The Norwegian Mafia – The Skiers Who Brought Style to Aspen

In the 1960s, a group of spirited Norwegian skiers, led by the legendary Stein Eriksen, arrived in Aspen with a different approach—elegant, playful, and bold. Dubbed "The Norwegian Mafia," they introduced a skiing style that was both revolutionary and eye-catching.

Among them was Kjell Vanghagen, who grew up in Lillehammer, where childhood meant one thing—playing on skis. When he arrived in Aspen in 1967 as a ski instructor, he never looked back. Perfect snow, blue skies, and a life on skis—these were the good old days.

Dressed in hand-knitted Norwegian sweaters, like the classic Streamline sweater designed by Bitten Eriksen, the Norwegian skiers brought more than just technique—they brought a distinct style to the slopes.

Kjell embraced and taught moves like the "Extreme Reverse Shoulder"—or as some called it, "the mambo." More than just a way to get down the mountain, skiing in Aspen was about expression, elegance, and having fun on the slopes.

[LucieSalat]

What a man. He would tell great stories. Excellent video composition, like a micro-movie. Takk!