Northug’s Five Speed Tips: How to Get Faster on Skis

When Northug talks about speed, he’s not speaking theory. He’s speaking from the experience of one of the most feared finishers in history—the World Champion who could tear a field apart with a single acceleration. He has even been clocked at 92 km/h on cross-country skis (a TV stunt, not a recommendation). The point stands: few know speed better.

“High speed matters—whether you’re passing a neighbor, a colleague, or a competitor. That feeling of having an extra gear is incredible,” he says.

We asked Northug to share his top five tips for becoming a faster skier—whether you’re chasing seconds in Birken, seeking more control in Vasaloppet, or simply want to glide past your friends in the local trails.

1. Train your balance — often, simply, and preferably without poles

“Most skiers limit themselves because their balance fails. Ski without poles. That’s where the confidence comes,” says Northug.

Speed begins with stability. A powerful finish comes from a solid foundation—and when you stand more securely on your skis, you dare to push harder.

Learn more about Swix World Cup: the new glidewax series built to give you pro-level speed.

Northug reveals what’s under his skis: Swix World Cup gliders.

2. Dare a higher position — and hold it strong

“Dare to stand tall. It’s extremely important,” he says.

A higher, more offensive stance gives better weight transfer and more speed potential. Northug was known for exactly this—holding control when others lost it. It’s free speed, if you dare to take it.

3. Use bigger gears — in both double poling and skating

“Shift into bigger gears. Both when double poling and skating. Dare to hit the technique at high speed.”

Bigger gears require confidence, but they deliver flow, power—and speed.

4. Train explosiveness — learn to switch faster

“Work on speed. Become more explosive. You have to train it.”

Quick transitions give you control when the pace rises. Short sprints, fast shifts, and playful accelerations sharpen your technique. This sharpness is what made Northug the best finisher of his generation.

5. Bring playfulness into the tracks

“Bring play into your skiing. That’s how you get better—and faster.”

Speed is more than strength. It’s rhythm, joy, and courage. Progress comes when you dare to experiment, push yourself, and keep a sense of play in every session.

The gear that gives you extra speed

Technique is the foundation, but Northug is clear:

“You need good poles and fast skis. It makes the whole experience so much better.”

He points to Swix’s racing products: Swix World Cup — Northug’s glidewax of choice.

Developed and tested at the highest level—in the World Cup and World Championships—the new World Cup line is built for maximum speed when it matters most.

Northug chooses Triac 5.0

Northug smiles when the topic shifts to poles:

Triac 5.0 is Swix’s flagship pole—the world’s most winning ski pole, engineered for power, precision, and maximum response. Northug was one of the first athletes to win a World Championship gold using the original Triac 1.0.

In short: he knows this equipment better than most.