The story of Tännäskröket
There is something special about Tännäskröket.
That genuine, authentic mountain feeling, when nature is untouched and the atmosphere has been shaped by the mountain pastures of the past.
But how did Tännäskröket get its soul? Who helped shape the place into what it is today?
Here is the story of Tännäskröket.
Giants
Once upon a time, a long time ago, there was a giant living in the area. One day, when the villagers decided to build a church in Tännäs, the giant was furious.
- "I'm going to stop them." he shouted, hurling the entire mountain massif at the little village. Fortunately for the villagers, the giant missed the village and instead created the mountains Hemkröket, Mellankröket and Östestkröket - what is now known as Tännäskröket.
Start
Life goes on in the village and the giant is soon forgotten. It is at this time that the villagers start skiing down the steep slopes of the Curve. There is a catch, however. In order to go back down, they have to walk back up the mountain, dragging their skis.
- "We're building a lift." someone said at a village council meeting. And said and done. Soon a chairlift will be proudly displayed on the north side of Hemkröket.
Erskines holiday village
One day the Kullenberg family arrives from Gothenburg. The Kullenbergs become completely enamoured of the place and decide that they want to build a whole holiday village on Kröket.
- "Only the best is good enough." say the Kullenbergers and hire Ralph Erskine, the leading architect of the day. Erskine takes the pen and makes an incredibly extensive detailed plan with over 650 houses spread over Hemkröket & Mellankröket. Unfortunately, the plan is scrapped and the holiday villages Fjällvattnet, Fjällbyn and Fjällkällan are built instead.
German hunters
During the 80s, more and more Germans start to go to Sweden. They build cottages in Småland, buy road signs with moose on them and even buy in Tännäs. Now the area becomes a sought-after place full of German hunters.
A place of your own in the mountains
Life goes on in the village and the giant is soon forgotten. It is at this time that the villagers start skiing down the steep slopes of the Curve. There is a catch, however. In order to go back down, they have to walk back up the mountain, dragging their skis. - "Let's build a lift." someone said at a village council meeting. And said and done. Soon a chairlift will be proudly displayed on the north side of Hemkröket.
From China to Tännäs
Torbjörn's daughter Jenny lives and works in Shanghai at the time of her father's investment in Tännäs. Deniz Bulus, also a Swede in exile, and Jenny meet and soon become a couple. Back in Sweden, a very enthusiastic Torbjörn talks about his new project in Funäsdalen.
- "But there is still a lot to do before we can move from a ski resort to a true skiers' paradise."
Jenny and Deniz decide to move upstairs and tackle this work.
Dreams take shape
They decide to go for a really high standard in terms of design, quality and materials. At the same time, the soul of the village must be preserved and the feeling of mountain holidays from the past must remain. It must also not be too expensive and exclusive to come here. It is with these dreams and visions that the new Tännäskröket begins to take shape.
Construction in progress
Now things are happening in Tännäs. A new ski system with new lifts is being built in the mountains. Roads, sewage treatment plant, cottage area, apartments, camping, restaurant and sports shop are being built. Nirvan Richter from the furniture and interior design shop Norrgavel is giving several of the cabins a local touch. The new Tännäskröket opens for the Christmas holidays in 2004.
New visions
Here we are today. Deniz and Jenny have now handed over the operation to Alexander Blomquist. Maria Pettersson and John-Arvid Fundin. Alexander is a firebrand from a family with a history in snowmaking, lift systems and ski resort operations. Maria has extensive experience in mountain tourism and is also a Swedish kayak champion. John-Arvid has been skiing in Tännäskröket since before there were lifts and has a constant passion for skiing and nature.
But there is still room for vision and new dreams. There are plans for cosy cottages overlooking Lake Lossen and the mountain massifs. A mountain hotel, a beautiful bathhouse with a view from Mellankröket, the eco-farm named Härjulf, swimming both indoors and outdoors, further development of the ski area, more summer activities.
Somehow, the ideas and desire to make Tännäskröket an even greater experience for guests never ceases. Nevertheless, there are some things that will never change. The villagers are as proud as ever of the place and its traditions. And the giant, he probably still keeps a watchful eye on the village.