Best Skis for Hockey Players Who Can’t Ski Yet

If you’re a hockey player itching to try skiing, here’s the deal: your skating skills give you a head start, but traditional skis can feel clunky and awkward. The solution? Shorter skis that work with your ice skills instead of against them. Snowfeet's lineup - from 38 cm Mini Ski Skates to 120 cm Short Skis - makes skiing feel as natural as skating. These compact skis are portable, easy to control, and let you skip the frustrating “pizza wedge” phase.

Key Takeaways:

Short skis = faster learning curve for hockey players.
Models like Mini Ski Skates (38 cm) and Skiskates (44 cm) are perfect for beginners. Easy to carry, great for groomed slopes, and mimic skating moves.
Looking for more stability? Check out Skiblades (65 cm) or Short Skis (120 cm) for varied terrain and light powder.

Quick Comparison:

Model	Length	Best For	Price
Mini Ski Skates	38 cm	Groomed slopes, portability	$199
Skiskates	44 cm	Agility, tricks, easy control	$575
PRO	50 cm	Precision, smooth carving	$275
Skiblades	65 cm	All-mountain, parks	$550
Skiblades	99 cm	Stability, steeper slopes	$690
Short Skis	120 cm	Light powder, blue runs	$775

Whether you’re just starting or ready to tackle tougher slopes, there’s a Snowfeet model for you. Let’s break down the options so you can hit the snow with confidence.

Hockey Player Tries Snowfeet* Skiskates | See What He Thinks | Skiboards | Short Ski | Mini Ski

Snowfeet

1. Snowfeet* Mini Ski Skates (38 cm)

At just 38 cm (about 15 inches), Snowfeet* Mini Ski Skates bring a skating-like experience to the slopes, making them especially appealing to hockey players. Unlike traditional skis, which can be over 150 cm long and a hassle to transport, these mini skates are small enough to fit in a standard backpack - no roof rack required. Let’s dive into what makes them a standout choice for winter fun.

Portability

These skates are all about convenience. Their compact size means you can use them with your regular winter shoes or snowboard boots. Lightweight and easy to pack, they’re perfect for tossing in your car, taking on a flight, or hiking to off-the-beaten-path spots. At $199, they’re a budget-friendly alternative to traditional ski gear, which often comes with a hefty price tag.

Control and Maneuverability

Thanks to built-in metal edges, you can pull off precise moves like hockey stops with ease. The 38 cm length mimics the balance hockey players are already used to, making it feel natural right from the start. With a stellar 4.9/5 rating from over 5,500 reviews, it’s clear that users love how quickly they can pick up this new style of skiing. As one user, Nathan F., shared:

"Absolute game-changer! They're light, fast, and incredibly fun to ride."

Terrain Versatility

Snowfeet* Mini Ski Skates thrive on groomed slopes and in snow parks, and they can even handle light powder up to 4 inches deep. Whether you’re hitting a local sledding hill, trekking through snowy trails, or just having fun in your backyard, these skates are ready for anything winter throws your way.

2. Snowfeet* PRO (50 cm)

The Snowfeet* PRO (50 cm) takes the concept of Mini Ski Skates and steps it up a notch, offering a skating-like experience with added stability. At $275, this model is crafted in Europe using sustainable wood cores, steel edges, and graphite bases designed for speed. Despite its performance upgrades, it's still compact enough to fit in your backpack, making it a great choice for those looking to push their limits on the slopes.

Control and Maneuverability

With its 50 cm length, the Snowfeet* PRO feels natural for anyone familiar with ice skating. Its parabolic shape and metal edges allow for precise carving and quick direction changes, making it easy to translate hockey stops and tight turns from the rink to the snow. The narrow waist ensures fast edge transitions, making turns feel smoother compared to longer skis. As Mashable noted:

"Watch out skiers! Could this be the new winter sport?"

While deep carves might require extra attention to your front-to-back balance, the side-to-side agility of these skis is where they truly shine.

Terrain Versatility

The Snowfeet* PRO performs exceptionally well on groomed runs, snow parks, moguls, cross-country trails, and even backyard hills. It's an ideal option for hockey players looking to bring their ice skills to the snow. However, for deep powder or off-piste adventures, you'll want to consider longer skis in the 90–120 cm range for better floatation.

