Karolina Hedenström is back to Lager 157 Ski Team after a season racing for Team Eksjöhus. The Swedish Pro Tour skier started Ski Classics Season XIV very strong, with a 9th place at Bad Gastein Criterium and the 6th position at La Venosta Criterium. 

Read our interview with Karolina Hedenström, Lager 157 Ski Team, to know more about the skier who finds inspiration and mentorship in Britta Johansson Norgren.

You performed well throughout the summer and had a strong race at Bad Gastein and La Venosta. What has changed in your training and motivation since last season? 

“Thank you! As always, the preseason has had both ups and downs. But overall, I am happy with the work I have done. The last year, I have had a positive trend when trying to focus on the essentials for developing as a long-distance skier. Trying to simplify as much as possible (but not too much), learning with the more experienced skiers I have had around me. Also, coming back to Lager 157 is good, like being at ‘home.’”

How do you expect Lager 157 Ski Team to help your development as a long-distance skier? 

“In many ways! First, I agree with the ground principles and enjoy spending time with Lager 157 Ski Team. Secondly, the team comes with many routines, both from the service crew and athletes, where I can learn a lot from those that have been through many Ski Classics seasons. Third, we work together all year to develop as both humans and skiers, trying to become a little better every week.” 

What are your goals for the season? And what race are you looking forward to the most? 

“Number one goal is to start every race and learn much from it. And as a result of that, being able to fight for the Pink bib. As I haven’t done that many Ski Classics races and due to being at the start of my career, I don’t know what my best qualities are, but I guess this season will create a hint. Being determined and persistent, I hope these characteristics will come in good hand.” 

We can see on your Instagram that you enjoy the outdoors. Can you describe to us your best memory related to cross-country skiing? 

“Correct! I really enjoy spending time outdoors, being active, and that is one of the reasons why I enjoy the lifestyle of being a long-distance skier so much. To pick one single best memory is tricky, but probably a full day outside in spring, together with friends, at the crust in the morning, and stopping for a bite along the way is the closest to a perfect day I can think of.”

Why did you focus on long-distance rather than traditional cross-country skiing?

“I choose long-distance because I enjoy working together in teams all year round. Also, the races are challenging in a way that traditional 10-15k are not, putting mental, tactical, and routine on the test. But of course, I do believe I have qualities that are suited for longer races. Most people tend to enjoy doing what they are good at.”

Finally, who are your role models in long-distance skiing?

“Britta (Johansson Norgren) is probably my biggest role model, as she is the big reason I started doing long-distance skiing and my great mentor in my first year in Lager 157. But as for this summer and the last weekends, I am really impressed by Jenny Larsson, who has had a really tough injury and has made her way back, being patient, eager, and determined!”

The upcoming Ski Classics Pro Tour event is Pustertaler Ski Marathon, a 62km classic technique event in Italy on January 14, followed by Prato Piazza Mountain Challenge, a 30km race also in Italy on January 15, 2023.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XIV (2022/2023)

• Event 1: December 10, 2022 – Bad Gastein PTT, Bad Gastein, Austria, 15km
• Event 2: December 11, 2022 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Bad Gastein, Austria, 35km
• Event 3: December 17, 2022 – La Venosta Criterium, Val Venosta, Italy, 36km 
• Event 4: January 14, 2023 – Pustertaler Ski Marathon, Sexten, Italy, 62km
• Event 5: January 15, 2023 – Prato Piazza Mountain Challenge, Niederdorf, Italy, 30km
• Event 6: January 21, 2023 – Engadin La Diagonela, Engadin Valley, Switzerland, 55km 
• Event 7: January 29, 2023 – Marcialonga, Trentino, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 12, 2023 – Jizerská50, Bedrichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 18, 2023 – Grönklitt Criterium, Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 10: February 19, 2023 – Grönklitt ITT, Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 15km
• Event 11: March 5, 2023 – Vasaloppet, Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 18, 2023 – Birkebeinerrennet, Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: April 1, 2023 – Reistadløpet, Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 40km
• Event 14: April 2, 2023 – Summit 2 Senja, Bardufoss- Finnsnes, Norway, 67km

More info about the Ski Classics Pro Tour you can find at skiclassics.com.