Stockholm's secret ski resort: Kungsberget

”Cold weather means fun!”

It's an optimistic statement, even for a Swede – especially for one like Linda Åsberg, who for years taught kitesurfing in Egypt.

But at Kungsberget, it's the absolute truth.

”I love it here,” she exclaims. ”When I was a kid we always went to Kungsberget on school field trips. My mom rode sled dogs here too, and put me and my brothers in ski school. I have great memories of Kungsberget.”

Now the 30-year-old is making brand new memories managing the Kungsberget ski shop.

Originally from nearby Gävle, Linda moved abroad when she was 19 and has since worked in Egypt, Bulgaria, South America, Philippines, and Italy – but when she decided it was time to move back to Sweden, she knew she would feel at home on the slopes of Kungsberget.

“When you're sitting in the cosy ski lodge with a cup of hot chocolate, and you look out and see the slopes and the white trees... You really wouldn't know if you were in Stockholm or Switzerland,” she says.

The difference, of course, is that Kungsberget is just a two hour drive from Stockholm, making it an ideal option for a simple day trip or a quick weekend getaway.

SEE ALSO: Learn more on the Kungsberget website

“Most families today don't want to spend eight hours in a car to go skiing with their small children – who might not even like it,” Linda explains. “So Kungsberget is great for first-time skiers and kids, or for anyone who simply doesn’t want to pay for an expensive ski trip.”

The area is also compact and easily navigable on foot, simplifying the trip for families and tourists alike. All slopes, cottages, and shops are within walking distance.

But that doesn’t mean it’s boring. With 18 runs, 10 lifts, and 20 kilometres of cross-country paths, Linda points out that Kungsberget has something for even the most advanced skiers looking for a quick thrill.

“It's not the Alps,” she laughs. “But we do have slopes for every level, from complete beginners to advanced skiers. And we have a famous snow park, with rails and jumps and things, where people do tricks.”

The mountain resort also boasts what Linda says may be the most modern ski-rental system in the world.

“We made it completely digital,” she explains. “You fill out all the information online or on your phone in the car, and then your skis are waiting for you when you get there. That's something very unique to Kungsberget.”

That means less time in line and more time on the slopes – which means happy skiers and a happy Linda.

”If you have a normal office job then cold weather isn’t fun, you just think about your wet shoes when you walk to work,” she grins. “But here at Kungsberget, you get to use all the fun!”

Kungsberget: How to get there

By car

-From Stockholm, take the E4 motorway north toward Gävle. Take the Gävle C exit toward E16 Oslo and Sandviken.

-Continue to the Sandviken Västra exit, continue through the first roundabout, and then take a left at the second roundabout.

-Follow Järbovägen through the village of Järbo and after about 7 km, look for signs for Kungsberget.

-GPS coordinates: Kungsberget, 811 95 Järbo, Sweden 60.759776, 16.497650

By bus

Coach operator Swebus offers round-trip rides from Stockholm and Uppsala on weekends and holiday periods. Visit the Swebus website for more details.

This article was produced by The Local and sponsored by Kungsberget