Ice Badgers Community Nights

Ice Badgers Community Nights

"Parents and Adults doing fitness; roller skiing, frisbee"

• Pineview Park                    

• Instructors = Atty Moriarty, Shaun Radley

• Every Other Wednesday - 4pm - 6pm

• July 1 - Running and Strength

• July 15 - Beginner Roller Skiing

• July 29 - Roller Ski Hockey, Basketball, Soccer

• August 12 - Ultimate Frisbee

• August 26 - Roller Ski Adventure

• Free of charge, donations welcome                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

MTCX Guide to Buying Rollerskis

A Practical Guide for New Nordic Skiers, Parents, and Clubs

Why Rollerskis?

Rollerskiing is one of the most effective ways to maintain and improve Nordic ski fitness and
technique when there is no snow. It develops:
● Balance and coordination
● Ski-specific strength
● Aerobic fitness
● Technique and efficiency
● Confidence on skis year-round
For juniors, rollerskiing can significantly accelerate skill development when introduced
appropriately and safely.

Step 1: Determine Your Skiing Style
There are two main types of rollerskis.
Classic Rollerskis

Best for:
● Learning classic technique
● Double pole training
● Striding practice
● New rollerskiers

Features:
● Longer wheelbase
● Rear wheel ratchet (prevents backward rolling)
● More stable
Recommended for:

● Most beginners
● Junior skiers
● Adult recreational skiers

Skate Rollerskis
Best for:
● Skate technique
● Fitness training
● Racing preparation
Features:
● Shorter wheelbase
● No ratchet wheels
● More maneuverable
Recommended for:
● Skiers with basic balance skills
● Intermediate and advanced athletes

Step 2: Choose the Right Wheel Speed
Wheel speed affects how fast the skis roll.
Speed Descriptio
n

Best For

Speed
1
Fast Racers, advanced athletes

Speed
2

Medium Most skiers

Speed
3

Slow Beginners, juniors

Speed
4
Very Slow Young athletes, technique

work
Club Recommendation
For youth programs:
● Ages 8–11: Speed 3 or 4
● Ages 12–14: Speed 2 or 3
● High school athletes: Speed 2
Slower wheels:
● Improve safety
● Encourage proper technique
● Reduce crash severity

Step 3: Select the Frame Material
Aluminum
Advantages:
● Durable
● Affordable
● Responsive
Disadvantages:
● Rougher ride
● More road vibration
Best for:
● Club fleets
● Beginners
● Budget-conscious buyers

Composite/Fiberglass
Advantages:
● Smooth ride
● More snow-like feel
● Less fatigue
Disadvantages:
● More expensive
Best for:
● Serious athletes
● High-mileage training

Carbon Fiber
Advantages:
● Lightest
● Most ski-like feel
Disadvantages:
● Highest cost
Best for:
● Competitive athletes

Step 4: Pick the Correct Length
Junior Athletes
Approximate guidelines:

Athlete
Size

Classic
Length

Skate Length

Under 90 lb Junior model Junior model
90–120 lb Junior or adult Junior or adult
Over 120 lb Adult Adult
Always check manufacturer weight recommendations.

Step 5: Choose Bindings
Most rollerskis do NOT include bindings.
NNN/Prolink Compatible
Most common option.
Compatible with:
● Salomon Prolink boots
● Rossignol boots
● Fischer boots
● Madshus boots
● Alpina boots
Recommended for most skiers.

Turnamic
Works with:
● Fischer
● Rossignol Turnamic systems
Less common for club fleets.

Step 6: Don't Forget Safety Equipment
Required
● Certified bike helmet
● Eye protection
● Gloves

Strongly Recommended
● Bright clothing
● Reflective vest
● Knee pads (beginners)
● Elbow pads (beginners)
● High-visibility lights

Step 7: Budget Expectations
Category Typical
Cost
Entry-level classic skis $180–300
Entry-level skate skis $180–300
Composite skis $300–500
Bindings $50–100
Helmet $40–100
Poles $100–300
Complete Starter Setup
Expect approximately:
● Junior athlete: $300–500

● Adult beginner: $400–700

Questions to Ask Before Buying
✓ What type of skiing will I do most?
✓ What wheel speed is appropriate for my skill level?
✓ Are bindings included?
✓ What is the athlete weight range?
✓ Are replacement wheels readily available?
✓ Is the ski compatible with my boots?
✓ Does my club use a specific brand or binding system?
✓ Are local roads suitable for rollerskiing?

Common Beginner Mistakes
❌ Buying the fastest wheels available
❌ Choosing skate skis before learning balance
❌ Skipping protective equipment
❌ Using worn-out ski boots
❌ Training on steep hills too early
❌ Ignoring replacement wheel availability

Top Brands Commonly Used by Nordic Clubs
● Swenor

● Marwe
● IDT
● V2
● Jenex
● Fischer
● Rossignol
For Most New Skiers:
Choose a classic aluminum rollerski with medium-to-slow wheels, NNN-compatible bindings,
and a good helmet. The most common buying mistake is selecting equipment that is too fast
rather than too slow. For youth athletes and new adults, stability and control are usually more
valuable than speed.