Erin Eriksson
Hedgehog Dryer Co-Founder, COO, and Mom of 5

November has always been a month of in-between - between autumn’s glow and winter’s snow, between the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the pause that comes with giving thanks. For our Swedish-Norwegian-American family, it’s a season we treasure: a blend of traditions, firsts, and small joys that mark the start of winter in the Hemsedal mountains.

A Month for Gratitude
While Thanksgiving isn’t a Norwegian holiday, it’s one we carry with us from the U.S. Every year we gather around a table full of delicious dishes and international friends and take time to say out loud what we are grateful for - a tradition I have had since I was a young girl growing up in California. Living far from where the tradition began somehow makes it feel even more intentional. For me personally, being able to spend quality time with my family on both sides of the pond (in Europe AND the U.S.) is incredibly special. That "family" can include family of origin and/or closest friends - the family you make. 

First Snowfalls 
Hemsedal’s first snowfalls always feels like magic. One morning the mountains wake up dusted in white, and suddenly everything is quieter. This year the early freeze gave us a gift: a perfectly smooth, frozen lake. My husband and our 10-year-old son laced up their skates and played hockey while I pulled our two smallest boys around the ice on sleds. It was cold but delightful! 

Winter Baking
November is also the month our kitchen fills with the scent of ginger cookies. (pepperkaker in Norwegian, pepparkakor in Swedish!) Rolling dough, cutting little stars and hearts, decorating with icing and M&Ms, sneaking warm cookies off the tray - these rituals are core memories. This year, our 4-year-old has taken the lead and shown us how it’s done! (Including a link to a recipe here!)

Looking Ahead to Ski Season
As the days get shorter, our anticipation grows. Winter here arrives with excitement: the promise of ski days, frosty mornings, and lots of time outside. We’re checking everyone’s ski and snowboard boot sizes, watching the weather, and waiting for that moment when the slopes officially open.

Fun fact: Hemsedal was ranked in the 10 top European ski destinations, according to Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

Another fun fact: Hedgehog Dryer’s faster, smarter dryers can help keep your shoes, boots, gloves and gear warm and dry this winter! Also a terrific holiday gift for your loved ones...give the gift of cozy toesies. :)

May your November be full of gratitude, small adventures, and the sweet anticipation of the months to come. Here's to easing into winter with cold noses, warm feet and full hearts!