Best SkiErg Machines 2026
The ultimate guide to ski trainers for HYROX Station 1 and upper-body cardio
Our Top Picks
TL;DR: Our Verdict
The Concept2 SkiErg is the only choice for serious HYROX athletes—it's the exact machine used at Station 1 in competition. At $1,000 (or $1,200 with floor stand), it's built to last decades with minimal maintenance. The Xebex Air Ski is a solid budget alternative for general fitness, but won't give you race-specific training.
For complete HYROX prep, pair with a Concept2 RowErg for Station 4.
HYROX Station 1: 1,000m Ski
Every HYROX race starts with a 1km SkiErg. The Concept2 SkiErg is the official race equipment—there are no alternatives. Training on the same machine you'll race on is critical for pacing and technique.
Target time: Pro <3:30 | Open <4:30 | Beginner <5:30
Concept2 SkiErg with PM5
The Concept2 SkiErg is the gold standard for cross-country ski training. It's the official HYROX Station 1 machine and the most accurate, durable ski trainer available. Air resistance provides infinite scaling—the harder you pull, the more resistance you get.
- ✓ PM5 monitor with Bluetooth/ANT+ connectivity
- ✓ Air resistance for realistic feel
- ✓ Wall-mount or floor stand options
- ✓ 500 million meter guarantee
- ✓ ErgData app for workout tracking
Concept2 SkiErg with Floor Stand
The complete package: SkiErg with PM5 monitor plus the official floor stand. This is how it's set up at HYROX races. If you can't wall-mount or want the authentic competition experience, this is your best option.
- ✓ Everything in standard SkiErg
- ✓ Official Concept2 floor stand included
- ✓ No wall mounting required
- ✓ Same setup as HYROX competitions
- ✓ Portable—can move around gym
Xebex Air Ski Trainer
A solid budget alternative at $100 less than Concept2. Good build quality and smooth air resistance. However, not used in HYROX competition—if you're racing HYROX, spend the extra $100 for Concept2.
- ✓ Air resistance similar to Concept2
- ✓ LCD console with metrics
- ✓ Floor stand included
- ✗ Not HYROX competition equipment
- ✗ Smaller community/less support
SkiErg Comparison
| Machine | Price | Resistance | HYROX? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept2 SkiErg | $1,000 | Air | ✅ Official | HYROX, CrossFit, serious training |
| Concept2 + Floor Stand | $1,200 | Air | ✅ Official | Can't wall-mount, race setup |
| Xebex Air Ski | $899 | Air | ❌ No | Budget home gym, general fitness |
Wall Mount vs Floor Stand: Which Setup?
🔩 Wall Mount ($1,000)
Best for: Dedicated gym space, most stable setup
- ✓ Saves floor space
- ✓ Most secure/stable
- ✓ Cheapest option
- ✗ Requires drilling into wall
- ✗ Permanent location
🏗️ Floor Stand ($1,200)
Best for: Renters, moveable setup, HYROX race simulation
- ✓ No wall mounting needed
- ✓ Can move around gym
- ✓ Same setup as HYROX races
- ✗ Takes more floor space
- ✗ Extra $200 cost
SkiErg Workouts for HYROX
Race Simulation (Station 1)
1,000m for time. Target: under 4:00 for competitive times. Rest 2-3 min, repeat 3-4x.
Interval Training
10 x 250m with 1:00 rest. Focus on maintaining consistent split times.
Endurance Builder
5,000m at steady pace. Great for building aerobic base and technique.
HYROX Simulation
1km run → 1km ski → repeat 8x. Practice transitions and pacing.
Complete Your HYROX Home Gym
Frequently Asked Questions
What SkiErg is used in HYROX?
HYROX uses the Concept2 SkiErg exclusively for Station 1 (1,000m ski). If you're training for HYROX, the Concept2 is the only machine that will give you race-identical training.
Is a SkiErg worth it for home gym?
Yes, the SkiErg is worth it if you train for HYROX, want upper body cardio, or need a full-body workout machine with low impact. At $1,000 for the Concept2, it's built to last 20+ years with minimal maintenance.
Do I need a floor stand for SkiErg?
You can wall-mount the SkiErg or use a floor stand. Wall mounting saves floor space and is most stable. The floor stand ($200) is better if you can't drill into walls or want to move the machine. HYROX competitions use floor stands.
SkiErg vs rowing machine: which is better?
The SkiErg targets upper body and core more, while the rower is more leg-dominant. For HYROX, you need both—Station 1 is ski, Station 4 is row. For general fitness, the rower offers more total-body engagement. Many athletes get both.
How much space do I need for a SkiErg?
Wall-mounted SkiErg needs about 5 feet of floor space and 8 feet of ceiling height. With floor stand, plan for 4ft x 5ft footprint. The floor stand model takes up more room but can be moved.
Affiliate Disclosure: RunBikeCalc earns commissions from qualifying Amazon purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations—we only recommend products we'd use ourselves. Prices and availability subject to change.
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