Norway’s next generation Telemark stars: The Viking Young Guns Incubator

A new era is dawning for Norwegian Telemark skiing with the launch of the Viking Young Guns Incubator. With an impressive 25 athletes present at the season opener in Hintertuxer Gletscher for the FIS Sprint races on 29-30 November, Norway’s Telemark community is making waves.

We spoke with Bjørn Espen Aase, Sports Director for Telemarklandslaget, to learn more about the initiative behind this promising and substantial squad.

“Team Norway has a long tradition of training camps in Hintertux,” explained Aase. “Tux Finkenberg is also one of our most important sponsors, and this summer, we signed a new three-year contract. Three days of training followed by two FIS races provide an excellent start to the race season for us. This year, we booked 35 participants, 25 of whom are athletes of the national team, and 14 rookies (born 2006-2008) from our regional teams. The Norwegian Ski Federation Telemark has reorganized this year into three regional centers (West, Middle, and East Norway, south of Trondheim) to boost regional activity and grow a sustainable sport.”

The FIS Sprint races provided Norway with an invaluable opportunity to test these young talents in challenging conditions against a field that included several seasoned World Cup athletes. FIS races serve as a proving ground for emerging talents and a foundation for building future national teams.

Kristian Jordhøy, 17, who secured 2nd place in the U18 FIS Sprint race in Hintertux, shared his experience: “The conditions were really good, and it was great to get the season started. It was fun to see the gap to the top guys and assess where I’m at. I’m looking forward to Junior Worlds and building throughout the season!”

This forward-thinking strategy aligns perfectly with Norway’s aspirations to host the Telemark World Championships in 2027.

National team leader Trym Nygaard Loeken also praised the juniors: “The juniors are such a great group of positive individuals who cheer each other on. They have a strong team spirit and are already performing at a high level. They’re our future and will be tough to beat in the years to come. If I get the chance to help as a coach for them after my professional career, I’d gladly do it. A home World Championship would be an incredible way to end my career, though it might be a bit too far into the future. We’ll see!”

Loeken’s remarkable World Cup legacy is set to continue through Norway’s focus on nurturing young talent. The Viking Young Guns Incubator not only aims to develop elite athletes but also promotes a sustainable approach to Telemark skiing across Norway.

Aase added: “We’ve also launched a Telemark Ambassador program featuring skiers from various parts of Norway, across genders, ages, and skiing disciplines—from backcountry and park skiing to recreational activities. We believe this is vital for the future of Telemark racing and getting more families on Telemark skis.”

These rookies will have more opportunities to shine this season, particularly during the fifth round of the World Cup in Ål, Norway, from 16-19 February 2025.

Even Opheim, 17, who clinched 1st place in the U18 FIS Sprint race in Hintertux, shared his excitement: “I’m very happy to have started the season in such great conditions in Hintertux. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season, especially the World Cup in Ål, my backyard!”

With such promising talent and a strategic vision, Norway’s Telemark program is poised for a bright future both on and off the slopes.