Krista Pärmäkoski Discusses Preparations for Tour de Ski with Her Dog

Krista Pärmäkoski has set off for two months in Central Europe with her dog. The 34-year-old skiing star quipped that putting on her socks that morning was a challenge.

Pärmäkoski's early season in the World Cup has been variable. In a recent interview, she confirmed that she will not ski as a top athlete at Alpe Cermis again, clarifying that her last appearance there has come and gone.

This week, Pärmäkoski shared on social media that she has commenced a two-month journey through Central Europe with her dog Edvin.

As she prepares for the upcoming Tour de Ski, set to take place at the turn of the year, Pärmäkoski expresses her determination.

"Of course, it's no secret that challenges arise. When there is load, challenges come, as I've openly discussed regarding the issues of the past few years," Pärmäkoski stated, emphasizing the importance of her dog in keeping her spirits high.

"We have to take it day by day. My furry companion is here with me, doing his best to keep me focused. Hopefully, we can ski through to the end of the tour. I won’t hesitate to drop out if it seems like I can’t sleep well.

"After the Tour, the World Cup in France will be missed, and a training portion will follow. After the World Cup in Les Rousses, there will be races in Engadin, Switzerland, and in Cogne, Italy.

"The races afterward will be at a high level. I want to prepare for those races at altitude," Pärmäkoski explained regarding her two months in Central Europe.

After Cogne, she will have a week off before competing in the Falun World Cup in Sweden. Then there will be another week off before the World Championships begin.

"The timing for the World Championships is a little different this time because there will be a mid-weekend gap after Falun before the World Championships," Pärmäkoski noted.

Pärmäkoski had hoped for slightly better placements

In her last World Cup event on Sunday in Lillehammer, Krista Pärmäkoski was the best Finnish woman, despite celebrating Finland’s Independence Day until the signal light went off. Pärmäkoski finished eighth in the skiathlon.

In the Ruka World Cup, Pärmäkoski secured 12th place in the traditional 10km event and 23rd in the 20km free event.

"I would have preferred slightly better placements. In Ruka, there were slight equipment challenges. In the traditional race, there was too much grip. In Sunday's free race, undercooled water did something.

"There was good activity in Lillehammer given that the preparation wasn’t optimal. The skis were great, but my body wasn’t in a competitive mindset," Pärmäkoski assessed her early season.

This weekend in Davos, she aims for a "strong result" in Friday's team sprint and is planning a "surprise attack" for Sunday's normal distance race.

Pärmäkoski is not participating in the sprint on Saturday because she wanted a rest day during the competition weekend. In Sunday's traditional 20km event, her aim is to place in the top six.

"A podium spot is tight, but targeting a position among the top six is realistic," Pärmäkoski revealed, adding that a fast track had likely never been skied in Davos on a Sunday.

Davos has been a successful venue for Pärmäkoski, and it holds significance for another reason. For years, she has often celebrated her birthday during the competition weekend in December.

This Thursday, Pärmäkoski turned 34.

"This morning, it was extremely difficult to put on my socks since another year has passed," Pärmäkoski quipped.