Jul 18, 2025 – The 2025/26 FIS Roller Ski World Cup season started in Madona (LAT) on July 17. Originally a recreational activity established in Italy in the 1930s, Roller Skiing became a summer training tool for Cross-Country skiers in the second half of the century.

The first competitions were held in the 1980s with FIS recognizing Roller Skiing as a distinct discipline from Cross-Country in 1992. World Cup events soon followed, and this year is the 25th anniversary of the first World Championships held in Rotterdam.

Roller skis have a short, rigid frame - usually made of aluminum or carbon fiber—and are equipped with two small rubber or polyurethane wheels. Due to their use on roads and other hard surfaces, rollers skiers often wear helmets and gloves to help prevent injury from falls.