Dedicated winter sport enthusiasts can enhance their on-slope skills during the off-season. Roller-skiing and inline, skate-to-ski programs simulate the skills required for Nordic and downhill skiing. Some companies even manufacture skates for that purpose. While skates easily simulate the sport, using ski poles on asphalt can cause pole damage.
Poling Importance
While poling is not really necessary for ski-specific asphalt training, using them will enhance your technique. Poling helps you sense the ground ahead of you before you see it, which is a skill that is particularly important on asphalt. It also trains your upper and lower body to work as one, helps you keep your upper body facing downhill and aids in timing on turn initiation and mogul skiing. These factors improve the transfer of training from asphalt to snow skiing.
Old Ski Poles
Using your regular ski poles on asphalt will dull the tips, says Harald Harb, who created the skates called the Harb Carvers. In an article on his website, Harb recommended using old ski poles, or placing rubber tips on the bottom of your poles.
Pole Ferrules
Ski pole baskets impede roller skiing technique, says cross-country ski racer Mike Muha. In an article on his NordicSkiRacer.com website, Muha suggests that ski pole ferrules are a better option. Their longer, sharper tips resist getting stuck in cracks in the asphalt. Skiers on a tight budget can create a makeshift ferrule by removing the pole basket and sharpening the ski tip with a diamond file.
Nordic Walking Poles
Nordic walking is a viable alternative for anyone who does not want to skate. This method lets you use the pole timing techniques of cross-country or alpine skiing, while helping you avoid the dangers associated with skating on busy asphalt sidewalks. Nordic walking poles have rubber tips on the bottom, which protect them from damage.
Member Comments