Rollerblade Skate to Ski Program

"Don’t Lose Your Edge This Summer!"

By Rollerblade | April 2019

Inline skating is the best way in the off-season to recreate the unique muscle movements and carving motions found in skiing. Skiers at every ability level are discovering the amazing cross-training and fitness benefits of inline skating. Whether you’re a green run cruiser, powder hound, or podium seeking racer, connect your winters with Rollerblade Inline Skates.

Rollerblade has joined forces with US Ski & Snowboard, the Professional Ski Instructors of America, and the National Ski Patrol to develop a world class off-season cross-training program.

Listen to Olympian, elite ski coach, and ripping skater Doug Lewis describe how the program works.

Recommended Skates

Rollerblade has designed specific inline skates with the needs of skiers in mind. Choose one of our molded shell skates that are ideal for cross-training. Molded boot shells provide the support and precession skiers are looking for.

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Getting Started

If you’ve got your skates, gear, and helmet, and you know the basics of skating and stopping you’re ready to go!

The first thing to do is watch the Terrain Selection video below.

If you’re a skier who’s used to bombing down slopes, you need to recalibrate. Start on perfectly flat pavement and nail the basics before going down even a moderate pitch.

Remember, there are no black diamond trail rating markers out there on the pavement. Avoid skating where there’s sand, water, or cracked pavement.

Always know the road ahead before you skate it.

Ready to Roll?

The Skate to Ski Training System is a progression of phases. Start with Phase 1 and perform the exercises in order. Make sure you've mastered a Phase before progressing to the next one.

Always wear your helmet and protective gear. And most importantly - have fun with this!

Click the images below to take you to the appropriate Phase.

Phase 1: Start Skating

Phase 2: Start Skating - Intermediate

Phase 3: Intermediate - Advanced

Phase 4: Advanced

For those who want to carry the Skate to Ski Training System out on the trail and not worry about a device or streaming video, there is a nice analog solution.

Download and print a handy 64 page PDF book that has all the info and extra tips found in the training program. Plus it’s guaranteed not to crack if you drop it.

Download PDF

Need More Convincing?

Listen to what the pros are saying about the Rollerblade Skate to Ski Training System

Tommy Biesmeyer: US Ski Team Super G & Downhill

"I firmly believe that for cross training for skiing, inline skating is a strong asset"

"Inline skating develops the sense of dynamic balance, sense of space, time, and similar muscle work as needed in alpine skiing."

Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Belgrade Professional paper: The application of inline skates in alpine skiers training

Doug Lewis: US Olympic Ski Racer

"The Rollerblade Skate to Ski program is the most ski specific off-snow program you can do as a skier. Not only does it train ski specific movements and patterns that will translate into better skiing when you return to snow, but it will increase agility, strength, mobility, and work your cardiovascular system as well. Plus it’s FUN!"

Brennan Rubie: US Ski Team World Cup Ski Racer

"Whether I'm ripping around the neighborhood, or preparing for the next ski season, inline skating is a versatile way to have some fun, and switch it up."

Katie Ryan: US Ski Team World Cup Ski Racer

"The adrenaline rush and freedom I get from skiing in the winter I now get from inline skating during the warmer months. Skating allows me to be outside with my friends and get a great cardio workout."

Andrea Limbacher: Austria Ski Team Ski Cross World Champion 2015

Ron Bonnevie: Carrabassett Valley Academy Head U14 Coach & Weekend Program Manager

"The Skate to Ski Training System offers our young athletes the opportunity to connect their seasons while developing many primary athletic skills that transfer directly to alpine skiing."

Dave Schuiling: PSIA-AASI Director of Education

“No other summer activities translate skills of skiing better than inline skating. Besides the benefits of strength and endurance, you can enhance the 5 key fundamentals of skiing through skating."

Martin Guyer: Green Mountain Valley School Formerly US Ski and Snowboard Eastern Region Development Director

"Incorporate inline skating into strength and conditioning program as a way to develop key movements and simulate key body positions similar to alpine skiing."