Calm confidence before the Olympic season

Perttu Hyvärinen, one of the most consistent names in Finnish cross-country skiing, is preparing for the upcoming Winter Olympics with calm yet confident focus. The difficulties of last season have been turned into motivation, and the Kuopio-born skier’s words reveal an intense hunger to once again challenge the world’s best.

Behind him lies a long, but above all, injury-free training period, which has allowed him to focus entirely on training without health issues.

“I’ve been able to train completely healthy this summer, without any issues disturbing my training. There haven’t been any major changes to my program — the goal was just to build a solid base and start focusing more on high-intensity work toward the end of October,” Hyvärinen explains, according to Maastohiihto.com.

According to him, the summer and autumn training phases have gone according to plan, with no significant setbacks. He emphasizes that building endurance remains the cornerstone of training, and there’s no need to reinvent everything every year. Stability and consistency, he believes, are better tools than constant reinvention.

Also Read: Finnish cross-country skiing teams for season 2025/2026

Autumn’s favorite: intensity sessions

Although basic endurance training is essential, Hyvärinen most enjoys the hard workouts. In the cool autumn weather, fast-paced sessions motivate him and create the feeling that the competition season is getting closer.

“My favorite workouts in autumn, just like in summer, are definitely all the intensity sessions — whether on roller skis, running, or ski bounding. Especially continuous long intervals,” Hyvärinen says.

He explains that high-intensity sessions are the best way to test race readiness and build competition pace. Autumn is, in his view, the perfect time to find rhythm and ensure the speed lasts from the season opener deep into spring.

His training is overseen by long-time coach Mikko Virtanen, whose calm and structured approach Hyvärinen fully trusts.

Read More: Perttu Hyvärinen doesn’t stress about unnecessary things

Last season’s challenges taught humility

Last winter didn’t go as Hyvärinen had hoped, and he admits it was one of the toughest seasons of his career. The results didn’t meet expectations, and disappointments came one after another.

“Last winter was really tough to live through. There was just a lot of bad luck, and I still haven’t figured out what I could have done differently. But it taught me humility toward my profession more than anything else. Now I just hope to stay healthy and get to test where my limits really are,” Hyvärinen reflects.

He stresses that failures and setbacks are part of every athlete’s career — what matters most is how you respond to them. Last season left a lasting mark, but it also strengthened his determination to return stronger.

Now, his full focus is on the coming winter and doing what he loves most: competing against the world’s best in top form.

The story continues below.

Chasing medals – Val di Fiemme suits him well

When talking about the upcoming Olympic courses, Hyvärinen sounds genuinely excited. He knows the demanding tracks of Val di Fiemme, Italy, well, and has fond memories from previous Tour de Ski races held there.

“Any course works, as long as you’re in good enough shape. I’ve raced well in Fiemme several times at the Tour de Ski, and I really like the place. The profiles often start with steep climbs followed by long, gradual or flat sections — that suits me. I’m definitely aiming for a medal,” Hyvärinen says.

He believes the tracks will reward technically skilled and physically strong skiers. His goal is clear — a medal — and he considers it realistic if everything goes according to plan.

“The sport has become easier — and that’s a shame”

As an experienced athlete, Hyvärinen has witnessed the evolution of cross-country skiing in recent years. Race formats have become shorter, courses tighter, and the pace faster. He views this development critically.

“The sport has become easier, and that’s a shame,” he says firmly.

According to him, cross-country skiing has traditionally been an endurance sport that tests both physical and mental toughness. When races get shorter and faster, the sport’s essence risks being diluted. Still, he acknowledges that evolution is part of any sport — what’s important is not to lose the core of cross-country skiing.

Olympics as the ultimate goal

The Olympics remain Hyvärinen’s ultimate dream and clear goal. He doesn’t hesitate to express what success would mean to him.

“Succeeding at the Olympics is my biggest goal,” he says plainly.

He highlights his national teammate, Iivo Niskanen, as a role model — a rare athlete who continues to inspire Finnish skiing.

“Of course, Finland’s biggest Olympic hero is Iivo Niskanen. Three Olympics and three gold medals — that leaves you speechless,” Hyvärinen says respectfully.

Motivation through self-improvement

Even after a long career, Hyvärinen’s motivation and passion for training remain strong. On the contrary, experience has given him more confidence and perspective.

“I’ll have motivation as long as I believe I can keep improving. Let’s see how long that’s possible,” he says.

His drive comes from challenging himself every day. Each session and race offers a chance to find a better version of himself. He knows his career won’t last forever, but he plans to enjoy every opportunity skiing still provides.

Concern for youth – but belief in the future

When discussing the future of Finnish skiing, Hyvärinen is both realistic and hopeful. He views the sport’s current state in Finland as positive but acknowledges the challenges ahead.

“Cross-country skiing is still a very popular sport. The spirit of skiing has clearly improved, and the association is doing excellent work. The biggest problem is the small number of young skiers. The best way to fix that is to strengthen club programs and invest in quality coaching for youth,” Hyvärinen reflects.

He emphasizes that the sport’s vitality depends on inspiring young people to take it up and find meaning in it. He hopes skiing will continue to hold its place in Finnish sports and that cooperation between clubs and the association remains strong.

A confident, hungry road to the Olympics

Perttu Hyvärinen approaches the Olympic Winter Games with confidence and a hunger to succeed. A healthy training season, strong belief in his process, and a clear goal of fighting for medals form the foundation for what could be another season of pride for Finnish skiing fans.

World Cup & Winter Olympics

The Cross-Country World Cup kicks off in Ruka, Finland, on November 28, while the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina will take place from February 6 to 22.

Also Read
Cross-country skiing World Cup: Calendar for the 2025/2026 winter season
Program for cross-country skiing at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you gain full access to all site content and live streaming of Ski Classics Pro Tour events, featuring English commentary.

When you become part of one of the world’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive numerous exclusive offers throughout the year. 

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER