Best Choice
Aeroski 2.0 Ski Fitness Machine
Best Value
SPRI Slide Board for Balance Training
Editors Choice
Fitterfirst Pro Fitter 3D Cross Trainer and Downhill Ski Trainer
The Best Home Training Equipment for Skiing and Snowboarding
Summary
Hitting the slopes this ski-season and want to make sure you’re ready? Whether you’re a casual skier or seasoned athlete, there are some great home trainer machines that you can use to make sure you’re in tiptop shape once you make it to the slopes.
There aren’t too many ski-specific machines available to the public, but even common workout machines can be of great use by working the proper muscle groups that you use for skiing and snowboarding. So having a good idea of exercises and muscle groups for skiing will be beneficial as you look for the proper equipment.
Below, we’ll take a look at a handful of the best home equipment for ski training, so you can be fit for fun times on the slopes.
Best Overall Ski Trainer and Machine
Aeroski 2.0 Ski Fitness Machine
5/5
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Wow, where to start?
Before we get into describing the actual workout benefits of this machine, just know that this machine comes with a Virtual Reality headset, the Aeroski Fitness App, and even a Meal Plan that has recipes to help you reach your goals!
Without knowing anything else, that should illustrate how up to date and cutting edge this ski trainer is.
As you can tell just from the pictures, this is one of the few machines where you are actually performing a skiing movement on the machine, so you know it is working the proper muscles.
The Aeroski 2.0 uses your body weight as resistance, rather than putting stress on your lower joints. You simply adjust the elastic resistance bands to the appropriate body weight so it can work for people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels.
This ski machine works out all your key muscle groups, has a 1-year warranty, and makes you feel like you are actually out on the slopes – making your workout more fun than you’ve probably ever had.
Why This Ski Training Equipment Stands Out
- Virtual reality headset to create an engaging experience – how cool is that?!
- Phone app to control VR and track your stats
- Intense, ski emulating workout – one of the few machines that is specific to skiing movement
- Easy assembly (approx 10 mins)
- Support bar (ski poles) for extra stability if you need it
- Can fit easily under your bed
Other Product Specifications
- Dimensions with Ski Poles: L 43.3 x W 23.6 x H 44.29 in
- Dimensions with Handrails: L 43.3 x W 23.6 x H 59.05 in
- Weight: 50 lbs
- Max. Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
Best Value
SPRI Slide Board for Low Impact Balance Training
5/5
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This simple and effective ski training tool makes for a great at home skiing trainer. Slide boards are used by hockey players, skaters, and skiers to help with high intensity, low impact exercises. They’re also designed to aid with stability and balance training.
This PVC slider has bumpers on either side of the mat for safety and comes with over-the-shoe booties to help with smooth sliding.
In addition to the booties, this slide board set includes a carry bag with a shoulder strap and an exercise manual that details some recommended exercises
This one requires a bit of maintenance though, and we recommend you wipe it clean after every use to help keep the slider smooth for the best training experience. It is also meant to be used on a hard, flat surface rather than a carpet – so make sure you have a suitable space to take advantage of this ski training device.
Why This Ski Training Equipment Stands Out
- Portable and lightweight, perfect for travel
- No assembly required
- No maximum weight restriction
Other Product Specifications
- Dimensions (unrolled): 71” x 20”
- Dimensions (rolled): 32” x 11”
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Max. Weight Capacity: N/A
Editors Choice
Fitterfirst Pro Fitter 3D Cross Trainer and Downhill Ski Trainer
5/5
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The Fitterfirst Ski Trainer is like a combination of the ski specific Aeroski and more balance-oriented workout equipment.
The unit features independently flexing and rotating footpads and also an attachable ankle board to increase the variety of exercises you can perform.
The exercises included help develop upper, mid, and lower body strength while improving your cardio endurance and balance.
In other words, you can use this is a very ski specific machine, or simply as a total home gym system.
There are six levels of difficulty that can be easily switched between and makes it suitable for all ages and abilities, man or woman.
Why This Ski Training Equipment Stands Out
- Attachable ankle board open door for more creative exercises and useful for core stability
- Can be used as a ski machine, or a total home gym
- Incorporates strength, balance, rhythm, and weight transfer all in one
- Light enough to easily move around the house
Other Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 52″ x 12.75″ x 11″
- Weight: 25 lbs
Best Balance Trainer
URBNFit Wooden Balance Board Trainer
5/5
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The URBNfit balance board trainer is a fun little tool you can use to improve your balance, body control, and build strength in your legs, abs and core muscles.
