THE SPORT RODEL
CHANGES EVERYTHING.
A sport rodel sits on two P-Tex ski runners with metal edges, is flexible, highly maneuverable, and easily controlled by anybody in a manner similar to riding a horse. The flexibility of the sport rodel is just one of the many things that separate it from the traditional leisure rodels you see in Europe. Like all things worth doing, there is a learning curve, though not nearly as steep as that of skiing or snowboarding. You do start by sitting down after all! Sport rodeling is essentially sitting on your skis and descending the mountain using your entire body to steer. Widespread throughout Europe, leisure rodelers at times account for up to 40% of resort guests - particularly in Switzerland and Austria. Resorts see up to 1,500 rental rodelers a day during the busy season.
Sport rodel control
Controlling the sport rodel is perfectly intuitive; tugging either side of the reins lifts that ski, torques the frame slightly, and engages a turn in that direction - more precisely than skis or snowboards.
It’s that simple. Honest.
More advanced sport rodel technique does employ all four limbs and the body to perform different tasks simultaneously. We won’t bore you with the details here, but it feels like having six limbs to control two skis - locked in the snow plow position - with your entire body. A quality sport rodel can, in fact, be controlled with the feet alone.
We are often asked whether the sport rodel has brakes, and the answer is - yes, several!
Unlike other sliding devices, sport rodelers have multiple methods for dumping speed and can do so in a straight line, whilst steering. While stopping can be achieved simply by putting the feet down, or more aggressively by lifting the sport rodel to dig the tails, more experienced users simply hockey stop in a shorter distance and tighter space than a skier would at the same speed. Hand brakes can be added to your rental rodels for an additional cost. Many sport rodelers also use rubber outsoles with metal cleats as a traction assist when braking.