The former mountain hut host at Skåla and self-proclaimed ski influencer gets a key role on the Pro Team led by Petter Northug.

After three seasons with the Team Rustad IL Oslo, the ski influencer, who made headlines last year after doing high-altitude training while working as a hut host at 1850 meters, has been headhunted to join Petter Northug’s ambitious project, Team Burger King Northug.

Northug is significantly expanding his team for the upcoming season, with Magnus Waaler now one of five male skiers on a total squad of nine athletes.

How did you end up there?

“I had spoken a bit with Petter at various ski races during the winter, and when he was looking to expand his team, I was one of the names under consideration. I was looking for new challenges, and when Petter called and asked, the timing felt just right,” says Waaler to Langrenn.com.

The 31-year-old says he asked for some time to consider the offer before accepting.

“I said I was interested, but I didn’t really know what the offer meant. So, I started asking around about what it’s like being on his team,” says Waaler, who eventually landed on a firm “yes.”

Protecting the King

Waaler is now excited to begin his pre-season preparations and curious about how the team change will impact his performance.

“It’s something completely new for me. Now I’m in a team training specifically for long-distance racing. That’s something I’ve never done before. I think I can really raise my level. I get to train with athletes better than me and gain access to some really exciting knowledge and expertise,” he explains.

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What’s your role in the team?

“I don’t think Petter recruited me for my results. So, I’ll be a domestique, for sure. With his diesel engine, my job will be to set the pace, hand over poles, and protect the king.”

And how do you feel about that?

“I think it’s really cool.”

A Step Up from Rustad

For Waaler, the move means significantly better conditions for his athletic ambitions.

What does this mean for you practically and financially?

“I’m not getting a million-dollar salary, but all our expenses are covered. With Rustad, we had to cover some of the costs ourselves, which I no longer have to do.”

From a training standpoint, it’s also a big step forward. At Rustad, Waaler mostly trained alone and followed his own program. Now he’ll benefit from more structure.

“We’re scheduled to have training camps about once a month, plus some group sessions in Oslo in between.”

Also Read: Magnus Waaler’s journey from non-skiing to Vasaloppet China

What’s the most interesting part about being on Northug’s team?

“Getting tips and tricks from Petter. No one in the world has more experience than him.”

How involved will Petter Northug be with you and the team?

“From what I understand, he’ll be pretty involved now that he’s focusing on long-distance. I get the impression he plans to race most of the events.”

Exciting Squad

Alongside Petter Northug and Waaler, Team Burger King Northug’s men’s squad includes NRK personality Emil Gukild, who recently quit his job with the broadcaster to pursue long-distance skiing, Ski Classics veteran Joar Thele, and junior sensation Leopold Strand.

“Leopold Strand is insanely good. It’ll be cool to train with him,” says Waaler.

At this past winter’s Junior World Championships, Strand earned a medal in the 20km classic. The 17-year-old from Njård was the youngest in the field and just tenths of a second from silver.

Team Burger King Northug – Season XVII (2025/2026)

Men’s Team: Petter Northug, Joar Thele, Leopold Strand, Magnus Waaler, Emil Gukild

Women’s Team: Hedda Bångman, Julie Victoria Berg, Maren Nielsen, Fanny Endresen

Also Read: Hedda Bångman joins Team Burger King Northug

The Talk of the Summer

It’s no coincidence that Magnus Waaler has gained attention as a “ski influencer.”

Last summer, the 31-year-old became a topic of conversation in the ski community for a unique and local high-altitude training block at 1850 meters on Skåla.

Working as a summer hut host, Waaler logged daily three-hour sessions on a hand-packed 780-meter loop he created himself.

Read More: Altitude training at 1850 meters in Norway

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