Top 6 Best Ski Machines

The best way to improve your skiing abilities is to get out on the snow and spend as much time as possible on the slopes. If you can’t do that, there are many ways to train in the off-season, and one of the most effective is an at-home trainer or skiing machine.

I’m an avid skier and the founder of this blog. I always try to keep in as good of shape as possible for skiing, and I’ve used ski machines to help achieve this when I can’t be out in the snow. I know what to look for in the best models currently available. 

The Concept 2 SkiErg is my pick for the best ski machine of the year. This is a solid piece of equipment that will help you stay in excellent shape, whether you are a skier or not. It also has a wall-mounted design that can work well at hope.

There are a few other good ski machines out there, and I’ll show you all of the best options in this post. All of them will help you stay ready for ski season or can be used as part of any exercise or wellness plan. 

Let’s turn it on and get going. 

Who Should Get This

Even if you ski more than the average person, there are very few ways to ski all year round. That’s where a home trainer or ski machine comes in handy. 

The devices you will find in this list give you the ability to stay in skiing shape so you can be ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. If you want to go into a season as close to ski shape as possible, they are a recommended purchase.

While these machines are a great way to stay in shape for skiing, they are also a great way to exercise in general. You don’t need to be a skier to use them, which is why they’re perfect for anyone looking for a new home exercise device. 

If you’re lucky enough to ski all year-round or don’t like to exercise at home, you likely won’t need one.

Best Ski Machines: Top Picks

Here are all of my top picks for the best ski machines of the year. The equipment shown below may be slightly different from one another, but they will all help you get in great ski shape. 

1. Concept 2 SkiErg

• Best for: Overall 
• Key features: Great exercise, wall-mounted, durable construction, digital display 
• Style: Pull machine 
• Size: Wall mounted, large
• Cost: $$$$$

The Concept 2 SkiErg is my pick for the best ski machine of the year. This will help you get in better shape, no matter your end goal. 

Thanks to its laundry list of incredible features, this high-quality machine has made its way into many different gyms across the country. 

The SkiErg machine can benefit alpine and nordic style skiers alike, and its wall-mounted design makes it perfect for just about any at-home space. It comes with a PM5 performance monitor that allows you to keep track of calories and pace. 

It’s really expensive, but if you want a great machine, it’ll cost you. 

==> You can also get it on Bulldog Gear.

2. Nordic Track Classic Pro Skier 

• Best for: Nordic Style 
• Key features: Adjustable elevation, solid design, roller wheels, easy to use 
• Style: Nordic 
• Size: Floor, large 
• Cost: $$$$

The Nordic Track Classic Pro Skier is another solid ski machine and one of the best if you want to replicate Nordic skiing. 

This machine has been around for a long time and is still a favorite because it gives you authentic ski movements and plenty of resistance to build strength and stamina. 

It also has adjustable settings to match your size and features rollers wheels to help you store it when not in use. 

You’ll need a good amount of floor space to set this machine up. 

3. Fitterfirst Pro Fitter 3D Cross Trainer and Downhill Ski Trainer

• Best for: Downhill 
• Key features: Small profile, effective downhill training, durable design, adjustable difficulty settings 
• Style: Slide 
• Size: Small 
• Cost: $$$$

This nifty little machine by Fitterfirst is an excellent option for skiers who want to develop lower body and core strength from the comfort of their own home. 

It’s a good way to stay in shape and utilizes a side-to-side rolling design to help replicate the motion and balance required when you’re downhill skiing. 

It’s also pretty small, making it easy to use in any space you have at home.

This one can take some time to get used to, as it isn’t as intuitive as other machine designs. 

==> You can also get it on Health Products For You.

4. Aeroski Power Pro Home Fitness 

• Best for: Budget Option 
• Key features: Low impact, innovative tech, durable design, safe to use, includes free fitness app
• Style: Full body slider 
• Size: Medium 
• Cost: $$$

The Aeroski Power Pro Home Fitness is a more affordable ski machine that still gives you a good total body workout. 

This is another slider-style machine that will help you develop your lower leg muscles and core to replicate the demands of downhill skiing. 

It also comes with a free fitness app to give you a bunch of different workouts and advice you can use during training. 

Even though it’s affordable for a budget option, it’s still somewhat expensive. 

==> You can also get it on Walmart or Bonanza.

5. Maxi Climber Original

• Best for: Fitness 
• Key features: Great workout, durable design, somewhat portable, includes app
• Style: Stand Up Climber 
• Size: Medium 
• Cost: $$$ 

The MaxiClimber is a great piece of home exercise equipment for just about anyone. I use it as part of my offseason ski training every year. 

This easy-to-use machine provides a total body workout while pushing your cardio training to a level that will allow you to stay out on the slopes longer.

It doesn’t seem like a skier’s machine, but trust me, it’s highly effective and will directly lead to improved skiing stamina and endurance.

==> You can also get it on Walmart or High Street TV.

6. SPRI Slide Board

• Best for: Travel 
• Key features: Affordable, portable, fun, effective 
• Style: Slider 
• Size: Small 
• Cost: $

If you are looking for a ski training apparatus that you can take with you when you travel, check out the SPRI Slide Board. 

This isn’t as much of a machine as the other options listed here, but I still think it works great to help you stay in ski shape on the go. 

It’s also very affordable and a lot of fun to use. You can really get a good workout in too. 

If you have never used a slide board before, it can take some time to get used to. Be careful!

==> You can also get it on GetACTV or Walmart or Sears.

How to Choose a Ski Machine

This section will give you some important things to keep in mind to help you choose a good ski machine. 

Durability

You want to consider the durability of a ski machine when looking for an option that best meets your needs. This is an essential concern because a cheaply made machine will not last long under the rigors of constant use. 

If you want to stay in ski shape, you’ll need to use it often. Look for an option from a reputable brand that builds high-quality machines and check the reviews for any durability issues.

Size

When exercising at home, it’s always important to consider the amount of available space. 

If you have limited room, a ski machine that can fold up or be easily moved around is highly recommended because it’s easy to store when not in use. If you have a larger room, you can get a machine that’s a bit larger. 

Exercise Type

The different ski machines in this guide all function somewhat differently. Always get something that matches how you like to train and actively builds towards your goals. 

The SkiErg machine will help with endurance and your pole pushing strength, the Fitterfirst Pro will allow you to build lower body and core strength, and the MaxiClimber will do a little bit of everything.

The other machines aren’t as directly ski-specific but still help you develop muscles and endurance that will pay off on the slopes. 

Useful Tips & Resources

There’s no one secret to staying in great shape. If you want to keep in shape for skiing, you’ll want to mix up your routine and include both cardiovascular and strength training. 

The machines you’ll find here can provide both, but I’d also encourage you to use other exercises and programs for a more wide-arching approach to ski training. Check out the sample workout in the video below for days when you don’t want to use a machine.

Final Verdict

The Concept 2 SkiErg is my pick for the best ski machine of the year. This is a classic design that will keep you ready to rock when the snow starts to fall. It makes a great workout for anyone, not just skiers. 

All of the machines you see in this post will give you the ability to stay in shape for skiing. Whether you want to lose weight or just get stronger, these will get the job done.