Portability

Unlike traditional skis that often require roof racks or extra storage, the PRO is compact enough to fit in a closet or the trunk of your car. Its lightweight build and compatibility with standard winter or snowboard boots eliminate the hassle of bulky gear. As Uncrate put it:

"far more portable and affordable than traditional skis or snowboards".

Up next, the Snowfeet* Skiskates (44 cm) take agility to an even higher level.

3. Snowfeet* Skiskates (44 cm)

The Snowfeet* Skiskates are designed to take agility to a whole new level, especially for hockey players transitioning to the slopes. At just 44 cm (17 inches) long, they hold the title of the world’s shortest skis, making them a great choice for anyone looking to combine skating instincts with skiing. Starting at $575, these skiskates are crafted from sustainable wood, steel edges, and premium cap construction, delivering top-tier performance in a compact package. Founder Zbyněk shared his enthusiasm for the product:

"In my opinion, Skiskates is the best product for slopes we developed so far. I love how easy they are to ski and skate and how many different kinds of tricks I can perform without much effort and almost no restrictions."

Control and Maneuverability

The 44 cm length perfectly matches a skater’s natural stride, meaning you don’t need to learn a new technique. Steel edges provide excellent grip for carving and stopping, much like ice skates. The small, lightweight design makes quick turns, backward riding, spins, and jumps feel effortless. With a 5.0/5 star rating from 122 reviews, users often highlight the freedom of movement and praise how easy they are on the knees and ankles.

Terrain Versatility

These skiskates shine on groomed slopes, snow parks, and narrow trails where traditional skis might feel bulky. They’re best suited for packed snow or maintained runs, but they’re not built for deep powder over 4 inches. One satisfied user, Biba, said:

"Best ski ever! Super contente! Facile à skier même pour une débutante!"

However, they are slower than longer skis, so if speed is your priority, you might want to consider the 99 cm or 120 cm models instead.

Portability

The compact 44 cm size makes them easy to carry - they fit in a standard backpack or car trunk, giving you access to remote spots that full-length skis might not. They’re also compatible with ski boots (sizes 4.5–14.5 US) and snowboard boots (sizes 6–14.5 US), giving you flexibility in choosing the level of ankle support that works for you.

4. Snowfeet* Skiblades (65 cm)

The Snowfeet* Skiblades, measuring 65 cm (26 inches), bring a skating-like sensation to the slopes, making them a fantastic choice for hockey players or anyone with skating experience. They're "long enough to ski, short enough to skate", offering a smooth transition from ice to snow while maintaining impressive stability. Starting at $550 (down from $650), these skiblades are handcrafted with a sustainably sourced wood core, steel edges, and a tough graphite base. Oh, and they’ve earned a perfect 5.0/5 star rating from users.

Control and Maneuverability

Thanks to their deep parabolic sidecut, narrow 9.5 cm waist, and a tight 4-meter turn radius, these skiblades shine when it comes to sharp, precise turns. Whether you're spinning, riding backward, or making quick moves, they feel natural - especially if you're used to hockey skates. Weighing just 3.79 lbs with ski bindings (or 5.89 lbs with snowboard bindings), they’re lightweight and incredibly responsive.

Customer David Cover shared his experience:

"The 65 cm was a great addition to our skiskate lineup. I got decent at them as the day progressed... the best part about these skiskates are that my wife and I can switch off between pairs."

You can choose between two binding options: ski boot bindings (sizes 4.5–14.5 US) for a faster, more aggressive ride, or snowboard boot bindings (sizes 6–14.5 US) for a more relaxed and trick-friendly experience. Both options deliver precise control across various terrains.

Terrain Versatility

Like other Snowfeet* models, these skiblades excel in areas where traditional skis can feel clunky. They’re fantastic on groomed slopes, snow parks, moguls, and even narrow hiking trails. They handle bumpy terrain and light powder with ease, although they’re not designed for deep powder. If speed is your priority, you might want to check out the longer 99 cm or 120 cm models. The 65 cm version is all about agility over outright speed.

Verified customer Andrew B. had this to say:

"These skiblades are so much fun and easy to control. Never going back to regular skis."

Portability

At just 65 cm long, these skiblades are a dream to carry around. They fit neatly into a backpack or car trunk, sparing you the hassle of lugging around bulky ski gear. They’re also easy to store at home, and their lightweight design means you won’t break a sweat getting them to the slopes.

