The man with the aviators

Outside Stories, last updated 8 May 2026

When we pull into the car park at Linderudkollen, Tord Asle is already there. We understand that pretty quickly. His car is parked with his name written along the entire side.

Tord Asle Gjerdalen is known for his strong performances in the ski tracks, and for the aviator sunglasses that became his signature.

We meet him early in spring at Linderudkollen, 07:45 in the morning. The snow is almost gone, but up by the ski centre there is still a strip of artificial snow that has stretched the season a little longer.

Tord Asle Gjerdalen has covered countless kilometres in the ski tracks. With a World Championship gold in the relay, three Marcialonga victories and a Vasaloppet win in 2021, he is one of Norway’s most accomplished long-distance skiers. Today, the experiences along the way mean just as much as the results.

Gjerdalen has always gone his own way, also in the tracks. The Ray-Ban sunglasses became part of his style, almost as well known as the power he brings to the course. Over time, the glasses became so closely linked to him that Ray-Ban came on board as a personal sponsor.

Alongside his ski career, Gjerdalen also had studies and work to follow up. Twice, he was offered a place on the national team. Both times, he said no. Medical studies had to come first.

Still, there was never any doubt about what kept driving him forward, the joy of skiing fast, feeling the body respond and measuring himself against the best.

“I’ve always liked doing different things. I think versatility is a strength,” says Gjerdalen.

“It’s really the same feeling whether you enter a small race and beat your friends, or race in the World Championships and beat the world elite,” he says.

That feeling is what has kept Tord Asle going. Not only the chase for results, but also the joy in the work itself, in the progress and in the good days on skis.

When a race goes well, it is not necessarily the cheering that stays with you first. After long races, the body is often completely drained, and the emotions sit close to the surface.

“At the same time, you feel very happy to have made it happen, especially when you’ve worked for it for a long time”, he says.

The simple moments have also become especially valuable.

“My favourite days are when it’s just below zero, the sun is out and the conditions are right for Blue Extra. That’s when skiing is good.”

Today, Gjerdalen feels confident in the choices he has made.

“I’m happy with the career I’ve had, and I still really enjoy skiing, even though I’m no longer fighting for victory in the biggest races.”

He still competes, as his participation in both Marcialonga and Vasaloppet in 2026 shows. But his motivation has taken on a new shape. Now it is not only about results, but also about development, experience and passing something on.

Maybe that is exactly why it still feels meaningful to continue.

Marcialonga 2026

A 70 km long-distance classic race in the Dolomites in Italy.

Jizerská 50 2026

A 50 km long-distance classic race, starting and finishing in Bedřichov in the Czech Republic. The race is part of Ski Classics.

Vasaloppet 2026