The Graham Sisters' Scandinavian Ski Adventure – A Journey of InspiraƟon, Growth, and
UnforgeƩable Moments
The Graham sisters have just wrapped up their incredible five-month skiing adventure in the
Northern Hemisphere—and to be honest, it’s almost impossible to put into words just how
extraordinary the experience was. But what follows is our best aƩempt to do so.
This life-changing journey was made possible through the generous support of the Waiorua Nordic
Sports Club and Wānaka Biathlon Club, with invaluable equipment use provided by Snow Farm and
beauƟful mementos from the Merino Muster to help spread the spirit of Kiwi cross-country skiing far
and wide.
A Warm Welcome to Nordic Life
AŌer two months in the U.S., the girls flew into Oslo, Norway, where they were welcomed by their
tour guide for the next two months Linnea—Snow Farm’s Swedish instructor from the last two
seasons—and her friend, both casually carrying their biathlon rifles through the airport. (In
Scandinavia, it’s common pracƟce—you can’t leave rifles in the car, but you can bring them into the
airport, bank or onto public transport.)
From the start, the girls dove headfirst into the Nordic spirit, road-tripping through Sweden and
Norway to support Linnea in her Swede Cup and Norwegian races. It was eye-opening to witness the
sheer scale and professionalism of biathlon at this sub-elite age group (U18 and U22) level, with
athletes fiercely compeƟng in hopes of earning spots on university or naƟonal development teams.
The organisaƟon, team resources, equipment tesƟng, and coaching were truly next level.

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Life in Bruksvallarna – Skiing, Saunas, and Swedish Hospitality
Next stop: Bruksvallarna, Sweden, where we joined Linnea and her family for Sweden’s iconic sports
holiday week. What followed was a magical immersion in Nordic culture:
Skiing endless trails each day from your doorstep, soaking in the sauna, seeing the northern lights,
eaƟng waffles topped with cream and cloudberry jam on the top of a mountain in a rusƟc waffle hut,
a special biathlon session with the Swedish biathlon coach who first introduced Linnea to the sport

and of course, none of this was done without some sort of fika (a cherished Swedish tradiƟon of
taking a break to enjoy a hot drink and pastries—oŌen with friends, conversaƟon, and a sense of
slowing down).

Östersund – The BeaƟng Heart of Swedish Skiing and Biathlon
The girls then spent Ɵme in Östersund, Sweden’s biathlon capital, joining Linnea’s club for an evening
session. What they found was simply astounding: over a thousand people on skis— right from
toddlers learning the basics, kids playing games, massive teenage ski groups, biathletes of all ages at
the 30-lane range, elite athletes training, and masters’ groups zooming around—all on a regular
Tuesday evening under floodlights.

The Graham sisters were warmly welcomed, handed club vests, and included right into a group
session full of games, drills, and shooƟng. They came away buzzing, inspired by the sheer energy and
inclusiveness of this community.

Sjusjøen, Norway – Training, Friendship, and Ski Legends
Sjusjøen, Norway became the Graham sisters’ base for a month—a true mecca for Nordic skiing.
There, they were lucky enough to spend Ɵme with the incredibly friendly and humble U.S. Ski Team,
including skiing with legends Jessie Diggins and Julia Kern during their warm-ups and geƫng to
witness their power first hand during an interval session in their final build up for the World
Championships.

The girls joined the Lillehammer ski and biathlon clubs for evening junior sessions at the iconic 1994
Olympic venue. These sessions were looked forward to all day. The welcoming spirit of the

Norwegian coaches, athletes, and parents was overwhelming. The long, glowing sunsets, laughter-
filled games on skis, and joyful training sessions reflected the strength of Norway’s youth

development model—built on fun, play, and inclusion. It’s no wonder they’re world leaders across
winter sports.

World Championships and the Birkebeiner – History and Heartbeats
In a dream come true, the girls aƩended the World Ski Championships in Trondheim, experiencing
the electric atmosphere during the Classic Individual and Team Sprint events. Despite cold rain and
heavy snow, the crowds were massive, and the passion undeniable. In Norway, skiing isn’t just a way
of life—it is life.

Soon aŌer, it was the girls’ turn to race in the Junior Birkebeiner, skiing in honour of Norway’s
famous ski journey to save baby Prince Håkon in 1206. The sheer number of compeƟtors in these
junior races was mind blogging. With a backpack to simulate the weight of the baby king, Elsie set off
on her 16km classic ski alongside 1,000 other kids aged 12–16. In her age category alone, 124 girls
lined up for the journey from Sjusjøen to Lillehammer. MerriƩ took on a challenging 3km course at
the Lillehammer Olympic venue with over 50 other 10 and 11 year old girls. Crossing the finish line
with the silver fern flying proudly was a highlight for both of the girls and one that leŌ a lasƟng
impression on them.

In line with Norwegian child-sport philosophy, results for the 12 year olds race are not ranked but
instead listed alphabeƟcally while for the 11 and under races no Ɵmes or places are recorded or
published —focusing on fun and parƟcipaƟon, not pressure. A refreshing and powerful approach.

Oslo – A World Cup Finale to Remember

To top it all off, the Graham sisters aƩended the final Biathlon World Cup races in Oslo, cheering on
the King of Snow Farm himself, Campbell Wright, in both the Pursuit and Mass Start, where he was
awarded the Under-23 Globe. They also got to support their Snow Farm friend from last year and
favourite female biathlete, Lou Jeanmonnot, in person—an incredible thrill.

ReflecƟons on an UnforgeƩable Journey
As the Graham family leŌ their Scandinavian home of the last 2 months, they did so with full hearts,
sad to leave the snowy trails and warm hospitality behind them, but overflowing with graƟtude,
memories and new friends to last a lifeƟme.

This was more than a ski trip. It was a journey of deep cultural exchange, remarkable personal
growth, and the forging of friendships. The generosity of the people, the richness of the culture, and
the once-in-a-lifeƟme opportuniƟes the girls experienced will forever shape their love of skiing, the
outdoors, and their sense of connecƟon to the wider world.
Thank you to everyone who made it possible.