rollerblading is really cool, take it from someone who knows! I live in maryland and all there is to do in the summers is skate. I dont know if it is like skiing to much but I don't get to ski that much during teh year and blading (like riding backwards and doing spins and rails) helps my balance and style on skis. I bet a lot of pro skiers rollerblade, its such good training how could they pass it up?