What is roller skiing?
Roller skiing developed as a summer training activity for cross-country skiers. There are the same two styles as on snow, classic and skate: skis and poles reused, just with wheels and without the snow. No previous experience is required, though you will need a reasonable level of fitness and balance to get the most out of it – but this can build up over time. Roller skiing is also a fantastic complement to other sports.
In July 2015, Snowsport England worked with Papercut Media to film a new information video to showcase roller skiing through the Go Ski Go Board campaign. The video was filmed on location at York Sport at one of our Sunday morning roller ski sessions. It shows what to expect on a taster session and hears from club members, coaches and clubs as to why they love the sport and what it actually involves. The participants range in age from 10 years to over 70 years old, proving that roller skiing is well and truly a sport for all ages!
How do I get started?
Join a taster session for £10 per person (less for students and children!) which includes instruction and kit hire if required. Track fee payable separately to the venue.
After your taster session, we offer a 4-week roller ski Introductory Package. Each lesson lasts 1.5 hours and we’ll introduce you to the basics of roller skiing in the classic style. Instruction is based on Snowsport England’s (SE) Nordic Proficiency Awards and after 4 weeks you should have learned all the basic techniques to achieve the one star award. We can register you onto the scheme once you have achieved the first level, 1* and then you’ll move onto our coaching programme.
For more information on our roller ski sessions, costs and Nordic Proficiency Scheme, please click the button to download our roller ski information sheet.
Once you have read the roller ski information sheet and decided you want to sign up for a taster session, please click the button below to be taken to our registration form for you to fill in and complete. We will then add you to our waiting list and contact you when a space becomes available.
Where do you roller ski?
The two outdoor cycle circuits we use are great places to learn to roller ski, and subsequently to develop confidence and technique. Please arrive promptly, and if borrowing equipment, allow time to collect your skis, poles and boots and get kitted up. We have a great relationship with both of the venues and we wish this continue for years to come. To ensure this happens, we ask that you pay the venue charge on arrival BEFORE joining the roller ski session. For more information about each venue, click on their picture below:
York Sport Village Cycle Circuit, Lakeside Way, Heslington, York YO10 5FG.
If using the what3words app, the location is ///boxing.awkward.moss
Bodington Cycle Circuit, The Brownlee Centre, Bodington Way, Leeds LS16 8NA.
If using the what3words app, the location is ///orange.lanes.circle
When do you roller ski?
Bodington Cycle Circuit, Wednesdays: Club Session 7-9pm. Taster Sessions are planned throughout the year. Email us for details or simply complete the Registration Form and we will keep you updated.
York Sports Village, Fridays: Club session for 1* members, 7-9pm. Sundays: Club session 9.30-12pm. Taster Sessions are planned throughout the year. Email us for details or simply complete the Registration Form and we will keep you updated.
What do I wear and what do I need?
A cycle helmet is an essential requirement, you will not be able to ski without one. It is best to wear running tracksters/leggings – nothing too baggy, especially round the ankles. Cycle clothing is fine, but not your best kit and you need to wear roughly the same number of layers as you would to cycle in (with regard to keeping warm and dry). You will need close fitting gloves which allow you to grip easily. Bring a couple of pairs of different thickness socks so we have a better chance of getting a good fit for your boots. Bring knee and elbow pads if you want to use them.
What does it cost?
As well as the cost kit and equipment hire directly from our club, each track has their own fee payable directly to the venue. We also charge for the taster sessions and introductory packages. We have different prices for adults, students and children so for a full breakdown, please download our roller ski information sheet. Select registration form if you would like to sign up to a taster session or sign up for membership.
Want to find out more?
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
