Considered retiring after the Olympics. Now the 34-year-old has a plan for the rest of her career.

The 2025/2026 season was her best in years. However, it could have easily been her last. 

Heidi Weng weighed her options countless times before deciding to take another season. During her first roller ski session this spring, she was unsure whether she still enjoyed it. But when the Norwegian national team selection was announced last week, the 34-year-old was among eleven athletes on the elite national team. 

“I wanted to take a bonus year,” Weng told TV 2.

Also Read: Norwegian cross-country skiing teams for season 2026/2027

Retirement after Falun – Or not? 

Weng is now fully committed to the 2027 World Championships in Falun, marking her 18th season on the national team. However, she has stated that this will be her last season after the championships in Falun. 

“This will be my last year,” she said. 

Or will it?

“It’s easy to say. We’ll see,” Weng added. 

At the same time, the national team veteran acknowledges the sacrifices that come with the pursuit. However, it’s primarily the travel that takes a toll. She loves to compete and train. 

“Packing my bag and being away is something I feel gets harder every year,” she said. 

Read More: FIS unveils 2026/2027 cross-country skiing World Cup calendar

Possible switch to another sport

Even though the 2026/2027 season will be her final one as a competitive cross-country skier, it doesn’t mean Weng is done with racing. She is tempted by running. 

Last year, she won the prestigious Sentrumsløpet in Oslo. This year, she finished second, beaten by nine seconds by Therese Johaug, who competed for the first time after giving birth three months ago. 

Now, Weng’s goal is to beat Nora Sanness. Her national team colleague ran the Drammen 10K in 32:45, making her the fastest among skiers this year. 

“Don’t be surprised if I swap some skis for running shoes. We’ll see.”

The next ski World Championships after Falun will be held in Lahti in 2029. By then, Weng will be 37 years old.  Astrid Øyre Slind was nearly 38 when she won Olympic gold in Italy this winter. 

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site and live streaming of Ski Classics Pro Tour events with English commentary.

When you become part of one of the world’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive many exclusive offers all year round. 

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER