From twin mom to Cafe

Potato and popular soul

Bodil is a name that many people recognize at Valdres Alpine Center. With ten years under her belt
she has become a real legend up here in the mountains – and it all started with
a random party chat and a small position at the ticket office in the fall of 2014.

Since then, Bodil has been through most of it, or as she says: "I've worked like a potato!" From cleaning cabins and selling tickets to managing the cafe as a permanent employee since 2018 - Bodil has been along for the journey.

From twin mom to Cafe

Why did she start here in the first place? “I had been at home with a bunch of kids for many years – mother of twins and nanny for five more at the same time. In the end, I was almost afraid that I wouldn’t be able to talk normally to adults anymore!” laughs Bodil. One evening she happened to meet Harald Kulhuset, general manager of Valdres Alpine Center. They struck up a conversation, and a few days later she sent a message. Voila, she was on the move! “It went by quickly, and I haven’t looked back since.”

Now her daughters have also become part of the team at the café. “It was a bit strange at first,” she admits. “You don’t want to favor them, but you don’t want to be too strict either. It took a while to find the balance.” But now? “I’m so proud of them! They take responsibility, manage and fix things, and sometimes I stand there with a tear in the corner of my eye and think: What good girls they are!”

"Sausage and fries are going away like hotcakes."

Everyday life in the cafe: Fries, chat and action

So what's the best thing about working here? "It's definitely not walking around smelling fries all day," says Bodil, laughing out loud. "No, it's the people! The guests who come to enjoy themselves, whom we meet again year after year – the same week, the same smile. That relationship is worth its weight in gold." She loves to strike up a conversation at the till, meet nice people and get good feedback. "I love being around people, and here I get to use it to the fullest. Especially when it's rush hour – that's when I really enjoy it!"

And it gets busy, especially in high season. Bodil has learned the art of dealing with hungry guests. "Hungry people are angry people, you know! But we almost always manage to turn it around with a smile." Danes, sausages and a really good burger With many Danish guests visiting, Bodil has had a chance to practice her neighboring language a bit. "Can I speak Danish? No, far from it! But I sneak in a few Danish words every now and then, and luckily I understand them well," she says with a twinkle in her eye.

There are no surprises on the menu, though: "Sausage and fries are going down like crazy – no matter how boring I think they are!" But with the new menu board, they have also increased sales of wraps. "People like all the varied toppings. And we are really proud of our burger – it is simply amazing! You have to try it!"

Ready for the high season and Easter

When the winter break in week 8 and Easter knocks on the door, Bodil goes into planning mode. “Harald and I work closely together. We order goods early, build up the warehouse and secure enough people – fortunately my daughters step up!” After ten years in the game, she has become as calm as a magpie in the yard. “Now I know what’s coming, and it makes everything so much easier.”

Why do guests come back year after year? "They say we're a nice bunch here, that we have a good atmosphere and take care of each other. And they avoid the long lines – it's quick here, even on the busiest days. The foreign guests love that it's just the right size, and that we always have time for a little chat. When they come back and say 'Hi Bodil', I'm really happy!"

Easter plans and a little secret

At Easter they are focusing on sun, outdoor grilling and lots of happy guests. “It will be twice as hectic for me, but damn it will be so much fun!” Bodil smiles. And plans for the café in the future? “Yes, we have something going on, Harald is now working intensively on the plans to rebuild the inn! Look forward to next season,” says Bodil.

So when you stop by Valdres Alpine Center this Easter, pop into the café, grab a burger or a wrap, and say hello to Bodil. She'll definitely appreciate it!

TEXT AND PHOTO | RICHARD TINGHAUGEN