The working hours are rough, winter is spent traveling, and there’s barely a social life. “Dream job,” grins the young man from Alta, Norway.

When his friends are heading home from a party, Simen Finjord is leaving the waxing cabin – either after finishing a shift or just starting one, testing skis for the next race.

The 21-year-old from Alta has already been working as a wax tech at the elite level for almost five years, the last three full-time. Now, he is responsible for the skis of several of the world’s best cross-country skiers, including Astrid Øyre Slind, Max Novak, and Andrew Musgrave.

“You work at all hours of the day. And we have some intense days here and there. But I’m still young enough that I think it’s cool to be up before my friends who’ve been out partying have even gone to bed. There’s something special about that,” says Finjord enthusiastically.

Also Read: Off-season waxing and storage tips

Headhunted

When back problems ended his racing career in 2022, it didn’t take long before he was in the waxing cabin – first for the regional junior team, then full-time for the regional Team Elon Nord-Norge. Word quickly spread about the talented young man.

Before last season, Finjord was headhunted by Team Aker Dæhlie to wax skis for their world-class athletes. The then 20-year-old wax tech remembers it well.

“I got a nice phone call from Joachim Aurland and Aslak Berglund at Skiplukker’n asking if I’d be interested in contributing to Team Aker Dæhlie. I just had to say yes,” says Finjord.

The team is Norway’s largest private cross-country skiing initiative ever, with more athletes than the national team, covering long-distance, traditional, and para cross-country skiing, and a support staff just as strong.

“I couldn’t imagine anything better. Even though it’s tough, it’s what I love,” he says, according to Langrenn.com, and adds:

“Seeing that what I do leads to results, that the skis I prepare help secure victories – it’s an incredible feeling that’s hard to describe.”

What’s the secret to world-class skis?

“It’s a lot about being systematic, having a clear plan, and listening to the people around you – gathering knowledge that’s relevant to what you’re doing right now.”

Finjord emphasizes that what comes out of the waxing cabin is the result of extensive teamwork.

“At Team Aker Dæhlie, we have a strong team and a huge base of competence and experience to build on. With people who’ve been around since before Team SkiGo, and Aslak (Berglund) – one of the world’s best at understanding skis – we have what it takes to deliver race-ready skis at the highest level,” he says.

Finjord also feels the work is appreciated.

“On the outside, it might not seem that way, but the athletes are good at showing they appreciate what we do. They see that we’re up early and go to bed late to give them the best possible conditions.”

Also Read: Riege signs with Team Aker Dæhlie

Started at seven years old

His passion for waxing skis – his own and others’ – was there long before he had to end his own athletic career.

“I’ve always been interested in skis and taking care of equipment. I realized early on that if you want good skis, you have to put in some effort. And I think it’s fun,” he says.

“I got to join my uncle, Trond Finjord, at the waxing facility for the first time when I was in second grade. I was seven years old. And it just grew from there,” he says.

Combines with Law studies

Alongside waxing, Finjord is studying Law at the University of Tromsø. Despite all the travel and long days, he doesn’t find it difficult to combine his studies with the waxing job.

“There are no mandatory lectures, so I can plan my studies in a way that suits me best. In summer and fall, I put in a bit of extra effort,” he says, and continues:

“I really enjoy it. It’s extra motivating knowing that I get to spend the winter doing what I love most.”

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