All Terrain Skates – Skating Off-Road in the mountains is now possible

Even though our skates can skate on almost any surface, skating in the mountains is something that does not seem possible with conventional inline skates.

Many years ago, there were attempts to produce all-terrain skates that went a bit unnoticed by the general public but laid the foundations for the wide range of off-road skates we have today.

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Fortunately, for some years now, off-road skates have been available that allow us to skate in the mountains in much the same way as we would do with our conventional inline skates on asphalt.

Types of all-terrain skates

All-terrain skates have evolved since the first models and are basically divided into three types:

3-wheel all-terrain skates

They are the most versatile all-terrain skates. They normally mount 125 mm inflatable wheels, although there are models that can carry up to 150 mm. Their boot is usually made of rigid plastic and they are used for practically everything: downhill skiing, Mushing (dog-powered skating) or even Cross training.

2 wheel off road skates

These skates are very similar to the 3-wheeled skates, but seek to gain in lightness and manageability, as they have a shorter chassis. They can be used for practically the same purposes as 3-wheel off-road skates, although we will have less traction on slippery floors.

All-terrain skates for cross or nordic skating

They are also 2-wheeled skates, but very far apart. This lowers the center of gravity and provides stability, since the boot is very close to the ground. Their design is reminiscent of cross-country skis and they are used to, with the help of poles, “ski” on land by making the movement of the skating step. But don’t expect much maneuverability.

What can you do with all-terrain skates?

All-terrain or off-road skates are designed to go over hard or semi-hard ground. Although we can skate with them on asphalt, we will feel totally hooked and we will make very little progress compared to conventional inline skates.

If we decide to skate with them in the mountains, we will be able to get much more out of them, and the help of poles will help us a lot when it comes to propel and balance in difficult situations, being mandatory in all-terrain skates with 2 wheels for Nordic skating.

Their ideal habitat is mountain roads with hard dirt or grass and without excessively steep slopes, although there are skaters who can descend at high speed down the mountain.

One of the most used and rewarding practices is to go skating in the mountains with our dog or dogs, especially if they are large breeds. They will help us push ourselves forward and they will have a great time!

It is also tremendous fun to use a surf sail to “surf” on the sand with this type of skate.

You are the only one who sets the possibilities and limits.

Best all-terrain or off-road skates. Pricing and features

There are several brands that are developing all-terrain skates with very good features, such as Powerslide and Flying Eagle.

Best all-terrain three-wheeled skates

Best All Terrain two-wheeled skates:

Best All Terrain skates for nordic skating

Complete chassis for all-terrain skates

Final recommendations for skating with all-terrain or off-road skates

It is always advisable to carry tools and spare parts when we go out skating and in mountain skating it is extremely important, since it is possible that we are alone in the middle of the mountain in case we need help. The most common problem we may encounter is a flat tire. The wheels of all-terrain skates are very similar to those of a bicycle, but being much smaller, changing the inner tube is a bit more laborious. Considering the weight and size of a complete wheel, it is more economical to carry one or two spare wheels and replace them if necessary. This operation is simple and fast since we will only have to unscrew the shaft with a simple Allen wrench.

Another advisable tool to carry on our excursions is a tire inflator. As before, even though the wheels are very similar to those of a mountain bike, not just any stain will do because access to the inner tube spout requires a specially shaped nozzle. Thus, buying a tire pump or pump to inflate all-terrain skate tires is almost a must.

Finally, other accessories that can help us a lot in our outdoor outings are undoubtedly good poles, preferably detachable. Whether to propel us forward or to prevent us from falling, you can save us on more than one occasion.

We can use Nordic skiing, trekking or some poles or sticks that are already being designed specifically for off-road skating.

We do not want to finish this article without commenting on how highly recommended it is to wear good protection, starting with the helmet. Gloves, knee pads, elbow pads or even protective pants can completely change the final result of a mountain outing.

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