Finnish skier Iivo Niskanen has revealed that he was in peak condition just a week before the World Championships in Trondheim last winter, despite only having trained at high altitudes for a short period in the fall. Niskanen has largely abandoned high-altitude training in favor of maximizing his training volume while minimizing travel, a decision that has raised eyebrows among experts in the sport.

Legendary skier Harri Kirvesniemi has expressed confusion over Niskanen's decision, highlighting the benefits of high-altitude training for improving oxygen delivery capacity and allowing for tranquil preparation before major competitions. Many athletes respond positively to altitude training, which is designed to enhance performance by increasing the body's capability to utilize oxygen more efficiently during exertion.

Niskanen maintains that he does not respond to high-altitude training as strongly as many other athletes do, which has prompted him to focus his preparations for the Olympics on home turf, unlike some of his peers who opted for higher elevations for training. This strategy could impact his performance in key competitions, especially given the altitude of the competition venue, Val di Fiemme, which is approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, prompting questions about the efficacy of his training approach in relation to his peers.