5. Snowfeet* Skiblades (99 cm)

The Snowfeet* Skiblades, measuring 99 cm (39 inches), are a standout choice for hockey players transitioning to the slopes. They build on the agility of shorter models but add a touch more stability, creating a smooth balance between control and maneuverability. This design keeps the skating-like feel intact, making it easier for hockey players to adapt. At $690, they’ve earned a flawless 5.0/5 rating from 46 customer reviews. Crafted with a wood core, metal edges, and a graphite base, they’re built for speed and durability, while also being eco-conscious. These skiblades are perfect for those who want a natural progression from the rink to the snow.

Control and Maneuverability

Performance is the name of the game here. At 99 cm, these skiblades are incredibly responsive, thanks to their deep parabolic sidecut and narrow waist, which make carving a breeze. The twin-tip design lets you ride forward or backward, opening up possibilities for tricks and spins. Plus, they’re lightweight, which reduces strain on your knees and ankles compared to traditional skis.

Customer reviews back this up. Mike E. shared:

"I was nervous about the boots not being stiff enough for skis but it was not an issue at all. SUPER comfortable, easy to control, very agile, easy on the knees and ankles because they are so light, great for beginners."

Jeroen tB also praised their ease of use:

"The 99's are very agile on the slopes and easy to handle waiting in the queue for the ski lifts."

And if you’re worried about a steep learning curve, don’t be - it takes just about 5 minutes to get the hang of them, according to user feedback.

Terrain Versatility

These skiblades shine in a variety of settings. They’re perfect for groomed slopes, snow parks, and moguls. Their shorter length makes navigating tight spaces, like narrow hiking trails, a breeze. While they might not match the speed of traditional long skis on steep runs, they excel at precision carving, tricks, and playful riding. Bumpy terrain and afternoon moguls? No problem - they handle it all with ease.

Portability

Another big win for the Snowfeet* Skiblades is how easy they are to carry around. At just 99 cm, they’re compact enough to fit in a backpack when paired with a waterproof bag. Their lightweight design makes them simple to transport, whether you’re traveling or just heading out for a quick day on the mountain. Say goodbye to the hassle of lugging around bulky gear - these skiblades are all about convenience.

6. Snowfeet* Short Skis (120 cm)

The Snowfeet* Short Skis, measuring 120 cm (47 inches), offer the longest option in the short ski lineup. They’re designed for hockey players looking to maintain a familiar feel while exploring the slopes, without the challenge of handling full-length skis. These skis take advantage of your skating skills, making the transition to skiing smooth and intuitive. With a price tag of $775, they feature a durable wood core, professional bindings, and a stellar 5.0 rating, delivering a mix of stability and sharp edge control for confident carving.

Control and Maneuverability

Thanks to their lighter swing weight and soft flex, these skis mimic the edge control hockey players know well. You’ll find it easy to apply skate-like pushes and initiate turns naturally. The tails release effortlessly, making carving feel second nature from the get-go. This responsiveness ensures a smooth ride across different terrains, giving you confidence in every turn.

Terrain Versatility

The 120 cm Snowfeet* skis shine across a variety of terrains. They handle groomed runs, mild moguls, and up to 6–12 inches of light powder with ease, making them perfect for green and blue slopes. They hold edges well at slower speeds while offering more agility than traditional beginner skis. This makes navigating bumpy trails or tight hiking paths far less daunting. However, their shorter length does have limits, especially on steep black diamond runs. Still, their adaptability makes them a great choice for hockey players looking to expand their skills on the slopes.

Price and Value

While beginner skis typically cost between $450 and $650, the $775 price of the 120 cm Snowfeet* model reflects its ability to leverage your skating expertise. This design helps you learn faster and with greater stability, cutting down on the time and effort often required with traditional skis. For hockey players eager to hit the slopes with confidence, these skis are a solid investment.

Pros and Cons

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each Snowfeet* model to help you choose the one that fits your needs. Whether you're a hockey player looking to transition to skiing or just want something compact and fun, each option has its perks. Shorter models mimic skating techniques, while longer ones give you access to more challenging terrain.

The shortest options - Mini Ski Skates (38 cm) and Skiskates (44 cm) - are fantastic for portability. You can toss them in a backpack, and they’re easy to control for anyone used to skating. They shine on groomed runs and gentle slopes, but they’re not ideal for steeper terrain or deeper snow. If you're looking to push your limits, you might outgrow these quickly.

