Return of the Attacking Viking: Aksel Lund Svindal Joins Norway’s National Ski Team as Coach

Two-time Olympic champion and two-time overall World Cup winner Aksel Lund Svindal is officially returning to the Norwegian Alpine Ski Team, taking on a formal coaching role ahead of the 2026–27 season.

The Norwegian Ski Federation confirmed the appointment on October 20, 2026, just days before the World Cup season kickoff in Sölden, Austria. Svindal, who retired from competitive racing in 2019 after taking silver in the downhill at the World Championships in Åre, Sweden, brings a wealth of championship experience and mental fortitude back to the legendary "Attacking Vikings" culture.

A Focused, Multi-Block Role

Rather than traveling with the circuit full-time, Svindal’s initial role will be structured around four to five dedicated training and racing blocks throughout the winter season.

Norway men's head coach Michael Rottensteiner explained that Svindal’s focus will initially lean toward the men’s technical squad—supporting slalom and giant slalom athletes—while bringing broad expertise in high-pressure performance and injury recovery.

"What I liked is that he can help us with athlete development, team character, performing on day X, putting the work in, and dealing with injuries. That has nothing to do with speed or tech," said Rottensteiner, noting that the coaching staff itself looks forward to learning from Svindal’s experience.

Svindal, who has informally advised Norwegian skiers since retiring, expressed enthusiasm for the formal partnership while acknowledging that finer details are still being tailored:

"This is a program I believe in... Exactly how it will be is still in the making," Svindal shared.

Stepping Up at a Crucial Moment

Svindal's return to the national team structure comes at a transitional moment for Norwegian alpine racing:

• Speed Team Challenge: Norway's marquee speed star, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, will miss the upcoming season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon during training in Chile.

• Young Talent & Returns: The technical team is welcoming fresh talent, with youngsters such as Grahl-Madsen and Brækken making their Sölden debuts, alongside returning stars like Alexander Steen Olsen recovering from knee issues.

• Coaching pedigree: Svindal’s return to Norway follows a brief stint coaching Team USA star Lindsey Vonn during her high-profile World Cup comeback campaign.

With the 2026–27 World Cup opener launching this weekend on Sölden’s Rettenbach Glacier, Svindal is already on-site at Norway's pre-season preparation camp, ready to help guide the next generation of Norwegian champions back to the top of the podium.