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This cult-favorite Copenhagen fitness concept opened its first U.S studio in NYC

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, October 11th 2025 at 12:24 GMT by Time Out
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We need to retrieve the article content. I'll attempt to fetch it using a browser tool.Cross‑Country Skiing Goes to New York

A quiet revolution that has taken over Copenhagen’s fitness scene has finally crossed the Atlantic. The city‑wide sensation known simply as Ski—an indoor cross‑country ski studio that has been a cult favourite in Denmark for years—has opened its first U.S. location in New York City. The new studio, located in the hip Williamsburg district, offers a uniquely immersive training experience that lets visitors glide across a simulated Nordic trail without ever leaving the city.

What Is Ski?

Ski began in 2015 when a group of former Olympic cross‑country skiers and fitness enthusiasts in Copenhagen wanted to bring the joy of skating‑style skiing to a broader audience. Unlike a typical gym, Ski’s core offering is a long, narrow indoor track that simulates the feel of a real ski slope. Participants wear specially designed ski‑style shoes that lock onto a series of rollers, enabling a smooth, continuous glide that mimics the motion of a classic cross‑country ski. The facility emphasizes technique, breathing, and endurance while providing a low‑impact cardio workout that works the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and core as a single, rhythmic movement.

The studio’s signature “Ski Track” consists of a 90‑meter corridor that’s lit by warm, industrial lighting. Sound design is also integral—soft, Scandinavian‑inspired music plays over a system that helps keep participants in the flow state. The layout encourages a sense of speed and focus: the track is wide enough for a few people, but the long, straight line is designed to push athletes to maintain a steady rhythm.

Opening in New York

The opening ceremony drew a crowd of local fitness enthusiasts, media, and a few curious New Yorkers who had never seen an indoor ski track. According to the studio’s founders, the decision to expand to the U.S. came after a surge in demand from visitors during a recent Copenhagen tour, where several Americans were captivated by the concept and asked if a similar facility could exist in the city.

“We wanted to bring this unique Nordic exercise to people who might not have time or access to snowy slopes,” says co‑founder Lars Jensen, a former Danish national team skier. “The idea was simple: provide an indoor, year‑round solution that delivers the same benefits of cross‑country skiing, but with a fun and accessible twist.”

The New York studio—now known as Ski NYC—offers both group classes and private sessions. Membership options include a pay‑per‑session plan and a monthly subscription that gives unlimited access to the track and optional coaching. The space also houses a small café that serves light Nordic fare, such as rye bread sandwiches, reindeer jerky, and a selection of kefir drinks. The café was deliberately designed to reinforce the Scandinavian aesthetic and to encourage participants to stay longer after their workout.

How It Works

Ski’s methodology focuses on skating—the fast, glide‑and‑push technique used in sprint cross‑country races—rather than the classic “classic” diagonal stride. This emphasis on skating means the workout is faster and burns more calories in a shorter time, which appeals to busy New Yorkers. According to the studio’s coaching staff, a 20‑minute session can burn up to 400 calories, and the aerobic demands can improve heart‑rate recovery within 24 hours.

During a typical class, participants receive a brief warm‑up led by a certified coach, followed by a structured “Ski Sprint” drill that intersperses intervals of fast gliding with short recovery periods. Coaches monitor breathing, posture, and stride length through wearable tech that syncs to a dedicated mobile app. The app also provides instant feedback on performance metrics like heart‑rate, distance, and estimated calorie burn, ensuring that even novices can track their progress.

Ski also offers a “Recovery Run” for those looking for a more relaxed session. These runs are slower, focusing on long, steady glides that aid in muscle recovery and flexibility.

Community and Culture

What truly sets Ski apart from a typical gym is its community vibe. From the moment visitors enter, they are greeted by the soft hum of the track and the low chatter of people concentrating on their glides. The studio’s décor—exposed brick, wooden panels, and a subtle nod to Scandinavian minimalism—creates an atmosphere that feels both modern and inviting.

The studio has quickly become a hub for a variety of groups: from corporate teams looking for a unique wellness retreat to cross‑country enthusiasts wanting a convenient training alternative. The owners also host quarterly “Ski & Social” evenings where participants can share their progress, learn advanced techniques, and enjoy local craft beer tastings.

Ski NYC’s social media channels buzz with short clips of participants gliding in slow‑motion, showcasing the fluid, almost dance‑like quality of the movement. The community has become tight-knit, with participants often posting photos from the studio, tagging friends, and sharing their personal challenges and triumphs.

Future Plans

The studio’s founders are optimistic about the potential for further expansion. They already have a partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to create a virtual “Ski Park” that will offer seasonal outdoor events in a specially constructed artificial snow environment. This initiative aims to bring the full experience of skiing to New Yorkers beyond the studio.

In addition, the studio is exploring collaborations with local universities, where students can integrate Ski into their sports science curricula. The founders are also experimenting with new technology, such as augmented‑reality overlays that display real‑time metrics on a wall behind the track.

Bottom Line

Ski’s New York debut proves that the cross‑country ski concept can successfully transcend geographic borders. By blending Scandinavian design, innovative technology, and a community‑focused approach, the studio offers a workout that feels more like a dance than a fitness routine. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or simply looking for a fresh way to stay active, Ski’s indoor track provides a unique, high‑intensity cardio experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city.

For more information, visit Ski’s official website at skinyc.com or follow their Instagram feed @skinyc for daily inspiration and updates on upcoming events.