Although winter is approaching in the northern hemisphere, there are still a few months of roller skiing left for many skiers out there. Here are five things to keep in mind when you head out on roller skis this fall.

Autumn is here, and despite the approaching winter, many skiers still have several months left to roller ski. As it gets darker earlier and usually wetter, it’s important to keep track of your equipment to increase safety.

Markus Jönsson, a sales representative at LL Agenturer and Swenor, believes that safety during autumn roller skiing should be a top priority.

“First and foremost, it’s important to dress in a way that makes you visible. Definitely wear a reflective vest, and visible poles won’t hurt either,” says Jönsson to Langd.se.

Use Roller Ski Tracks

Avoiding traffic on the roads when it gets darker earlier in the afternoons can be preferable, according to Markus.

“It can be a good idea to ski in places where you feel safe. Visibility gets worse in the autumn, and for example, manholes can be covered by fallen leaves. This can easily lead to your roller ski tip getting stuck and breaking,” he says and continues:

“More and more roller ski tracks are popping up, so if you have the opportunity to ski on a track, it’s a safe place to go.”

Also Read: Improve your skating technique on roller skis – here are four technique videos

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“Don’t Avoid Downhills”

Skiing downhill can feel scarier on roller skis than on regular skis since there are no brakes. Additionally, asphalt is much harder than snow. Markus advocates not avoiding downhill sections.

“Try to include all types of skiing. Don’t avoid the downhills. If they get too tough, it’s as simple as taking off your roller skis and walking down.”

How do you feel about rolling resistance, is that something one should adjust for in the autumn?

“I advocate using fairly high rolling resistance during the summer, at least ‘3s’ when it’s warmer and the wheels roll easier. When the rubber becomes colder and harder in the fall, it might be better to switch to ‘2s’ because it goes a bit slower,” he says and adds:

“I think it’s better to have two pairs of roller skis so you don’t have to swap wheels all the time. There’s always a risk when changing wheels that they don’t align properly, and then the roller ski won’t go straight.”

How should roller skis be cared for in the autumn?

“I always recommend rinsing off your roller skis and storing them at room temperature. Occasionally, spin the wheel if it’s been a couple of days since you skied, so it doesn’t get stuck in the bearings.”

Five Tips from Markus Jönsson for Autumn Roller Skiing

1. Make yourself visible in traffic: Wear a reflective vest and preferably use visible poles.
2. Ski in familiar places: In autumn, visibility worsens due to falling leaves, etc. Manholes and other obstacles may be hidden, and cause falls or equipment issues. An alternative could be skiing on a roller ski track.
3. Take care of your equipment: Rinse your roller skis after each session and store them at room temperature. If you haven’t used your roller skis for a few days, make sure to spin the wheel so it doesn’t get stuck in the bearings.
4. Include all skiing styles: Don’t avoid downhills, for example. If the downhills are too challenging, just take off your roller skis and walk down.
5. Adjust rolling resistance: In the fall, the rubber hardens, and the “roll” gets worse. Therefore, it might be a good idea to switch to ‘2s’ instead of ‘3s’.

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