Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ About Roller Skis

Do you have questions about roller skis?

Here you can find answers to some of the most common questions.
Plus, lots of other content in our blog FFskis news and updates.

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Is Roller Skiing Difficult?

Roller skiing is a great way to stay in ski shape and enjoy the outdoors year-round. While it might feel challenging at first, most people quickly find their rhythm with the right technique and a bit of practice.

For the best experience, we recommend starting on smooth, low-traffic roads or dedicated roller ski tracks, which are ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers.

Roller skiing suits all styles
Whether you prefer:

Double poling – Great for upper body strength and endurance
Skating – A dynamic and efficient workout
Classic style – Closest to traditional cross-country skiing

Roller skiing is an excellent way to improve both technique and fitness throughout the year.

Be part of a growing roller ski community
Across the world, more and more athletes and outdoor enthusiasts are discovering the benefits of roller skiing. Whether you’re training for winter or just love an active lifestyle, roller skiing is a fun and effective way to stay in shape.

Experience real ski joy – all year round!

Is Roller Skiing Good Exercise?

Yes – roller skiing is one of the most effective full-body workouts available. It improves cardiovascular fitness, balance, strength, and endurance, all while being gentle on the joints.

Benefits of roller skiing:

Full-body workout – Engages arms, core, back, and legs at the same time
Improves balance – After just a few sessions, many notice better overall stability and ski technique
Low impact on joints – A gentler alternative to running
Great alternative to cross-country skiing – Closely mimics the feeling of skiing on snow
Suitable for all levels – Regardless of age or experience

Whether you’re preparing for winter sports or simply looking for a fun and challenging workout, roller skiing is a smart choice for year-round training.

Looking for a fun and effective fitness challenge? Try roller skiing today!

Which Roller Skis Should I Choose?

Choosing the right roller skis depends on your training goals, personal preferences, and skiing style. Are you preparing for the winter cross-country season, or simply looking for a fun and effective way to stay active?

The difference between classic and skate roller skis:

Skate roller skis – Ideal for speed, flow, and dynamic workouts. They offer a smooth, fast ride that mimics skating on snow.
Classic roller skis – Built for control, precision, and diagonal stride. They typically have wider, smaller-diameter wheels for better directional stability and a more natural ski feel.

Which type is right for you?

Want speed and rhythm? → Choose skate roller skis
Focused on classic cross-country technique and diagonal stride? → Go with classic roller skis
Looking for variety and balanced training? → Use both styles

For the most complete training experience, we recommend alternating between skate and classic techniques. This provides well-rounded development in balance, strength, and endurance.

Explore our range and find your perfect pair of roller skis today!

Braking on Roller Skis – Here’s How

It’s finally here – the groundbreaking brake solution for roller skis! At FF Rollerskis, we’ve developed an innovative, universal brake that enhances safety, control, and confidence for all roller skiers.

A revolution in roller skiing
Our newly developed brake system is designed to integrate seamlessly with both classic and skate roller skis. It delivers strong, reliable braking without compromising technique, making roller skiing a safer and more accessible training option.

For skate roller skis – Maintains full freedom of movement while providing effective braking when needed
For classic roller skis – Preserves natural rhythm and technique, while offering extra security on downhills
Fits all roller ski brands – Universal design makes it easy to upgrade your existing skis

Why choose the FF Rollerskis brake system?

Enhanced safety – Ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers
Full control on challenging terrain – Reduces the risk of uncontrolled descents
Compatible with all roller ski models – Easy installation and user-friendly design

Make your roller skiing safer and more controlled – upgrade to our innovative brake system!

Can You Use Regular Ski Boots for Roller Skiing?

Yes, you can use your regular cross-country ski boots for roller skiing—especially if you’re a beginner and want to try the sport before investing in dedicated equipment. However, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.

Pros and Cons of Using Regular Ski Boots for Roller Skiing
Pros

A simple and affordable way to get started

Cons

Regular ski boots aren’t optimized for roller skiing and may wear out faster, especially the zippers and softer materials
Can feel too warm in summer, as they are designed for cold conditions

Why Invest in Specialized Roller Ski Boots?

