A Franco-Norwegian exchange

It all started with a steep slope skiing course in the Cerces. Between two turns, Candice says: “What if we went skiing in Norway?”

The promise will not be left hanging. A few months later, the project takes shape: no question of renting a van or going on an organized boat trip, what gives a trip its full strength are the encounters. So, why not imagine a true exchange: being hosted by Norwegians and, in return, welcoming them in our French Alps?

Candice posts a message on a Norwegian ski touring group. That’s how we meet Maria, a mountain enthusiast living in the Lyngen Alps. Enthusiastic, she immediately offers us to come spend ten days at her place. The course is set: heading to the polar circle.

And because Candice wants to develop her filmmaking skills, we will tell this adventure through a film and photos.

We had decided to reach Norway by train, out of ecological conviction but also desire: the desire to watch the landscapes pass by and gradually feel Europe transform over the kilometers. The outbound trip lived up to all its promises. From Lyon to Hamburg, then Stockholm before Narvik, the two and a half days of travel were an adventure in themselves. Admittedly, the Interrail tickets were more expensive than a plane ticket, and without available couchettes, we accumulated sleepless nights on reclining seats. But the slowness of the journey and the succession of atmospheres made this approach unique.

On the way back, things got complicated. Construction work on the line extended an already time-consuming journey. An extra day was added to the planned two and a half days, plus the four hours by car. After much hesitation, we had to give in: this time, we took the plane. Two hours of flight, versus three days by train… A frustrating choice, but revealing of the current difficulties in traveling otherwise.

The train journey north to Scandinavia was already an adventure in itself. As soon as we arrived in Narvik, Maria was waiting for us for the last four hours of the drive to the Lyngen Alps. From the very first evening, skis on our feet, we discovered perfect snow in the light of a sunset. Skiing above the sea: the magic is immediate. Very quickly, we realized the uniqueness of the terrain: corridors plunging directly into the ocean, glaciers suspended above the fjords, and an astonishing ease of elevation changes that follow one another, freed from the constraints of altitude. Here, skiing starts right at the doorstep.

We stay in Lenangstraumen, Maria’s hometown, nestled in the heart of the Lyngen Alps, which she explores with tireless energy. More than a host or a guide, she becomes a friend. We are quickly integrated into her family and share their daily life: a fisherman father, a nurse mother, neighbors always ready to lend equipment or take us by boat to the islands. Everything happens with simplicity and sharing.

Every morning, Maria sets off with skis on her feet, and every evening, we enjoy the warmth of a family meal. We discover local flavors – apple-grape-onion-mayonnaise salad, cod rolls, brunost (caramelized brown cheese) – and in return, we improvise a quiche and crepes.

The ten days pass like a descent that’s too short. How to thank this family who welcomed us with such generosity? We don’t know when we will return to Norway, but one thing is certain: Maria will come to discover our Alps. And already, we look forward to offering her a welcome equal to the one she gave us.

A few months later, in August, Maria arrives in Annecy: four days to show her our playground. True to herself, Maria overflows with energy and enthusiasm, it promises to be intense!

The welcome began with climbing, then a paragliding flight at sunset, a suspended moment in the evening light above the lake. More than the setting, it’s the hitchhiking climb that impresses her: another aspect of our mountain culture.

The next day, we were already heading to Italy for the ascent of the Grand Paradis (4000 m). First night under the tent for Maria and the first real French picnic: bread, comté cheese, sausage, brioche… Waking up at 3 a.m. launched a memorable ascent, with a final via ferrata and even a bit of altitude sickness… not for Maria, but for Candice, who is more experienced but the director of our future film, which involves back-and-forth trips in all directions to maximize the shots.

Last day, last flights. The Frêtes Pass is too windy, but Planfait offers us perfect conditions: 1 hour 30 minutes of flight over the lake. Then Doussard, surrounded by a group of friends including Candice in tandem, shared wings and laughter. The evening ends at Aristid’s, around a big summer meal. At dawn, Maria leaves, but the images remain.

This Franco-Norwegian exchange was much more than a trip. It combined sport, friendship, and cultural discoveries. Ten days in the Norwegian fjords, four days in the French Alps, and everywhere the same common thread: the energy of sharing.

This story will soon become a film, led by Candice. A beautiful way to extend the adventure and share it even further.