We can’t talk about cross country skiing without including roller skiing, as the two have become synonymous. Roller skiiing was designed as a way of keeping fit during the summer months, as it follows the same movements as cross country skiing. It is carried out on smooth tarmac surfaces and the roller ski comprises a short base with a wheel at either end. Whilst roller skiing is mainly linked to cross country skiing, it can also help you train for other types of skiing. So if your heart lies elsewhere than the Nordic discipline, encorporating roller skiing as part of your training programme would also be beneficial to you.

There are several types of roller skis and often for beginners the recommended one is a combi roller ski, where you can ski in classic or skate technique using the same roller ski.

Roller Ski Courses and Taster Sessions

There are many clubs who offer roller ski instruction, so take a look to find one in your local area in the Club Section .

Snow Sport England (SE) usually hold a weekend roller ski course once a year for beginners and intermediates, as well as courses to become an instructor. These are held at several locations throughout the UK.

Roller Ski Practice and Training

As it is a niche sport in the UK, you would get the best out of joining a club for instruction, and the best locations for roller skiing, together with others to be able to train with. Take a look in the Club Section for a club in your area and also the Instructor section for more bespoke tuition in the UK and overseas.

Looking for Other Places to Roller Ski?

It is particularly difficult to find the right terrain to enjoy a good rollerski.

Alastair Brown has compiled a  Roller ski Directory for this purpose, so take a look to find something in your area to try out.

Roller Ski Races and the  GB Roller Ski Series



The GB Roller Ski series of races is open to all standards of skiers is aimed to encourage participation and fair competition. Races runs from about April to October each year and are held at various club’s in the UK, and Scotland.



Here are the results of the 2019 GB Rollerski Race Series.



Roller Ski Races in Europe



An increasing amount of people like to try their hand at competing in larger roller ski races in Europe, where roller skiing is not such a niche sport. The most well known of these are – Alliansloppet, Trollhättan in  Sweden which is held on the third weekend in August each year.