21 November 2024

CAPTURED BY OUR HEAD OF DESIGN

Treasured ski escapes - signed by Magnus Berggren

Meet Magnus Berggren, Head of Design and a seasoned skier since the early ‘80s. Magnus has spent countless days skiing on and off-piste, exploring ski resorts around the world. We’ve asked him to share his favorite alpine getaways and unmissable local hangouts.

Tignes Val Claret, France

The high-altitude Tignes Val Claret is the perfect alpine getaway, located in the beautiful French Alps. This lively village with a highly approachable ski area alongside Val d’Isère offers an extraordinary ski experience high above the tree line with reliable snow guarantee and challenging off-piste skiing.

I’ve been skiing here for over 40 years, and I highly recommend staying at the Le Ski d'Or, a charming ski-in, ski-out boutique hotel nestled in the village of Tignes Val Claret. For a culinary experience on the slopes, I would make a detour to the Lo Soli - L'Alpage des Chaudannes, located at an altitude of above 2400 meters with stunning panoramic views overlooking snow-capped Alpine peaks.

Big Sky, Montana, USA

Big Sky is a world-class ski resort with a distinctive cowboy vibe, located in the Rocky Mountains. It offers large, snow-proof, and uncrowded ski areas at a mind-blowing altitude of 3388 meters. The consistent weather conditions allow for fresh powder skiing almost any day.

While visiting Big Sky, a great tip is to book a guide and ride a snowmobile into Yellowstone National Park for a winter safari to see elks, golden eagles, and the famous geysers — a real bucket list experience.
 

“Ride a snowmobile into the Yellowstone National Park for a winter safari to see elks and golden eagles.”

Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier is my absolute favourite ski destination. The village is picture-perfect with its wooden chalets and vibrant restaurant scene — and the skiing is next-level. A great day trip is to head out to Bruson, a smaller ski area across the valley from Verbier. There are few people and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for freeriding and ski touring in pristine sparse forests. Another great ski resort nearby Verbier is Crévacol located in the Aosta Valley in Italy. It’s just an hour's drive from Verbier along the E27 towards Italy, through the Great St Bernhard Tunnel — a small, secluded ski system with fantastic off-piste. Make sure to book a guide for the best powder experience beyond the slopes.

For Verbier dining, Pub Mont Fort is a classic, and if you’re up for the best post-piste burger, head to Shed. BURGERS. For mountain-sourced cuisine at a higher altitude, the luxurious Le Carrefour serves an excellent lunch menu that can be enjoyed from the lovely terrace overlooking the Swiss Alps. Another dining favourite is Le Fer à Cheval where they serve classic good food to enjoy with a beer in the sun at the outdoor terrace.

Trysil, Norway

Trysil is undoubtedly the best ski resort in Scandinavia. I have cherished the spirit of Trysil since my childhood and spent precious time here every winter. A couple of years ago, we acquired a lodge here, so now I spend several weeks here each year, both in winters and summers.

The pristine nature and reliable snow conditions from Christmas to spring make this destination perfect for all ski enthusiasts. Within just an hour’s drive, you can find 1700-meter mountain peaks covered in snow and ideal for ski touring. While in Trysil, I wouldn’t miss the traditional early skiing and a Norwegian breakfast in Høgegga — Trysil's pride, where national teams from all over the ski world train.

For light snacks on the slopes, I recommend visiting Marielle’s Snackbar in Høgegga, a heated tent with a nightclub atmosphere — cool and very non-Norwegian. The best lunch on the mountain is served at Restaurant Fjellroa in Fageråsen, and if you’re in the village of Fageråsen, Spiseriet’s pizza is unbeatable. If you’re looking for a lively Après-Ski experience, Restaurant Laaven is the ultimate go-to. The vibe here is comparable to Saalbach, Austria — but unfortunately the beer is more expensive.

“When skiing is a significant part of your lifestyle, regardless of weather and terrain, a cohesive combination of shell garments and various mid-layers is essential.”

 

Magnus Berggren, Founder and Head of Design