Altitude Training – A Standard in Winter Sports

In endurance sports, especially in winter sports, altitude training has become the norm for building capacity. Norwegian biathlete Johannes Dale-Skjevdal revealed earlier this fall that altitude training is one of the key factors behind his tremendous success. He has spent nearly six weeks at altitude ahead of this season. Such camps are also crucial for acclimating the body to thinner air before competitions at high altitudes. However, individual responses to altitude vary, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

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Alternative Preparation Long-Distance Skiing Strategy

Currently, many Ski Classics Pro Teams are at high altitudes preparing for the season opener in Bad Gastein on December 14-15. Team Ramudden and Team Ragde Charge are in Livigno, about 1,800 meters above sea level. However, Karolina Hedenström and the Lager 157 Ski Team have chosen a different approach.

“We made a team decision early on to skip altitude training this year before the first race weekend. Staying home allows us to train and prepare in peace,” Karolina explains, adding: “Stay low, race high” is our new long-distance skiing strategy.

The strategy isn’t just about practical advantages but also about taking a much-needed break from the intense travel schedule typical of a Ski Classics Pro Team season.

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“Most of us have a live at home that we’re away from for most of the winter. Having a few extra days at home helps recharge our batteries for the second half of the season,” Karolina Hedenström explains.

Despite deviating from the norm, Karolina is confident it’s the right decision.

“We’ve had many examples where this approach has worked really well.”

A Taste for the Podium

“Karro,” as she’s known, placed third in the 20 km freestyle race the previous day—a distance not typically associated with her specialty in long-distance skiing and double-poling over much longer races.

“It’s fun to ski when you feel strong, and it’s always easy to say results are secondary when you place well. But for me, the most important feedback is that my body is working well and that I’m gaining more racing experience,” Hedenström shares, continuing:

“Or rather, maintaining those routines and keeping them fresh in my muscle memory, both in my brain and body. Eating right, warming up properly—things like that.”

Experience vs. Development

But do you feel you still need that, despite your experience?

“Yes, but if I were to stop developing just because I’ve competed for many years, I might as well quit skiing. I ski to get better, so I want to try new breakfasts or new warm-up routines—or ways of approaching a race plan. I enter every season with the ambition of becoming a better skier, not just winning races. Winning comes second. The most important thing is to keep progressing,” concludes the 24-year-old from Östersund, adding:

“I’m still far from being the best skier in the world, so I have to consider what I need to do to get there.”

Peak Performance Timing

Her teammate Oskar Kardin revealed earlier this winter that he aims to peak in late January. Hedenström follows a similar mindset, noting that while the races in Bad Gastein are important, they’re not her main focus.

“I don’t want to peak yet. But I want to be in good enough shape to enjoy standing at the start line and feel excited. The peak will come later this winter,” Hedenström concludes.

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