After combining traditional cross-country skiing with long-distance racing for a couple of years, the 31-year-old took the full step into Ski Classics. Now, she’s thriving in the long-distance scene and with the Italian Pro Team, Team Futura Trentino GTE Elettrica.

Emma Ivarsson completed her first full Ski Classics season this past winter with the Italian Team Futura Trentino GTE Elettrica. After trying out long-distance races over the past two years, she finally decided to fully commit.

“I still had a bit of focus left on traditional (cross-country skiing) racing because it had gone so well the last two years. So, I still had goals I wanted to achieve,” she told Langd.se.

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Seized the opportunity

Last spring, she was asked if she wanted to join Team Futura. After some consideration, the answer became obvious:

“I was a bit hesitant at first because it was completely new to be part of a team from another country. But it was like I woke up one day with a gut feeling that I should say yes,” she says, and continues:

“I think it’s turned out absolutely great. I’ve received a warm welcome and good support. We’ve had a fun and solid group, and all my dreams have really come true. To be in the Alps training and racing – it’s just incredible.”

Achieved her dream goal

During her first season as a long-distance skier, Emma managed several results she had dreamed about for years. The breakthrough came at Tjejvasan, where she finished seventh.

“Top ten had been a goal for many, many years. So, it was a surreal feeling to finally achieve it – and it felt so natural in a way.”

Read More: Jenny Larsson wins Tjejvasan 2025

At training camp

Now, another year with the Italian Pro Team awaits, and when Langd.se reached Emma Ivarsson, she was in Italy for a training camp with her teammates.

“It felt great to be able to do at least one more year with Futura, now that I’ve settled in and gotten to know everyone. And this year, we’ll also have a major collaboration with the new Team Robinson, now called Team Slavia Pojistovna Robinson Trentino,” she says, and continues:

“Right now, I just feel like – why didn’t I switch to long-distance earlier? We’re having such a great time during training, the team spirit, and the way we work together.”

Vasaloppet is the goal

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

“I missed Vasaloppet and Birken because I got sick after Tjejvasan. So, I still have a top 20 finish at Vasaloppet as a goal. I haven’t had great experiences with Birken, so it would be fun to do it again – a hundred times better than last time.”

“And I’d like to be a consistent top 20 skier in Ski Classics. I believe that on a good day, it’s absolutely possible to be in the top 15, if I keep doing the work now and through the rest of the summer and fall.”

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