Everyone can cross country ski. To do it well, though, takes years of practice to develop good technique. Roller skiing allows skiers to practice their ski technique well after the snow has melted. Beyond that, roller skiing is fun and another great way to stay in shape!
Programs
Roller skiing may be offered by your local Club. Additionally, there are many resources available to coaches and skiers working to improve skills on their own – such as Nordic Ski Lab (formerly XC Ski Nation), your online nordic ski and roller-ski school.
Racing
There are no roller ski races planned in Nova Scotia. If you are interested in learning about race schedules in Canada, please contact a Provincial Division. Roller ski racing is a fun way for athletes to do specific training. These races are extra special because they can be held in the centre of town. Fast and exciting to watch, downtown races have been known to attract new participants to the “extreme sport” side of cross country skiing!
Given the growth in roller skiing’s popularity, FIS recognized roller skiing as a distinct discipline in 1992 and the first roller skiing World Cup was held in 1993 and World Championships in September 2000.
Equipment
Like cross country skiing on snow, roller skiing has two styles: classic and skate. The equipment is different for each style of roller skiing. Most beginner skiers start on skate roller skis. Skate roller skis are much more maneuverable and the boots more stable compared to classic roller skis and boots. When they are comfortable, they can progress to classic roller skis.
Visit Nordiq Canada’s Document Center for roller ski resources, including an equipment guide and policy outlining how to safely perform this sport.
Interested in buying roller skis in Nova Scotia? Please contact Hub Cycle in Truro, the only retailer stocking roller skis in our province.
Articles
Nova Scotia has a history of training on roller skis. Learn more by clicking on the articles posted below.
Roller Skiing in Nova Scotia
by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, October 4, 2020 Roller skiing is a great way to practice cross-country skiing technique and ready your skiing-specific muscles for the upcoming season. It’s also a lot of fun! If you’re addicted to the glide on skis, you’ll definitely enjoy the movement on roller skis. It’s fast, you’ll see…
BIG Roll 2019
by Cross Country Nova Scotia, November 15, 2019 The Big Roll brought members of the cross-country ski community together from across three provinces, who roller-skied and skied their way, collectively, 2.85 times from Halifax Nordic to North Highlands Nordic – at the first annual “Big Roll” held on Sunday, November 10th, 2019. A collective total…
1979 P. A. Arctic Fox Roller-Ski Relay
Athletes roller-skied for 24 hours in a 1979 roller-ski relay organized by P. A. Arctic Fox Cross-Country Ski Club, at the KMart parking lot in Dartmouth – complete with tents and a sofa to rest between intervals. Arctic Fox paid $183 for radio ads and $32 for printing costs to organize what proved to be…
Cross Country Nova Scotia 