Anikken Gjerde Alnæs shares her journey back to ski racing after her roller ski accident.

In June, both her life and athletic career could have ended. Now, Anikken Gjerde Alnæs is considering a comeback. She opens up about her fears following the roller-ski accident, her rehabilitation, and her path back to competition.

Speaking from Livigno, Italy, to ProXcskiing.com’s sister site Langrenn.com, 30-year-old Alnæs has been training on snow for a week, logging long hours and completing her first two interval sessions since the accident. This weekend, her team, Team Engcon, will join her in preparation for the upcoming Ski Classics season opener in Bad Gastein, Austria, scheduled for December 13-15.

Read more: Where to watch the Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVI

Feeling Ready for the Season Opener?

Laughing, Alnæs responds:

“Not at all. There’s a big difference between doing solo intervals and competing in a mass start against the world’s best marathon skiers. According to the Sports Health Center’s protocol, I’m not race-ready. But long-distance skiing isn’t a contact sport—it’s a different dynamic. Standing and double-poling on skis is not the same as playing a physical game,” she explains.

While her knee, fractured in the June roller-ski accident, can now withstand skiing, she’s still unable to run or cycle.

“The bone has healed, but it’s taken time. Honestly, my mobility is terrible—I can only bend my knee 90 degrees. My fitness might look fine from the outside, but it doesn’t feel that way to me.”

It’s remarkable that Alnæs is even on her feet. Her return to skiing, and her thoughts of racing, are even more impressive considering the severity of her accident.

The Crash and Its Aftermath

On June 26, Alnæs was struck by a car during roller-ski training, sustaining a shattered kneecap and femoral injuries. She underwent surgery at Aker Hospital.

Timeline of Recovery:

• June 26: Accident and surgery
• August: Focused on rehabilitation
• October: Gradual recovery of her kneecap
• November: First return to skiing on snow
• December: Contemplating racing in Ski Classics

Embracing Training and Overcoming Fear

The road to Livigno has been long and challenging, but Alnæs remains positive. Just weeks before the accident, she signed with Team Engcon. Her determination and love for training have fueled her recovery.

“I’ve never felt discouraged or lost motivation during this process,” she says.

However, the mental challenges have been as significant as the physical ones. The accident left her shaken, and she sought psychological support to overcome her fear of roller-skiing.

“This has been incredibly helpful. My psychologist has helped me view the situation objectively and work toward roller-skiing independently. Initially, I needed my team manager, Jørgen (Ulvang), to accompany me by car or in controlled environments. My partner and family have also been a huge support.”

Comparing Recoveries

Alnæs also acknowledges how different her recovery has been compared to Helene Fossesholm, who dislocated her knee in a soccer game this fall. Fossesholm is already back at the elite level after just three months and will compete in the World Cup in Lillehammer this weekend.

“The injuries are incomparable. Helene avoided surgery, which makes a huge difference. I have 12 screws and a metal plate in my knee, along with scar tissue that limits mobility,” Alnæs explains.

Looking Ahead

Despite her progress, Alnæs admits she’s far from her usual competitive form.

“My goal is to start the Marcialonga in late January. Whether I race in Bad Gastein next week depends on a risk assessment—fortunately, it’s not my decision to make. I’d love to race, but I know I might have to wait.”

When asked what she’s most curious about when she finally returns to racing, she reflects:

“I’m wondering if I’ll still have the courage to push hard in corners and downhills—these have always been my strengths in skiing.”