Better ventilation – Keeps your feet cool on warm days
Increased comfort – Built for the specific movements of roller skiing
Stiffer support – Especially important for skate roller skiing, where good ankle support improves power transfer

Skate roller skiing requires more support, and stiff boots—often with carbon cuffs—are recommended to prevent ankle rotation and improve stability.

Why choose the FF Rollerskis brake system?

Enhanced safety – Ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers
Full control on challenging terrain – Reduces the risk of uncontrolled descents
Compatible with all roller ski models – Easy installation and user-friendly design

Make your roller skiing safer and more controlled – upgrade to our innovative brake system today!

Can You Roller Ski in the Rain?

es, you can absolutely roller ski in the rain—but it requires some extra precautions to stay safe and maintain good control on wet roads.

Key tips for roller skiing in wet conditions:

Use fenders/mudguards – These help protect you from water spray and keep you drier and warmer
Adjust your speed – Wet surfaces can be slippery, especially with leaves, twigs, or dirt on the road
Stay calm – If your skis lose grip, avoid sudden reactions and gradually adjust your technique
Check your wheels – FF wet-condition wheels offer improved grip in rainy weather

How to stay safe when roller skiing in the rain:

Avoid sharp turns and steep downhills – Reduces the risk of slipping
Wear proper gear – Gloves with good grip and moisture-resistant clothing improve comfort and control
Adapt your technique – Use shorter, more controlled movements to maintain balance

Roller skiing is a year-round sport!
By adjusting your technique and taking the right precautions, you can safely enjoy roller skiing—even on rainy days.

What Pole Length Should You Use for Roller Skiing?

Choosing the correct pole length is essential for proper technique, balance, and efficient power transfer when roller skiing. The ideal length depends on whether you’re skiing in classic or skate style, as well as personal preference.

Recommended pole lengths for roller skiing:

Classic style – Poles should be about 30 cm shorter than your height, roughly reaching shoulder height.
Skate/freestyle technique – Poles should be 10–15 cm shorter than your height, typically reaching around eye level for optimal power and reach.

FIS rules for pole length in cross-country skiing:

Classic technique – Poles must not exceed 83% of your body height (measured with ski boots on).
Skate technique – No official FIS limit, offering more flexibility in pole choice.

⚠ Note: Rules may vary in competitions. For up-to-date regulations, check the official FIS rules or the event organizer’s specifications.

Additional tips for choosing the right poles:

Choose a length that supports both comfort and technique – Poles that are too long may cause strain, while too short can reduce power output

Use roller ski poles with reinforced tips – Regular snow tips wear out quickly on asphalt

Can You Skate with Classic Roller Skis?

Traditionally, roller skis are divided into classic and skate styles. But now, FF Rollerskis is pushing the boundaries with an exciting innovation: the FF V Pro Classic. This model combines the best of both worlds, making it possible to skate on a classic-style roller ski.

Is it possible to skate on classic roller skis?

Standard classic roller skis are designed for diagonal stride and double poling, with wheels that limit lateral movement.
FF V Pro Classic features an innovative wheel design with rounded edges, offering a more natural skating feel than traditional classic models.
It provides a hybrid experience, allowing you to mix classic technique with limited skating capabilities.

Is the FF V Pro Classic a full skate alternative?

Not quite – For optimal skating performance, dedicated skate roller skis are still recommended.
However – If you’re looking for flexibility and variety in your training, the FF V Pro Classic is a unique and versatile choice.

Try the FF V Pro Classic – a roller ski revolution
Curious? Experience the difference for yourself!

Discover more about how the FF V Pro Classic can elevate your training.

When Should You Replace Roller Ski Wheels?

Roller ski wheels are wear-and-tear items, and worn-out wheels can impact both your performance and safety. Damaged or degraded wheels reduce the skiing experience and increase the risk of rubber separation or failure.

Signs that it’s time to replace your wheels:

Uneven wear – Wheels are no longer round
Reduced grip – Less traction, especially in wet conditions
Cracks or loose rubber pieces – Indicate that the wheels are breaking down
Unusual vibrations or noise – May also suggest the bearings need replacement

How often should you replace your wheels?

