After a stunning debut season in Ski Classics, Stina Nilsson opens up about her Vasaloppet triumph, lessons learned, and the deep passion that has taken hold.

Fresh off a third-place finish in the overall Ski Classics standings and impressive wins at Vasaloppet, Birkebeinerrennet and Marcialonga Bodø, the Swedish star is already building towards next winter – and has her sights set on even more.

“It has been a fantastic season that I’ve grown into. I’m just sitting here, satisfied, happy, and pleased, and I think it’s been a fantastic year,” says the Ski Classics Pro Team athlete Stina Nilsson in an interview with SVT Sport.

A Debut to Remember

The former Olympic and World Champion in traditional cross-country skiing transitioned to Ski Classics last year and wasted no time making headlines.

Nilsson’s victory at Vasaloppet – arguably the most prestigious long-distance ski race in the world — came in her very first attempt.

“I skied like it was a five-kilometer race for at least 75 kilometers. Then it fell apart, but I’m impressed by how long I held on before the bow broke,” she says and adds:

“I’m kind of obsessed with Vasaloppet,” Stina admits.

After the 13 Ski Classics events she competed in during her debut season, Nilsson ended with a total of three wins, two second places, and one third place. The tenth-place finish in the season opener was her “worst” result. In addition, she recorded two fourth-place finishes, three fifth-place finishes, and one seventh-place finish and quickly became one of the most talked-about athletes on the Pro Tour.

Read More
Stina Nilsson shines and wins Vasaloppet 2025
Stina Nilsson shines at Birkebeinerrennet 2025: Solo victory in Norway
Stina Nilsson strikes again and wins Marcialonga Bodø

Looking Ahead: Health, Goals, and the Yellow Bib

Now, dryland training season is already underway, and the 31-year-old has a clear – if humble – goal.

“I just want to be healthy. It was such a disappointment to miss Marcialonga; I really wanted to experience it,” she says and adds:

“It might sound like a really ‘basic’ goal, but I just want to stay healthy at the beginning so I can get into the season properly.”

Although she’s aiming high, Nilsson remains grounded in her expectations.

“It’s so incredibly cool that there’s such strong competition for the yellow bib. Of course, it would be super fun to fight for it.”

“Obviously, I want to be in the fight,” she adds. “But there are so many things that need to fall into place, and the way things are now, you can’t afford to be sick even once if you want to be in the mix. I’m also humble about how extremely difficult it is, and those who were at the very top did an incredible job.”

Also Read – Reveals: Paid a high price for success

Nilsson’s obsession with Vasaloppet may have started with a single race, but it’s clear the fire is still burning. With renewed focus and a full season of experience under her belt, the long-distance ski world can expect more from the Swedish star in the Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII.

Read More: Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII 2025/2026

Watch the full interview with SVT, including bonus clips and extras HERE

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