Nordic skiing according to Odlo: from its Norwegian roots to Olympic champion Martin Fourcade

In 1963, Odd Lofterød Sr. began experimenting with a new synthetic fiber called Helanca. He used it to create an elastic, thermoregulating suit for cross-country skiers and speed skaters. It was a first for athletes.

The following year, at the 1964 Winter Olympics, the national teams wore the suit, including the Norwegian national team. The latter won a series of medals at the Innsbruck Games. History was made.

The Olympic Games to convince the world

In 1972, at the Sapporo Olympic Games, 25 national teams wore another ODLO innovation: ODLO Thermic. This was the first fully synthetic “base layer” to wick away perspiration and keep participants dry, at a time when teams had to pay for their own equipment. Sponsors didn’t yet exist!

In 1979, Odd Roar Jr. took over the management of the company and, in 1986, transferred ODLO’s headquarters from Norway to Switzerland, while honoring ODLO’s strong Norwegian roots. 1987 marks a turning point in ODLO’s history: Odd Roar Jr. and his partners invent the revolutionary Athletic Clothing System, based on the now well-known three-layer principle.

The system is designed from the skin outwards, starting with the “base layer”, later called the “first layer” or simply underwear. This base layer ensures optimum moisture management. The second, intermediate layer helps to regulate temperature, while the third, outer layer, seals everything in and protects against elements such as wind, rain or snow.

Martin Fourcade in off-piste Nordic skiing. ©Nicolas Joly

Two ambassadors of choice: the Swiss National Nordic Ski Team and Martin Fourcade

75 years later, the secret of ODLO’s performance clothing and reputation still lies in its pioneering, innovative know-how. Proud of their Nordic roots, they continue to push the boundaries to create high-performance skiwear specifically designed to enhance the cross-country skiing experience.

Earlier this year, the brand announced its return as Nordic outfitter to Swiss-Ski, the Swiss national team, until 2027. In addition to Swiss-Ski teams representing the brand at all Nordic events, this latest partnership also sees Swiss-Ski athletes contributing to product development and taking part in a new athlete apprenticeship program at ODLO’s headquarters in Hünenberg, Switzerland.

Martin Fourcade. ©Nicolas Joly

The icing on the cake is that five-time Olympic champion Martin Fourcade has also joined the ODLO ambassador team. CEO Daniel Eppler enthusiastically explains: “This is the start of a new era for our brand, one centered on our passion for physical activity. We’re delighted that Martin is joining us to help us bring our technical clothing to more amateur athletes“.

Martin Fourcade will bring all his sporting know-how to bear on Nordic skis, of course, but also as a practitioner of many other mountain sports such as running, cycling and hiking. “I’m honored to join the ODLO family” Martin Fourcade said of the announcement. “I already have a long history with ODLO, which I’ve had the opportunity to wear throughout my professional career. I grew up watching my French and Norwegian idols win wearing ODLO, so it’s with great pride that I join this renowned brand. I’m very excited to inspire other people passionate about outdoor sports all year round.”