They’re a relatively new Pro Team in Ski Classics. Not the strongest, but they have something truly special. The camaraderie in Ski Team Göhlins also reflects the well-known “Gnosjö Spirit”—one for all, and all for one.
This is a team of skiers who have been friends since childhood, now striving together to compete against the best long-distance skiers in the world.
Nestled in the Swedish forests of Småland is Gnosjö, a town famous for its “Gnosjö Spirit.” It’s a place defined by productivity, mutual support, and success.
To many, it might seem surprising that a professional Ski Classics team hails from here. But Ski Team Göhlins consists of ambitious athletes and dedicated owners who won’t be deterred by a lack of snow, long distances to races, or competing against well-funded professionals.
In Season II of Ski Classics Ski or Die, viewers meet the Pro Team during a training camp in Santa Ponsa, Mallorca. They stay in the apartment of the Göhlins family, the owners of the company that supports the team.
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On Friday, November 22, at 12:00 CET, the first episode of Ski Classics Ski or Die Season II will be released. The first featured Pro Team is Sweden’s Ski Team Göhlins.
Ski Classics Ski or Die is exclusive to members of ProXCskiing.com. Membership gives you access to the streaming service SC Play, where you can watch this new documentary and live-streamed events like the entire Ski Classics Pro Tour season and other ski competitions.
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A 29-Year-Old Team Owner
Emil Göhlin, 29, represents the next generation managing the family business in Småland. He joins the training camp, matching the ages of most of the athletes, and even participates in several workouts.
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“We didn’t have much interest in skiing before, but I’ve always enjoyed physical activity. We never approached this professionally,” Emil says.
“After a ski program started at the school here in Gnosjö, we began to notice skiers around town. Isak Nilsson (one of the founders of the team) started talking to me, and we met here at Göhlins. He told me about Ski Classics and the idea of starting a team,” Emil recalls.
“I quickly became interested and discussed it with my brother and father. When we like something, we move fast. We also wanted to do something that motivated the young skiers and gave them something positive.”
A Company Rich in Tradition
The family business, with roots stretching back over 100 years, specializes in tools for industries, plastics, and metals, among other things. They supply goods for production processes and have a catalog of over 100.000 products.
Here, too, the “Gnosjö Spirit” is evident.
“Gnosjö is well-known, even though only 5.000–6.000 people live here. We work together, cooperate, and make the best out of everything. That’s been part of our lives forever. Collaboration is central in Gnosjö, and we don’t complicate things,” says Emil.
The ski team has become a focal point not just for the athletes but also for the Göhlin family and company employees. Last year, three employees joined the team in Bad Gastein, and more want to travel to races now.
A training facility has been built nearby, where athletes, recreational skiers, and employees meet to improve their fitness.
“Gnosjö isn’t a ski town, but we have great training opportunities and forests,” says Emil, describing the team as “one big family.”
Like One Big Family
During the training camp in Mallorca, everyone lives together, cooking meals and collaborating on the training plan. Even the team’s leaders participate in some sessions.
“The team is run like a family business. Everyone is interested and plays a big part in the team. They join in to help and stay close to the athletes. That’s how we do things—we love the family atmosphere,” Emil explains.
For Ski Team Göhlins, the sense of community, training, and shared experiences matter most. Of course, they aim to improve, but they understand the challenges of reaching the top in Ski Classics.
“We haven’t focused too much on results. We want the skiers to feel happy and have fun. If they achieve their personal goals, we’re satisfied. This winter, we’ve set slightly higher goals with some new names. Our seasoned skiers also seem to have improved,” the 29-year-old team owner reflects.
“We’re like one big family,” he concludes.
Also Read: Ski Team Göhlins – Pro Team presentation Season XVI
About Ski Classics Ski or Die
Ski Classics Ski or Die is a tribute to the incredible dedication of Ski Classics Pro Team athletes, as they tackle challenging terrain, traverse stunning landscapes, and take on the most challenging obstacles in training and competition. The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at skiing, not just as a sport but as a way of life. This documentary adventure will inspire, captivate, and give viewers a deeper understanding of long-distance skiing.
Ski Classics Ski or Die Release Dates
November 22, 12:00 CET – Episode 1: Ski Team Göhlins
November 29, 12:00 CET – Episode 2: Team Robinson Trentino
December 6, 12:00 CET – Episode 3: Team Eksjöhus
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In the debut season, we followed Team Ragde Charge from Norway, the Vltava Fund Ski Team from the Czech Republic, and the Lager 157 Ski Team from Sweden. Get ready for the new season by catching up on last season’s episodes HERE.
Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.
Top Photo: Reichert/NordicFocus