The traditional mecca for skiers in Livigno, Italy, is tightening its rules for roller skiing. Czech Pro Team athlete Sandra Schützová discusses training opportunities in the Alps, her team contract, and her focus on technique.

The summer preparation for long-distance skiers is in full swing, and Czech Pro Team athlete Sandra Schützová has completed demanding training blocks. Although discussions about high-altitude alpine races are becoming more frequent, Sandra remains a strong advocate for high-altitude training. However, during her recent stay in iconic Livigno, she encountered a reality that increasingly complicates training for skiers.

A mecca for skiers with strict restrictions

Sandra views the race calendar of Ski Classics and the role of altitude within it as quite significant.

“I feel like there are actually more races at altitude or at least at mid-altitude than there are fewer. Aside from the Jizerská50, the entire calendar in Central Europe is set at altitude,” explains the Czech skier to Bezky.net, adding that even if this were not the case, she would still choose high-altitude environments (HAE). “I really enjoy training in HAE. I think I’ve adapted well to it, and it suits me.”

Despite the benefits of altitude training, Livigno in the heart of the Italian Alps is losing its appeal for skiers. The reason is the increasingly strict rules regarding roller skiing training.

“Honestly, since last year, I’ve been thinking that this destination is becoming less interesting for skiers,” Schützová admits candidly. Police are uncompromisingly prohibiting access to main roads. “Even in Livigno, training outside the bike path is no longer allowed, as they started issuing fines for that last year. And this year, I was stopped by police in Switzerland, where you can only ride around Albula.”

She had no choice but to seek alternatives and accumulate elevation meters at the legendary Passo Stelvio.

“I rode Stelvio twice – once from Bormio when I was in Livigno, and the second time from Prato when I was staying in Nauders,” she describes the challenging crossings, noting that even the flat bike path in Livigno is partially closed due to construction work.

Also Read – Sandra Schützová: “I managed a lot, just in a different way”

Future plans

Regarding her overall training strategy, Sandra has continued with the proven model from previous years. After a demanding block focused on volume and developing training, she moved to a camp with her home club, ČKS SKI Jilemnice, where she continued in a similar spirit.

“I actually have the same plan as last year. I think it worked quite well, and there’s no point in making any major changes,” she notes about her summer training regimen.

When it comes to summer race starts, she has a clear idea, although logistics and finances are playing an increasingly significant role. She would like to participate in traditional Nordic and domestic events – the Norwegian Blinkfestivalen, the Swedish Alliansloppet, and the Czech Lipnolopet. However, her participation in Sweden is still uncertain.

“I still need to think about Alliansloppet. Last year, we were there with the team, which made it significantly easier, and I had it covered. Now I have to pay for it myself, and it’s not entirely easy organizationally. So it’s possible that I’ll ultimately choose races in the Czech Republic; we’ll see,” Sandra reflects.

The uncertainty doesn’t only hang over the Swedish race weekend but also over her team support for the upcoming winter season. She had to comment cautiously on the status of her contract: “Unfortunately, there have been some complications, so it’s still being resolved.”

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Focusing on technique

Sandra currently has no wild training challenges or extreme feats planned, although she smiles and adds that she wouldn’t rule out the possibility of something coming to mind during the summer. Much more energy is being invested by the Czech representative into refining her skiing technique. Recently, she trained with Norwegian specialist Ragnar Bragvin Andresen at the sports complex in Vesec.

“We’ve already done two roller skiing sessions focused purely on the double-poling technique. I was really glad he was willing to train with me and provide valuable advice,” she praises the collaboration.

At the same time, she humbly acknowledges that retraining established habits is a long-term process.

“We all know how it is with technique. I’ve experienced a completely different technique than what is used in long-distance skiing today. So it’s not a matter of one training session. However, he provided me with crucial insights that will enhance my movement. I already feel a positive change, but it will still require more work. I hope we can coordinate our schedules to meet again.”

Sleep and coffee

After demanding training sessions on the road and refining technical details, recovery is also crucial. When asked what the biggest relaxation for the Czech athlete is between training phases, she doesn’t require any complicated procedures.

“I’m happiest when I can fall asleep after training or enjoy a good coffee and relax peacefully,” Sandra Schützová concludes with a smile.

Read More: Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII

Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII (2026/2027)

• Event 1: December 11, 2026 – Bad Gastein Prologue – Austria – 1km
• Event 2: December 13, 2026 – Sportgastein Criterium – Austria – 30km
• Event 3: December 19, 2026 – Bad Gastein ITT – Austria – 7km
• Event 4: December 20, 2026 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Austria – 36km
• Event 5: January 16, 2027 – Engadin La Diagonela – Switzerland – 55km
• Event 6: January 17, 2027 – Zuoz–St. Moritz Sprint – Switzerland – 30km
• Event 7: January 31, 2027 – Marcialonga – Italy – 70km
• Event 8: February 12, 2027 – Bedřichov Heat Sprint – Czech Republic – 1.5km
• Event 9: February 14, 2027 – Jizerská50 – Czech Republic – 50km
• Event 10: February 27, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Women – Sweden – 30km
• Event 11: February 28, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Men – Sweden – 30km
• Event 12: March 7, 2027 – Vasaloppet – Sweden – 90km
• Event 13: March 20, 2027 – Birkebeinerrennet – Norway – 53km
• Event 14: April 3, 2027 – Reistadløpet – Norway – 35km
• Event 15: April 4, 2027 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Norway – 60km

For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics World Championship, visit skiclassics.com.

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