She won the overall U23 World Cup, took a medal at the World Championships in Trondheim, and became a World Champion – all in her first season at the World Cup level and with the elite national team. Now, she’s setting her sights on the world’s best.

After a dream debut at the highest level in the World Cup, it’s no surprise that the 23-year-old from Oberhof has big ambitions for the 2025/2026 Olympic season. Helen Hoffmann could be the next big star, and she’s carving out her own path to get there.

Can you describe your first World Cup season?

“Well, it was completely unreal. That I would win the green bib (U23 Cup), take a medal in my first World Championships – just making it to the World Championships in Trondheim – and then get another gold at the U23 Worlds. It’s more than I dared to dream of at this time last year,” says the young German to Langrenn.com.

In addition to gold in the 10-kilometer, Hoffmann also finished fourth in the 20-kilometer at the U23 Worlds and skied the third leg for the German relay team that won bronze at the World Championships in Trondheim.

Now, she’s ready to take the next step, even among the “grown-ups.”

“Yes, I’m not young anymore. I’m done with my U23 career. Now I’ll compete with the established names, the ones with loads of experience, every single weekend,” says Hoffmann.

How far is it to the podium?

“Oh… it’s still a way off. I have a lot to work on, both endurance and especially technique. But I hope to make a little progress each year.”

What’s the goal for the season?

“This past winter, I was in the top 15 in the World Cup twice. So, the goal is to get into the top 10 and stabilize at a high level.”

Hoffmann thinks for a moment.

“But the big goal is the Olympics, of course. I know I can’t expect it, but I never thought I’d make it to the World Championships this winter – so why not? At least it’s not impossible,” she says enthusiastically.

Going Her Own Way

For the coming season, Hoffmann is one of six skiers on the A-national team. But despite her breakthrough season, she’s sure of one thing: to take the next step, she needs a new coach.

That’s not an easy process in the German national team system.

Currently, former World Champion and Olympic medalist Axel Teichmann is her coach.

Hoffmann is honest that the two haven’t quite clicked, though she insists there’s no major drama. This despite Teichmann being one of Germany’s most decorated male skiers and one of the world’s best during his competitive years in the early 2000s.

“I feel like he doesn’t have the coaching experience needed to bring out the best in the athletes,” says Hoffmann.

Also Read: German national cross-country ski team for season 2025/2026

Dreams of Getting Frida Karlsson’s Coach

Initially, Hoffmann hopes to return to her former coach, Cuno Schreyl. He belongs to her regional center but is officially a coach for the development team.

But her dream is to train under Per Nilsson, who is Frida Karlsson’s personal coach and also trains several of the women on Germany’s elite national team. The times Hoffmann has trained with Nilsson, she’s been impressed.

“Per has so much experience. He knows what it takes, what to say, and what’s needed to turn a good athlete into a winner,” she says.

No Easy Task

In theory, a coaching switch should be possible as long as Nilsson is willing to take her on. But in practice, there are some challenges.

One is logistics. Nilsson and the rest of the national team women are based in Oberstdorf in Bavaria. Hoffmann lives in Oberhof in Thuringia – not exactly nearby.

“If you have to drive four hours each way every time you want to work with your coach, that’s a lot of time spent on driving,” she points out.

Moreover, within the German Ski Federation, athletes can’t freely choose their coaches. The country is divided into regions, each with its own competence centers and designated coaching resources responsible for their local athletes. If skiers want something different, they have to organize it themselves and apply for special permission. But she’s already started that process.

Toward an International Generational Shift

Therese Johaug has announced she won’t aim for the 2026 Olympics. Several Swedish stars who swept the gold medals at the Trondheim World Championships have hinted they’ll retire after the 2027 World Championships in Falun.

Astrid Øyre Slind is 37, Jessie Diggins is nearly 35, and Heidi Weng is 33. This opens a gap at the top level of international women’s cross-country skiing. And the 23-year-old from Oberhof wants to seize that opportunity.

And it’s exactly a skier like Helen Hoffmann that both Germany and international women’s skiing need right now.

Read More: Bjørgen issues warning ahead of Olympic season

Works in Customs and Plays Computer Games

Day to day, Helen Hoffmann works in the German customs service. They also have their own ski team, including Hoffmann, Laura Gimmler, and Sofie Krehl from the elite national team, as well as male national team skiers Friedrich Moch, Janosch Brugger, and Florian Notz.

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies you pursue alongside your skiing career?

“Hmm. Well, life is pretty “boring” as a top athlete. Between training, food, rest, competitions, training camps, and travel, there’s not much time left. But I do like playing computer games – all kinds. And I have a dog that needs to be walked every day. And I enjoy that.”

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