Lillåstugan new owner is dedicated to preserving Åre waffle tradition

In an era where everything is supposed to be quick, scalable and profitable. The new owner of Lillåstugan ski hut in Åre stands up for the slow, unique and idealistic way of eating out.

Åre waffle tradition is strong. But the future of waffles at this legendary ski hut was threatened as it was put on sale after almost 90 years as a local run family business.

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The buyer, Anders Hultin, a big shot capitalist and former right-wing lobbyist, laid his hands on this gem, paying nearly 6 million SEK for the land title.

Because his money was earned from private schools financed with tax money, the purchase was the subject of debate in the national media. Private school’s bare presence is a divider in Swedish society.

Anders proclaimed that he had acquired the property since he had moved to Åre, and his children needed to be educated in the world of entrepreneurialism.

As a non-local, he did not understand handling the legacy from previous owners. As a matter of fact, he gave up after three seasons, leased out the contract last winter to a more local connected family. This, however, took an end already after one season.

Not because of a lack of demand for the waffles, on no. There was a Que for the delicious slow food served by Sandra Skarne and her friend Isabelle.

It took and end because the landlord asked for an unrealistic rent, which was based on the unrealistic high price Anders had paid just a few years ago. Well, It did not take long before the property was on the market once again this summer.

Lillåstugans keys finally landed i safe hands.

Sandra had her husband Gustav and his newfound friend Andreas Kantermo merge in a partnership, buying the house. Gustav, whose profession is property management, seems to have found a perfect partner.

Andreas, a local bred mountain goat, knows this part of the mountainside like few others. Moreover, Andreas wife Anna is already in the restaurant business. And he is a carpenter and a sort of MacGyver type, fixing everything.

Sandra Skarne is stoked over her move to Åre

Talking to Sandra, it strikes me how happy she is over this mission. “It feels fantastic” she tells me and I get the feeling that she just won the world cup in downhill or something.

“I’m gonna grow old here” she continues.

“The support from the village has been massive“ she proclaims as the words flow from her mouth full of enthusiasm.

So what’s the plan forward from here?

“Right now me, Gustav and Andreas are clearing the paths and preparing for the upcoming season. The grand opening is planned for the autumn holiday, beginning at the end of October. Then we will be open on weekends until the ski season starts in December. During the winter, we will be open every day unless there is a snowstorm and the government shuts us down. Otherwise, we will be open 7 days a week until May. And then we will open up again when summer starts”

So, how to get to this unique ski hut for a taste of their waffles?

Located in the middle of nowhere. As it seems, anyway. In between Åre and Tegefjäll, where the woods meet the high-alpine terrain. This is a roadless country. Only reachable by skis or by foot.

You can approach this place from several directions

A) from the parking lot at Ullådalen. From here there is a 2,5-kilometer walk or by skis, cross-country style. The trail heading straight west is quite flat, so everyone can manage this with the right gear on.

B) Starting from the same spot but going north, uphill for 2–3 kilometers, then flat for another kilometer, finishing off with a two-three kilometer easy descent. This tour is for the one thinking he/she needs to lose calories before gaining them.

C) access from Tegefjäll can be done by foot. Following the most eastbound ski slope/ski trail. This climb is nonetheless quite elevated and is most suitable for skiers equipped with randonnée skis.

The easiest way and the only way on alpine skis is to take Fjällvallsliften.

This is the most eastbound lift in the Duved/Tegefjäll lift system. There is a ski trail leading from the top of the lift direct to the restaurant.

At the same time you get Lillåstugan in sight, your pulse will slow down as you are moving back a century in time. The ski hut Lillåstugan is not only worth the effort getting there. You will get an instant reward.

You will find some of the best Swedish waffles here. Moreover, there is a host that takes its task seriously, caring for your convenience. So take my advice and go there, choose your path and go there.

Jonas Henning

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