For the first time in his adult life, Simen Hegstad Krüger is entirely without a coach, support staff, or wax technicians. The goal remains the same – but what really went wrong last winter?

Simen Hegstad Krüger has been part of the elite national team for his entire adult life, starting from his last year as a junior. In April, that chapter came to an end after nearly 15 years.

However, when the decision was made, one thing was clear to him: he is not done as a skier, and his goal remains unchanged: the World Championships in Falun in February 2027. 

What would it mean for you to compete in the World Championships in Falun? 

“It would mean an incredible amount. I know I have the level to compete, but I didn’t have it last winter. So, turning that around to get back to the level I had is what motivates me now,” Krüger tells Langrenn.com. 

That’s why he decided to continue pursuing his skiing career. But the 33-year-old from LYN Ski found himself starting from scratch: without a coach, support team, or wax crew.

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

Took time to settle

The veteran had to build an entirely new setup and shares that it took him a long time to make decisions. 

“The first part of the season has been about trying to settle down and find a plan for how to tackle this,” says Krüger. 

“Now I’ve come to the conclusion that what I want most and believe in the most is to be in charge of my own setup. It feels a bit strange to be alone after so many years on the national team.”

Krüger is now fully engaged in his training, but the conditions have completely changed. 

“I feel like I’m a bit of an underdog now and can come from behind, which in many ways is easier than being someone who has to defend a national team spot after barely holding onto it,” he says.

Now, Krüger will be his own coach and has found solutions for most aspects of skiing and waxing.  

“Training, I feel I can handle. I know what it takes. I have people I discuss training with, but primarily I am my own coach. I also have a collaboration with Bull Ski & Kajakk for skiing, and Atomic (the ski manufacturer) remains very important,” he says. 

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Reintroducing altitude training

As the head of his own program, Krüger is now free to do exactly what he believes is best. 

This year, Krüger plans to include several altitude training camps in his pre-season preparation for the first time in years. 

“I did it a bit in the early years of my career, but it has been many years without altitude training. I had a season a couple of years ago where I tried it again, but I haven’t done it for a while,” says the veteran.

“Now the plan for the fall is to go to Font Romeu in France a couple of times. The national team is going there too, so I hope to train a bit with my old teammates there,” Krüger adds, noting that it’s not solely about the physiological effects of altitude.

“It will be fun to have a change. I think it’s healthy to have a bit of variety in the training environment. That’s probably just as important as the altitude training itself.” 

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