates from mid-range upwards. That is, skates starting at approximately 150€ with a wheel configuration of 4 x 80 mm. From here, we can look for other chassis and wheel configurations, depending on the use and training you want to do with the skates.
As for cross-country skiers, they can also feel comfortable with hard-boot skates and perform the skating technique quite similar to cross-country skiing. However, they will always feel more comfortable in soft or semi-soft skates. If we really had to look for ideal skates for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, we should go for marathon skates.
In any case, at Inercia we can advise you better than anyone else on what type of skate may be best for your style, use and budget.
Frequently asked questions for skiers wanting to skate
How hard is it to learn to skate if you are a skier?
There are many similarities in movement between skiing and skating. Leg bending, balancing, turning, etc. However, what requires some practice is the feel of the wheels. In skiing, it is relatively easy to “skid” skis. With skates, and especially on asphalt, it is much more difficult.
Is it possible to brake on skates in the same way as on skis?
The answer to this question is yes and no. In skating, wedge and parallel braking is possible, much like in skiing. However, the technique is somewhat different and requires a lot of practice.
Is it possible to “carve” on inline skates?
The carving technique revolutionized the world of skiing and gave it a new life, especially for non-professional skiers. On inline skates, turns can be made in a very similar way with some differences and limitations. As we can see in the following video, the sensations are very similar and that will help us not to lose that “feeling” when there is no snow in the mountains.
Are there any accessories to mount wheels to my ski boots?
Many skiers take a long time to find the boots that best suit their anatomy. And once they find them, they don’t want to wear anything else. Although inventions have been made to adapt wheels to ski boots, using ski boots for skating is strongly discouraged. On the one hand, they are much heavier and stiffer than inline skates and, on the other hand, they are less well ventilated.
Where can I find information on learning how to transition between skiing and skating?
Rollerblade skate brand Rollerblade has been running for many years with its “ Skate to Ski “. Directed by professional skiers, it aims to cover all the important aspects to learn and train skating techniques that will be very useful when skiing.
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