Hanna Lodin belongs among the top Pro Team athletes in Ski Classics. Now she shares her best tips for Christmas training, at a time when snow is scarce in large parts of Sweden.

Hanna Lodin finished fourth at the Bad Gastein Criterium when the Ski Classics Pro Tour season got underway last week. Now she, along with the rest of the long-distance skiing circuit, is waiting for competitions to resume after the New Year. Here, Team Engcon’s athlete shares her best tips for Christmas training.

Further down in the article, you’ll find Hanna Lodin’s suggested workout on the SkiErg.

Also Read: Ski Classics Season XVII: Standings after the Bad Gastein weekend

SkiErg is important

In most parts of Sweden, both snow and cold temperatures are currently lacking. That means both recreational skiers and elite athletes have to adapt their training, using alternatives to skiing. Hanna Lodin highlights the SkiErg as an important part of training when conditions don’t allow skiing.

“For those who don’t have snow, because it looks pretty bleak right now, it’s about trying to focus and doing many sessions on the SkiErg. A fun workout is to do 5-4-3-2-1 minutes—two blocks with one minute of rest between each interval. And basically try to hold the same pace throughout,” she says to Langd.se.

What do you use as a measurement tool on the SkiErg?

“I look at watts. One tip is to make sure you have a good drag factor.”

Add extra time

If you are in an area with snow, Hanna believes it’s important to find the feel on skis and focus on technique.

“For those who are on snow, try to focus on technique. On snow, 5×5 minutes can be a good workout.”

If you are training for a seeding race or Vasaloppet, it can be beneficial to include a longer warm-up or cool-down in connection with the intervals.

“If you’re preparing for Vasaloppet or another seeding race, you also need the time. So, if you can get two hours, including intervals, it’s a really good session.”

Hanna Lodin’s SkiErg workout:

5–4–3–2–1 minute, with one minute of rest between each interval. Repeat the block once more.

Are you interested in training for long-distance, traditional cross-country skiing and biathlon? Click HERE and read more about it.