October 9, 2026

Anne Kyllönen – The Spark for Skiing Ignited at Age 2 and Still Burns!

Anne Kyllönen is a skier whose spark for skiing ignited at the age of two, and who says she loves even the weather many people dislike: sleet, slush and cold. In an Olympic year she sticks to familiar camps and training. Several showers a day and constant sweating strain her skin, and she says Rimita's shower oil and hand soap solved the problem: her dry hands disappeared entirely and she no longer needs separate moisturiser, except occasionally for the face.

The Olympic year brings with it special discipline. Anne says she does not take unnecessary risks or try out new forms of training. She relies on familiar camp locations and workouts that have proven effective over the years. Everyday life is simple and routines are emphasised even more.

When did Anne’s spark for skiing ignite?

The spark for skiing ignited early. Anne remembers getting her first skis from Santa Claus at the age of two and setting off skiing right away on the parquet floor. At three she took part in her first competitions and was immediately sold on the atmosphere of racing.

“In spring I was angry at my mother when the competitions ended as the snow melted. I wanted more competitions, and on the best day as a child I even skied three races in one day,” Anne laughs. The competitive drive was strong from an early age: wins and trophies meant a lot, and in moments of defeat the outbursts were intense.

What motivates Anne?

Anne has never suffered from a lack of motivation – on the contrary, over-motivation has sometimes been a challenge. She says she loves precisely the conditions many people hate: sleet, slush and cold. “When you do in life what you truly want, you forget the weather. I also enjoy exceeding my own limits, because the feeling afterwards is unique.”

Anne has not collected large numbers of role models, but one name rises above the others: Marja-Liisa Kirvesniemi. “An amazing career and a wonderful personality – a real powerhouse of a woman,” Anne describes.

What does a skier’s skincare look like?

A top athlete’s everyday life is demanding for the skin too. Several showers a day and constant sweating pose challenges for skincare. Anne says she found the solution in Rimita’s products: “I had never before understood that the products used for washing can care for the skin so well that I no longer need separate moisturisers – except occasionally for the face.”

Her go-to products are Rimita’s shower oil and hand soap. “Dry hands used to be a big problem, but it disappeared completely when I switched to Rimita’s products. The skin is clean, soft and well. These two products always come along, also when travelling around the world.”

Frequently asked questions

When did Anne Kyllönen start skiing?

She got her first skis from Santa Claus at the age of two and took part in her first competitions at three.

Who is Anne’s role model?

Marja-Liisa Kirvesniemi, whom Anne calls “a real powerhouse of a woman”.

Which Rimita products does Anne use?

Rimita shower oil and hand soap. She says her dry hands disappeared entirely after switching, and she no longer needs separate moisturisers except occasionally for the face.