Do you still remember the fun of sliding on the snow all day as a little kid? Now imagine the ski slopes you slide on as an adult. Where did all the fun go? Skiing came from being a thrilling, joyous activity to being an ordinary pastime to do during winter.
In Snowfeet, we decided to bring the joy back and rediscover the child within. That's why we have re-invented skiskating. Skiskating is a new winter sport, combining skiing and skating. Not to be confused with snowblading or skiboarding, skiskating provides the unique experience of ice-skating on the snow. Apart from regular skis, it allows you to explore not only ski slopes and parks but also all kinds of hiking trails or your local hills.
History of skiskating
The first skiskates prototypes might have appeared thousands of years ago when people living in the mountains had to find their way from the tops of the hills a bit faster, therefore, they were most likely the first ones to invent the skiskates prototypes.
The first commercially produced skiskates are thought to be Dutton's Shell Groove Skates invented by William H. Dutton who got a patent on them in 1862 in Utica, New York. However, no one really knows whether they were made for skating on ice or snow.
Later in the 20th century, many skiskates variations came to life in different countries around the world. In the USA they had Super Slider Snow-skates and in Switzerland they had Snowrunners. Many baby boomers still recall with nostalgia how they used one of those skiskates when they were kids.
Super Slider Snow-skates
Snowfeet
Snowfeet and Skiskates provide a smooth skating-like-feeling of skiskating thanks to the length of the ski base of less than 50 cm / 20 inch, which allows your feet to feel very light and unlimited by long and heavy skis.
What shoes to use for skiskating?
You can use your regular shoes or your snowboard shoes with Snowfeet, for Skiskates, we recommend ski boots or snowboard boots.
Snowfeet are designed with a high-quality binding which allows you to use any winter boots or snowboard shoes. No more heavy ski boots!
Just make sure, the shoes are waterproof with ankle support so you can enjoy the ride for as long as possible.
What about shoe size?
We recommend Snowfeet for shoe sizes 6-13 US / 38-47 EU, Skiskates work just fine with skiboots and snowboard boots of any size.
The adjustable bindings allow you to attach Snowfeet to any shoe. If the standard setting doesn't work for your size, simply select a different hole on the strap and adjust the bindings using a screwdriver. If you use large snowboard boots, you can replace the original front-toe straps with extra straps.
For people with small shoe sizes, we generally recommend using snowboard boots to make sure Snowfeet fit perfectly, although it’s not necessary.
To avoid any hassle on the slopes, take your time and adjust the bindings in the comfort of your home, using a screwdriver and a boot you are going to wear with Snowfeet or Skiskates on the mountain.
Is it hard to learn skiskating?
It is very easy for hockey players, ice-skaters, and roller-bladers, since it is very similar to skating.
It can be, as well as any other new sport, a bit difficult from the start but the good news is that you can learn it very fast. Plus, the learning process itself is so much fun!
How to skiskate?
There are a few tricks to truly master skiskating. Keep the front-back balance, don't spread your legs too wide, and always keep them flexible.
1) Keep the front-back balance. To maintain balance, don't spread your legs too wide, but keep them at about shoulder width. During the ride, you can place one foot in front of the other to increase stability.
2) Always keep your legs flexible. Bend your knees to help you achieve it. When losing balance, lean the upper part of your body forward and spread your arms. Try to keep your center of gravity low, especially when going downhill.
3) Don't place your weight over your toes like you do when skiing, but rather distribute your weight over the middle or back of your feet to prevent falling. When sliding on ungroomed terrain, bring your weight on your heels and lift your toes to avoid falling. When skiing backward, do the opposite and place your weight over your toes.
4) To start your ride, skate like a hockey player. Push your legs sideways. Remember - Do not put your weight over your toes while skating, otherwise, you might catch the tips in the snow and fall.
5) To stop, use the so-called hockey stop, as well as you do with your skis or skates. Just make sure to distribute your weight equally over both feet to stop smoothly and slowly. If you just need to slow down, use the heel brake.
6) Turning is similar to turning with skis. Tilt your skiskates to their edges and move your body and legs in the direction where you want to go. Actually many people find turning with Snowfeet* or Skiskates* easier than turning with those long clunky skis.
Where to skiskate?
You can take Snowfeet almost anywhere: slopes, snowparks, even, hiking trails. Skiskates, work the best on groomed slopes and trails.
Our favorite way of using Snowfeet* is skiskating on hiking trails. While hiking uphill, it’s best to keep your skiskates inside of your bag and put them on your shoes after you get to the top.
Get the most out of your Snowfeet and Skiskates
by taking care of them.
Should I use wax?
Wax your Snowfeet and tune the edges, to ensure the maximum experience, high speed, and sharp turns.
We recommend waxing the base regularly to make Snowfeet and Skiskates even faster and prevent snow from sticking to the base.
How to tune edges?
Use a special handy tuner or visit a local ski service.
Extra tip: keep the metal edges dry after each use to prevent them from rusting. You can also wipe the edges using oil before storage.
Skiskating is a new winter sport conquering the slopes all around the world. Don' t miss the new big trend in winter sport and find for yourself how great the combination of skiing and skating is.
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