Wikipedia
Snowskates are a type of snow sport equipment intended to allow the user to emulate the actions of ice skating or rollerblading on snow. They were first produced commercially in Germany in the 1930s.
Snowskates consist of a pair of flexible ski boots with integrated bases resembling sled runners that are approximately the same length as the boot itself, incorporating a steel edge. They can be used on pavement, in parking lots, on streets or even down stairs, as long as the surface is covered by snow.
Sled Dogs is a comfortable, light boot, with an integrated unique base/ski with steel edges for a maximum control. The base/ski is fixed to the boot. Snowskates combine the freedom and aggressive movements from inline skates and ice skates, with the freedom and challenge of slalom and snowboarding.
Snowskates are easy and fast to learn, and extremely compact. All you need is a pair of snowskates, no skis or poles (or ski lifts for that matter), just some snow. You can skate on pavements, in parking lots, streets, and even down stairs. Not to mention in the garden, down hills, in the woods, and of course on the slopes.
The similar term snowskating more usually applies to a skateboard for use on snow (which is a shortened term of "snowskateboarding").