Elite athletes and national teams often replace wheels every 50 days, due to high training volumes
Recreational skiers should consider changing wheels at least once per season, depending on frequency of use and surface conditions
Bearings should be replaced annually, even if the wheels still have life left in them

Looking for high-quality replacements? We offer SKF bearings at half the price of most competitors.

Why Roller Skiing?

Roller skiing is more than just a workout – it’s an efficient, low-impact, and technique-focused activity that delivers a smooth, gliding sensation similar to skiing on snow.

Benefits of roller skiing:

Builds technique – Focuses on proper movement, balance, and efficient power transfer
Lower impact than running – Ideal for those with knee issues or looking for a gentler form of exercise
Full-body training – Strengthens core, arms, back, and legs in a single session
Increases bone density – Studies show that impact on hard surfaces may help strengthen bones and prevent age-related issues
Mental presence – Roller skiing requires focus, promoting a unique “in-the-moment” experience

Is roller skiing safe?
Yes – as long as you use common sense. For beginners, it’s important to:

Start slowly and practice balance and technique
Always wear a helmet and gloves for protection
Match your speed and terrain to your skill level

Experience true ski feeling all year round – whether you’re training for winter or just looking for a fantastic way to stay fit!

What Pole Length Should You Use for Double Poling?

Choosing the right pole length is essential for optimal power transfer and efficient technique. Double poling requires longer poles than traditional classic diagonal stride, but there are competition rules that set maximum limits.

Recommended pole lengths for double poling:

Classic technique (competition): Poles can be a maximum of 83% of your height (measured with ski boots on flat ground).
Freestyle (skating): Poles can be up to 100% of your height.
Pure double poling (long-distance skiing): Many prefer poles around 85–90% of their height for greater push power.

How to choose the right pole length:

Shorter poles provide better control and balance
Longer poles offer more power and efficiency for double poling

Recommended pole lengths by technique:

Technique	Recommended Length	FIS Rule (Max Length)
Classic (diagonal)	83–85% of body height	Max 83% (measured with ski boots on)
Pure double poling	85–90% of body height	No official limit, but 90% is generally accepted
Skating (freestyle)	90–100% of body height	Max 100% (measured with ski boots on)

Pole length tips by purpose:

90–100% – Used in skate skiing for maximum reach and speed

What are the best rollerskis for beginners?

The best rollerskis for beginners are those that prioritize stability, low vibration, and realistic ski-feel. Based on product details and independent testing, the FF V Pro Classic rollerskis are highly recommended for both beginners and advanced users due to these key features:

🟢 Why FF V Pro Classic is Great for Beginners:

Built-in Suspension: The frame includes suspension that reduces road vibration, which helps prevent overuse injuries like knee pain, especially for those new to rollerskiing.
V-Groove Wheels: These improve directional stability, making the ski easier to control, especially important when learning diagonal stride and braking techniques.
Stability and Ski-Like Feel: FF V Pro Classic is praised for being retningsstabile (directionally stable) and responsive. It helps skiers develop correct technique by mimicking the feel of real snow skiing.
Designed for All Levels: Even though it’s named “Pro”, FF confirms it’s designed for all users—including beginners. The comfort and control it offers make it beginner-friendly.

🔺 Caution for Absolute Beginners:

If you’re brand new and planning to ski mostly on steep hills or slippery roads, FF V Pro Classic might be a bit fast and challenging in wet conditions. In that case, FF’s Active series (e.g., FF Active Skate or FF V Active Classic) might be a better starting point, offering more control at lower speeds and at a lower price.

How to Learn Roller Skiing

Mastering your balance is the most important step to feeling confident on roller skis. The better your balance, the easier it becomes to find flow and control on your skis.

How to train balance before getting on roller skis:

Use a balance board – Available in most sports stores and great for ankle stability
Stand on one foot on a cushion – Alternate between legs to activate your core muscles
Close your eyes while balancing – This further challenges your body’s stability
Practice often – Good balance helps not only with roller skiing but also supports long-term health

Getting started with roller skiing:

Find a safe practice area – Choose a flat, traffic-free road or a dedicated roller ski track
Practice gliding on one leg – Push off and try to hold your balance on one ski before switching
Engage your arms – Poles provide stability and help you find your rhythm
Start with short sessions – Gradually increase duration as you build confidence

Extra tips for beginners:

Be patient – It takes time to feel comfortable, but practice makes perfect!

