The ski tips cut through the well-prepared, soft, corduroy patterned snow cover that glistens in the sunshine. The sun warms our faces and we can feel our thigh muscles burning after an intense day on the slopes. We can use the lifts, without queueing, again and again. When we get hungry, we visit the inviting restaurant for a meal and then we fall soundly asleep in cottages just next to the slopes. This is a place we would love to return to!
Just 30 minutes from Boden, about one hour inland from the Swedish Lapland coast and the airport, lies Storklinten. We turn off Route 97 in the village of Svartlå. The last leg of the journey to Storklinten is along a winding fairy tale road, lined with snow covered pines.
Then we arrive at Storklinten, a place teeming with life. The facility has been around since the 1970’s and has an atmosphere of sustainability and experience, whilst also being pioneering and forward-looking. The facility is being expanded in several stages according to a plan stretching over several years.
We have chosen to stay in one of the newly built cottages, modern, well equipped and airy, so close to the slopes that we can ski right from the doorstep. Here you will also find a caravan park, cottages both small and large – and hostel accommodation.
The wind swooshes past your face on a speedy run down the slope, your lungs are filled with fresh Swedish Lapland air and a big, spontaneous smile spreads across your face as you go down one of the red pistes.
Storklinten is a place for the whole family, regardless of previous experience or skiing skills. Beginners can take their first trembling steps on the very forgiving Gunnard slope which you can access with the much appreciated magic carpet lift. Here, there are also opportunities for bobsledding, sled riding, grilling or just hanging out.
Somewhat nervous, a group of young children gather for an intensive beginners’ course with the Storklinten Skiing School. Everything starts with the first step, putting on skis and getting uphill, without being pushed or pulled by mum or dad. However, the children’s self-confidence grows quickly and it doesn’t take long before even the youngest wave and shout from the button lift where they quickly learn how to get on and off without any help. From that moment, the skiing family life enters a new phase. When the children want to go out on their own, Storklinten is an ideal place for parents, it’s very easy to get an overview. Parents and children can ski independently and still see and meet each other on the slopes.
This newfound freedom spurs a will to ski even more. The wind swooshes past your face on a speedy run down the slope, your lungs are filled with fresh Swedish Lapland air and a big, spontaneous smile spreads across your face as you go down one of the red pistes.
Storklinten offers slopes both for beginners and more advanced skiers alike. The T-bar lift up to the top will take you through a beautiful forest landscape, followed by panoramic views once you reach your destination. With the sun shining in the clear, blue sky, you may feel a desire to freeze time and just enjoy. A little further on, all that can be heard is the sound of your breathing and the steel edged skis cutting through the snow. We glide onto the Skogsslingan trail, offering very friendly glide skiing, suitable even for the youngest as soon as they learn how to use the T-bar lift. From Skogsslingan, for those seeking a bit of variety, there are several detours that lead out onto the larger slopes. By the restaurant, there is also a button lift slope, appreciated by the whole family.
Storklinten is a positive contrast to larger, more “industrial” skiing locations. At Storklinten, the atmosphere is always one of familiarity. The staff will recognise returning guests and the guests know them too. The staff are genuinely involved and care deeply about the guests. Many have worked here for years, most live in the region and are very passionate about showing its best side to the world.
The restaurant is one of the many reasons that people choose to come to Storklinten and they also offer a very popular Christmas smorgasbord every year.
Food and entertainment
On Friday night, the restaurant offers a relaxed, cosy after work buffet. Here, campers and cottage guests mingle with locals from the nearby villages to wrap up the working week and start the weekend. The menu changes from weekend to weekend. A popular feature is the mountain pizzas and we also recommend Chef Roger’s special burger. The restaurant is one of the many reasons that people choose to come to Storklinten and they also offer a very popular Christmas smorgasbord every year. The restaurant has a carefully composed á la carte menu, showcasing the flavours from forests and rivers, with ingredients kept as local as possible. During the daytime they serve traditional, rustic Swedish food, a grill menu, a soup of the day and other treats, perfect for hungry skiers.
On Saturday, the evening fun begins with an evening after-ski event for children, hosted by Henke who runs the skiing school and is friends with all the children on the slope. He brings the children’s favourite, Storklinten’s mascot, Gunnard the Flying Fox. Gunnard’s own song is a must-learn for every parent. Some weekends there is live music on Saturday nights and during important ice hockey derbies, the sports bar opens for those who would like to watch the game whilst enjoying good food and drink.
Cross-country skiing
We also try the great, well-prepared cross-country tracks of the facility. The longest is approximately 8 km, going both uphill and downhill, with pulse-raising slopes to climb, followed by lovely downhill glides. Shorter tracks are available further down the valley and accessible from the slopes. Bring a packed lunch and stop along the way to enjoy it. A hamper with coffee and snacks can be ordered in the restaurant.
Quality accommodation
At Storklinten, there is a wealth of opportunities to stay and enjoy a full weekend, or even a week. Just like in an Alpine village, there are newly built cottages with a view of the slopes and the vast, white, surrounding landscape. You can stay quietly a bit further up, or just next to the slope, so that you can ski right from your doorstep.
The newly built cottages have fully equipped kitchens and modern, airy interiors. Some even have Jacuzzis on their patios. Those who are looking for slightly simpler accommodation will feel very at home staying in the Urbergslängan hostel, which is especially appreciated by clubs/associations and larger groups. No matter what your choice of accommodation is, the restaurant can provide you with full board, should you wish. At Storklinten you will also find a caravan park with many returning guests who come here weekend after weekend, winter after winter.
Skiing is at the heart of Storklinten but there is also so much more to enjoy – the natural environment, snowmobile trails, guided tours, fishing and other activities in the area, all year round. Storklinten is a place you can depend on, here to stay and grow organically, in harmony with the environment. Thanks for the hospitality Storklinten, we’ll see you again soon!
Text: Anna Bergström
Photo: Mats Engfors/Fotographic
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