“It was probably my husband’s idea. I wanted to be outdoors, so that’s what we did,” says Sofie Elebro Lind. The Ski Classics star explains that they tied the knot right in the middle of the ski stadium in Östersund at the beginning of May while there was still snow on the ground.

She believes it was the biggest, and perhaps the only, wedding to have ever taken place at the ski stadium. Around 40 guests joined the rare celebration.

“It was such a fun wedding. Everyone came in fancy clothes and brought flowers, including some of my teammates from Team Eksjöhus,” says Sofie, who goes by the name Sofie Elebro Lind since getting married.

A Breakthrough Moment

The 31-year-old from Saxnäs, a small village in northern Sweden’s Västerbotten region, had her major breakthrough on December 16, 2023, when she achieved her first Ski Classics podium finish. Sofie placed third in the La Venosta Criterium, breaking a barrier that once seemed impossible when she was younger.

Born with Hip Problems

“I was born with hip issues and don’t have the same mobility and balance because of it. It’s not a big problem today, but I had to learn to walk in a unique way,” she explains. “I wore a bandage around my legs and lay on my back. Then they hung me upside down to help my hips heal. I had a brace on my legs until I was two years old to stabilize them so I could walk.”

Even now, Sofie must take certain precautions due to her congenital condition.
“I think it’s improving. I train my hip mobility at the gym. Ski Classics’ double-poling suits me well because I stand more evenly on both legs.”

A Late Bloomer in Skiing

Sofie describes herself as a “late bloomer,” having spent years competing in the Swedish Cup and national races with decent results but without major victories.

“I’ve changed my technique with the help of our coach, Marthe Kristoffersen. That’s likely the main reason for my progress last season. Plus, we have an amazing team spirit in Team Eksjöhus. We have so much fun together, and there are many strong skiers,” she says.

The team won the Ski Classics team competition last season, and Sofie believes she’s in the right place now. “The training adjustments had a significant effect on me,” she says, looking forward to the season starting this weekend. “Standing on the podium was the best day ever, and I want to do it again.”

Focusing on Strong Starts

“My problem has been staying with the group at the start. I’m not very fast at the beginning, but you have to push hard to be in the leading pack,” Sofie admits.

Now, with increased confidence, she feels her starts have improved.
“Training with the best in Ski Classics boosts your confidence. If I can keep up with them, I know I can race against anyone. This year, I hope to get more podium finishes and eventually win a race.”

Sofie has her eyes on specific races, like La Diagonela. “That course has always suited me. I’ve placed 5th and 6th there, and last time, I sprinted for the podium but finished 5th. Reistadløpet is also a great fit with its classic style. And of course, I dream of succeeding in the Vasaloppet.”

Her best race last season, however, was Tjejvasan, where she sprinted with a group of four for the victory. Although she finished fourth, narrowly missing the podium, it was a highlight.

Thriving in Tough Conditions

Growing up in Saxnäs, a mountain village with only 150-200 residents, shaped Sofie into a resilient skier. “I love Saxnäs. There’s plenty of snow and great trails. Usually, you can ski from late October to late May. Nearby is Stekenjokk, where you can often find snow even in summer.”

Becoming a cross-country skier wasn’t an obvious path for her.
“No, almost everyone in Saxnäs rides snowmobiles, so I was the only cross-country skier. There weren’t enough people for team sports either, so I was alone at first.”

Now part of Ski Classics’ top team, Sofie brings her grit to the sport’s toughest challenges. “I thrive when it’s really cold and the snow is slow. I’m used to the cold and enjoy it. Plus, I’ve always had great endurance, so tough conditions suit me perfectly.”

When Sofie Elebro Lind is part of the lead group at the start, she’s a skier to watch. The longer and harder the race, the better she performs.

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