Wear a helmet and gloves – Protect yourself in case of falls

Control your speed – Learn how to brake before attempting downhills

Which Muscles Does Roller Skiing Train?

Roller skiing is a full-body workout that activates nearly every major muscle group. By combining classic technique, skating, and double poling, you get a well-rounded and balanced form of strength and endurance training.

Muscle groups activated during roller skiing:

Legs and glutes

Thighs (quadriceps and hamstrings)
Glutes (gluteus maximus)
Calves (gastrocnemius and soleus)

Core and stability

Abdominals (rectus abdominis)
Obliques
Lower back (erector spinae)

Upper body and arms

Shoulders (deltoids)
Triceps (back of the upper arm)
Back muscles (latissimus dorsi)
Chest (pectorals)

Muscle focus by technique:

Technique	Main Muscle Groups Trained
Classic	Legs, core muscles, and arms
Skating	Glutes, thighs, and core
Double poling	Arms, back, and abdominals

Tips for maximum results:

Mix it up – Alternate between classic, skating, and double poling to activate more muscle groups
Train your core – A strong core improves balance and power
Have fun – Roller skiing is a great way to get fit while enjoying the outdoors

Get out there and enjoy your roller ski training!

How to maintain rollerskis?

To maintain your rollerskis from ffskis.com, regularly check all screws, bindings, and wheels for wear or cracks, wipe them clean after each use, and dry thoroughly—especially the bearings to prevent rust. Switch skis between feet to even out wear, never oil sealed bearings (just replace when noisy or rough), and store indoors in a dry place. For best performance, apply silicone spray to rubber dampers after washing, and do a full service at least once a year.

What safety gear do I need for rollerskiing?”

For rollerskiing, always wear a helmet (preferably with MIPS), gloves, knee and elbow pads, and high-visibility or reflective clothing for protection and visibility. Consider using FF Rollerskis brake systems for extra safety on descents, and inspect all gear before each session.

Differences between classic and skate rollerskis?

Classic and skate rollerskis differ primarily in design, wheel type, and skiing technique. Classic rollerskis mimic traditional cross-country skiing with wider, longer skis and a ratchet mechanism on one wheel for kick and glide, offering better stability and grip suitable for the classic striding motion. Skate rollerskis are shorter with narrower, harder wheels designed for a side-to-side skating motion, providing higher speed and easier turning but less stability. Classic skis are generally safer and better for uphill and poling, while skate skis are ideal for dynamic, speed-focused training. FF Rollerskis also offer features like V-groove wheels on classic skis for enhanced control.

How do rollerskis compare to real snow skiing?

Rollerskis closely mimic the technique of real snow skiing, making them an excellent off-season training tool for cross-country skiers. Both classic and skate roller skis train the same muscle groups and motion patterns as on snow, allowing skiers to maintain or improve their technique year-round. However, rollerskis provide a more consistent glide since wheel performance is not affected by weather, while snow skiing glide depends on snow quality and waxing. FF Rollerskis are designed to offer a stable, responsive feel similar to skiing on tracks, especially with features like V-groove wheels for better straight-line control.

Key differences include the surface (asphalt vs. snow), the necessity for road safety equipment (helmet, pads), and the slight adaptation in balance and technique due to the different feel of wheels versus snow. Despite these, most users find the transition between the two sports relatively smooth, with good rollerskis making it even easier to replicate the real skiing experience.

Recommended rollerski brands for 2025?

For 2025, FF Rollerskis are highly recommended and FIS-approved, known for their innovation, stability, and excellent ski-like feel, with top athletes and ambassadors praising their performance. Other commonly recognized brands in the market include Marwe, Swenor, Swix, and Fischer, each offering reliable models for classic and skate techniques. FF Rollerskis stand out for advanced features such as V-groove wheels, floating fork technology, and customizable options, making them a top choice for both beginners and professionals.