The balance board aspect makes this a perfect tool for snowboard training, but the same balance and core workouts are necessary muscle groups to train for skiing as well.
Plus, this item comes with a mobile friendly workout routine guide so you’ll know exactly what kind of workouts to be doing for which muscle groups.
The board is made of a strong wood blend with a non-slip grip surface so you feel sturdy and confident on the board. The associated easy glide surface roller make weight transfer and balancing the name of the game, and can sometimes feel like a sport in itself in addition to being a great balance workout.
Why This Ski Training Equipment Stands Out
- Awesome balance training
- Can flip the board over to do a variety of core and body workouts
- Very light and portable
- Comes with mobile friendly workout exercise guide
Other Product Specifications
- Board Dimensions: 29″ x 11″
- Weight: 8 lbs
Best Portal Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper with Resistance Bands
5/5
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This one is ideal if you’re looking for a machine that’s portable and lightweight. The mini stepper from Sunny Health & Fitness gives you the option of performing multiple ski-oriented exercises.
No assembly is required for this stepper machine, all you need to do is attach the two resistance bands that come with it. These allow you to work on the upper body and core in addition to the lower body.
It also comes equipped with an LCD monitor that displays your workout stats, including a step counter and calories burned.
This small but mighty machine is made of industrial strength steel making it sturdy and durable, so don’t let the small size fool you.
You can adjust the height and resistance of the step for endurance training, or a more HIIT-style exercise. The footpads are wide and have an anti-slip feature.
This machine employs a hydraulic system for the stepper, which makes it both quiet and smooth to use.
Be careful when you’re using this machine as you have to have proper balance since there isn’t any part that supports your upper body.
Why This Ski Training Equipment Stands Out
- Adjustable resistance and height
- LCD monitor for displaying workout stats
- Portable and lightweight
- Minimal assembly required
Other Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 16” x 12.5” x 13.5”
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Max. Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer
5/5
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This Elliptical cross trainer from Sunny Health & Fitness is simply phenomenal. It’s a versatile piece of home training equipment suitable for ski training. It requires a bit of assembling out of the box, which should take you about an hour on average.
It has eight resistance levels that are adjustable according to your fitness level and how intense you want your workout to be. It uses magnetic resistance, which is ideal for home use since it’s relatively less noisy than the other types of resistance.
Another advantage of magnetic resistance is that you can control the pace at which you exercise when the machine is set at a higher resistance.
Both the handlebars and foot pads are anti-slip, allowing you to exercise more stably and safely. You also have an extra set of static handlebars that you can use if you only want to exercise the lower part of your body.
Another great feature of this trainer is the stabilizer which you can use to effortlessly level the Elliptical.
Would you like to know how many calories you burn in your workout? This one comes equipped with a digital monitor that measures your vitals, workout duration, and calories burnt.
One noticeable advantage of this machine is its affordable price. But, that doesn’t mean you’ll need to compromise on quality, quite the opposite. This cross trainer is excellently built, with a steel tubing frame.
All those features come in a relatively compact package; this machine is quite small for its capabilities compared to other similar alternatives.
However, this may be a disadvantage as it’s compact size means it has a tight stride of only 13”, which may make it unsuitable if you’re taller and require a wider stride.
Why This Ski Training Equipment Stands Out
- Compact compared to other Elliptical machine alternatives
- Both dynamic and static handlebar options
- Uses magnetic resistance, so it doesn’t emit much noise
- Has a digital monitor that displays vitals and workout details
- Reasonably priced
Other Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 28” x 17” x 57”
- Dimensions (assembled): 15” x 18” x 36”
- Weight: 69 lbs
- Max. Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
MaxiClimber(r) Original Vertical Climber
5/5
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The MaxiClimb(r) uses the same technique as wall climbing. It’s suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes. The machine comes 90% pre-assembled, so setting it up is a breeze.
Even though the MaxiClimb(r) doesn’t have a performance monitor, it does have a technological edge: a free app! The MaxiClimber Fitness app is compatible with both iOS and Android systems.
You can use the app to track your fitness level and progress. Additionally, you can use the app to join fitness challenges or signup with a personal coach.
This machine allows you to perform a full-body workout using your bodyweight. Its low impact makes it easy on your joints. This type of workout is great for skiers as it helps build muscle strength and improve cardiovascular performance, which is needed when skiing.
The handlebars are height adjustable for your comfort. You can choose to either work your arms or set the handlebars to static and just exercise the core and lower body.
Despite having a weight capacity of 240 lbs, it doesn’t perform well if you’re on the heavy side, as the climber rollers are plastic and have been reported to sometimes break.