Moving up, the PRO (50 cm) and Skiblades (65 cm) offer a middle ground. They’re more stable than the minis but still agile and responsive, which hockey players will appreciate. The 65 cm model even handles blue runs and light moguls with ease, making it a great choice for progression. The downside? They’re less portable and come with a higher price tag, ranging from $275 to $635.

For those venturing into varied terrain, the 99 cm Skiblades and 120 cm Short Skis bring more versatility. The 99 cm model offers a nice balance of stability and quick turns, while the 120 cm version is great for light powder and steeper slopes. However, these models require ski boots and lean more toward traditional skiing techniques, which might take some getting used to. They’re also the most expensive, priced at $690 and $775 respectively.

Here’s a quick comparison to make things easier:

Product	Portability	Control for Skaters	Best Terrain	Price
Mini Ski Skates (38 cm)	Excellent (backpack-ready)	Excellent	Groomed slopes, parks	$199
PRO (50 cm)	Excellent	Excellent	Groomed slopes	$275
Skiskates (44 cm)	Excellent	Excellent	Groomed slopes	$575
Skiblades (65 cm)	Good	Moderate-High	All-mountain, parks	$550
Skiblades (99 cm)	Fair	Moderate (more stable)	All-mountain, blue runs	$690
Short Skis (120 cm)	Low	Low (skiing feel)	All-mountain, light powder	$775

In short, shorter skis focus on portability and a skating-like experience, while longer skis deliver better performance on varied terrain at a higher cost. If you’re starting out, models between 44 cm and 65 cm offer a good mix of control and room to grow. This guide should help you weigh the trade-offs and pick the best model for your skiing journey.

Conclusion

Hockey players looking to hit the slopes can do it faster and easier with Snowfeet* products. Unlike traditional skis, which can take time to master, Snowfeet* taps into your skating instincts, making the transition to snow feel natural and fun.

For those completely new to skiing, the 44 cm Skiskates are a perfect starting point. Hockey players can pick them up in minutes, thanks to their design that mirrors skating movements. These are great for carving snow with the same ease as skating on ice, making them an excellent fit for beginners.

If you're just dipping your toes into skiing, smaller options like the 38 cm Mini Ski Skates or the 50 cm PRO are worth considering. These compact choices are super portable and let you use your skating stride on groomed slopes - perfect for a casual day out without committing to bulky ski gear.

For hockey players ready to take on more varied terrain, the 65 cm Skiblades offer a great middle ground. They combine the feel of skating with the ability to handle blue runs and light moguls. Want to push further? The 99 cm Skiblades are ideal for tackling steeper slopes or lighter powder, providing extra stability without the bulk of traditional skis.

If you're an experienced player looking to fully embrace skiing techniques, the 120 cm Short Skis are a solid next step. These require ski boots and lean toward a more traditional skiing style while still easing the learning curve compared to full-length skis. At $775, they're a bigger investment, but they're perfect for those serious about expanding their skills beyond skating.

Snowfeet* offers a range of options that combine portability, intuitive control, and an easy transition from ice to snow, making them a fantastic choice for hockey players at any level.

FAQs

Do I need ski lessons if I already play hockey?

If you're a hockey player, you might find ski lessons less essential. Your skating skills naturally carry over to using Snowfeet Skiskates and Skiblades, which are built for control and closely resemble skating movements. That said, a few basic lessons could still be useful. They can help you pick up skiing-specific techniques and important safety tips, especially if you're aiming to progress beyond the beginner stage. While Snowfeet products make the switch from skating to skiing pretty seamless, a little instruction can definitely add to the fun and confidence on the slopes.

Which Snowfeet* length is best for my first day?

The 65 cm Skiblades are a fantastic pick for your first day on the slopes. They’re super easy to carry, simple to use, and provide great control, which makes them ideal for beginners looking to gain confidence on the snow. Plus, their shorter length is a great fit for hockey players easing into skiing techniques.

What boots and bindings do Snowfeet* models use?

Snowfeet* models come equipped with non-release ski bindings that work seamlessly with regular ski boots. They’re designed to accommodate different sole types, such as ISO 5355 alpine soles and GripWalk soles. This flexibility means you can use Snowfeet* gear with your existing boots, making it especially convenient for beginners and even hockey players. Unlike traditional ski or snowboard setups that often demand specific boot-binding combos, Snowfeet* keeps things simple and accessible.