Several of Norway’s most promising cross-country skiers are turning down the Norwegian Ski Association’s regional teams and instead choosing the private Team Aker Dæhlie Nordmarka.

Norwegian Ski Association dropped the national development teams – skiers drop the Association: The offer from the Ski Association does not come close to what the private initiative Team Aker Dæhlie Nordmarka can provide.

“I can say that their offer was not optimal. I think the Association knows that themselves too,” says Håvard Moseby about the setup.

When the Norwegian Ski Association decided to shut down the recruit and junior national teams starting from the 2025–26 season, 20 athletes were suddenly left without a team. Instead, they were offered places on one of five regional teams (the Elon Teams), which are now set to receive increased resources. Still, this seems like a clear step down.

“It’s good that they have a regional initiative; many are satisfied with that, and the offer will probably improve over the years. But right now, it’s a step down from the recruit national team. I have to think about what’s happening now, and a regional team is not the best offer for me,” Moseby tells VG at the launch of Team Aker Dæhlie Nordmarka on Wednesday afternoon.

Also Read: Private team secures Norway’s top talents

Financially Unsustainable

Moseby explains that the Ski Association’s regional team, Team Elon Oslofjord, was a legitimate sporting option, but it couldn’t match the complete package he gets with the private team Team Aker Dæhlie.

“It was a relevant offer. They have a good coach. But in the regional team, there’s a personal contribution of NOK 40,000. I would also have to cover travel and accommodation for competitions during winter, which is in the same price range,” he says.

Moseby emphasizes that he does not want to pass that cost onto his club. At 25, he feels that he should now be contributing to the club, not the other way around.

Full Package at Team Aker Dæhlie

Athletes in Team Aker Dæhlie get their entire program funded: coaching, training camps, travel, waxing team, and medical support are all included.

For the 2025–26 season, Team Aker Dæhlie Nordmarka consists of nine athletes:
Håvard Moseby, Martin Kirkeberg Mørk, Filip Skari, Lars Heggen, Gjøran Tefre, Hedda Østberg Amundsen, Ingrid Andrea Gulbrandsen, Emma Kirkeberg Mørk, and Silje Theodorsen.

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Norwegian women’s national team set for the 2025/2026 season
Norwegian men’s national team for 2025/2026

Ski Association Responds: Broader Reach – Not Weaker

Langrenn.com asked Norwegian national team director Per Elias Kalfoss how the Association plans to follow up with athletes who are now left without a spot.

“Most have been offered places on regional teams. Some go to private teams. But in practice, this change means we can offer something to even more athletes.”

He emphasizes that previously, only 10 athletes were on the recruit national team – now, around 50 athletes can receive regional offers.

Kalfoss adds that they are also working to ensure regional team athletes get support from Olympiatoppen.

Aiming to Be the Best – Eventually

The Norwegian Ski Association acknowledges that the personal contribution required for regional teams is an issue, but believes many clubs can provide financial support.

Financially, there’s a big difference for the athletes: on the recruit team, they received funding, while on the regional teams, they must pay a substantial share themselves. Are you now pushing the financial burden of elite development onto the athletes?

“I don’t know exactly what the personal contribution is. But there are many clubs that cover those costs for their athletes if they make it onto a regional team.”

Kalfoss says they are also working for closer cooperation between regional teams and Olympiatoppen.

When asked whether other alternatives to shutting down the national development teams were considered, Kalfoss replies:

“Disbanding these teams is a political decision made by the cross-country committee, and we are complying with it.”

At the same time, he points out that the regional teams offer advantages, such as allowing athletes to live at home or combine training with studies with greater flexibility. Kalfoss is also clear that the Association’s vision is for the increased investment in the Elon teams to eventually make them the preferred option for the country’s top talents.

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