Why This Ski Training Equipment Stands Out
- Comes with a free smartphone fitness app
- Foldable and compact, easy to store
- Comes 90% assembled
- Uses body weight for resistance
Other Product Specifications
- Dimensions (unfolded): 28.3” x 35.82”
- Weight: 69 lbs
- Max. Weight Capacity: 240 lbs
- Max. Height Capacity: 6.2 ft.
Things to Consider in Home Ski Trainer Machines and Equipment
Intro discussion
Durability
Ski training is strenuous training, and if you’re serious about your goals, then you’ll need to train frequently and regularly. This entails that you choose a ski training machine that can handle that.
Making sure that the home trainer machine for skiing you choose is made of quality material is one of the ways you can ensure it lasts for a long time.
Size and Portability
When it comes to home training equipment, size is one of the biggest determining factors. You need to know that the machine you’re getting will fit in the available space in your home.
Additionally, you need to consider if you’ll need to store or regularly transport it. For example, if you regularly visit friends or family during the weekend and want to keep up your workout regimen then a machine that you can easily travel with is a definite plus.
Exercise Variety
Does the machine allow you to work all the muscle groups you need to? Some machines offer you a relatively static upper body mode with a more dynamic lower body and vice versa.
If you’re looking for a total body ski workout then you need a machine that gives you the option of exercising your whole body.
Machine Assembly
Your exercise machine should come with clear instructions and should be easy to assemble and use. Overly complicated or unclear instructions can cause confusion when assembling the exercise machine which can make it dangerous to use.
Additionally, machines that are complicated to assemble will likely take up longer of your time to put together.
Technological Compatibility
Apart from helping improve your ski posture, strength, and technique, using a home trainer can offer you one more advantage compared to actual skiing. You can measure your vitals and activity levels.
Most of those types of equipment come with a monitor that can measure your speed, heart rate, distance traveled and calories burned.
Additionally, some have gone a step forward by being linkable to your fitness tracker or smartphone, which makes tracking your progress much easier.
Adjustability & Comfort
Most people tend to associate exercise with discomfort, or the need. But, that’s the opposite of what an effective and safe exercise session should be. Yes, you need to push yourself, but you should do that while ensuring your safety.
The ability to adjust the position and heights of different parts including, for example, the seat and handlebars can be an advantage. It’s super important to have these adjusted to your own specific measurements to help avoid any injury.
Additionally, if you’ll be sharing this exercise machine with other members of your household the adjustability factor will help personalize it for each of the users.
Proper seat and handlebar padding are also important factors to consider since you want to avoid any unnecessary chafing, calluses, and blisters.
Versatility
When you train, you get better, and when you get better you want to up the challenge. That’s why versatility is one of the important aspects to consider before buying your ski training machine.
You should ask yourself if it’s suitable for your current fitness level. Additionally, you should and if it’ll still be a good option once you are more advanced and looking to give yourself more of a challenge.
Safety Tips for Using Your at Home Trainer Machines for Skiing
There are a few things you can do to get the most benefit from your home trainer machine while keeping safe.
Proper Assembly
We can’t stress enough the importance of having your equipment correctly assembled. This will help avoid any injury while using the machine.
If for any reason you are unsure of how to assemble your home trainer machine for skiing, consult the brand’s website or contact their customer support for help. But, for your safety never attempt to use a machine that’s not properly assembled.
Proper Location
Make sure you place your machine in a spot where you have enough space around you to perform your training.
If the space is too tight you run the risk of either bumping yourself or your machine. This may cause you injury or damage your ski training machine.
A good rule of thumb is to keep about 20 inches of free space all-around your ski training machine, with extra headroom of about four inches.
Proper Cleaning and Maintenance
Workout machines are one of those things that are likely to have bacteria grow on them. Regularly cleaning your home trainer equipment will help you avoid that, especially if you share it with others.
Moreover, regular maintenance of your equipment is best to make sure it’s performing properly and safely.
Final Thoughts
Just because it’s not ski season, or you’re stuck at home and can’t make it to the slopes this year, doesn’t mean you need to forgo the incredible health benefits of skiing.
You can do all that from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a great home trainer machine for skiing and some basic knowledge about which exercises you should do to target the right muscle groups.
For machines that specifically mimic ski movements, our favorite (and best overall) is the Aeroski 2.0 Ski Fitness Machine. If you are really serious about your skiing or your ski fitness, this is the way to go.
For a cheaper workout that does a great job working your balance and core muscles that are really important for skiing, take a look at the URBNFit balance board.
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