The Hygge Journey (About Us)
By Kerri, Founder of Chalets Hygge
The story of Chalets Hygge is one of transformation, born from a moment of deep reflection and personal reckoning. It began with a deep burnout and the realization that life needed to change—and it grew into a journey of rediscovery, connection, and purpose.
THE MOMENT THAT EVERYTHING SHIFTED
In 2017, I, Kerri, found myself at a crossroads. As a CPA who had spent decades climbing the corporate ladder, I had achieved everything I thought I wanted: success, recognition, and financial security. But I was exhausted. The long hours, relentless deadlines, and constant pressure had left me burned out and questioning everything. I realized I wasn’t writing the story I wanted to leave behind. Instead of a life filled with meaning and joy, I felt like I was surviving.
At one point, my dad said to me, "Kerri, you are wishing your life away, and one day you will regret that." I will remember that for the rest of my life.
My partner, Philippe, was no stranger to the grind either. His career was equally demanding as an executive in tax and law technology corporations. We both loved our work, but it had consumed so much of us that we’d started to lose sight of what really mattered. It was a tough realization that became the catalyst for something new.
DISCOVERING HYGGE IN NORWAY
In the winter of 2018, we took a trip to Norway to celebrate Philippe’s 50th birthday—a dream adventure for him as a lifelong cross-country skier. I had already left my job but was still unsure what the next step was for me.
Norway’s breathtaking landscapes and the simple beauty of its snow-covered cabins gave us a glimpse of what life could be when you slowed down and embraced the moment. It was there that we discovered hygge.
Hygge: A blend of coziness and happy comfort that generates a feeling of contentment or well-being. Hygge is the magic of gathering with the people you love most and embracing the simple moments that spark joy and warmth.
Something clicked for us on that trip. We didn’t want to reflect on my life and see only numbers, spreadsheets, and deadlines. We wanted to create something lasting, something that brought joy—not just to us but to others.
Photos: From our trip to Norway
THE FIRST STEP TOWARD HYGGE
Returning to Quebec, we decided to act on that inspiration. In December 2017, we had purchased our first real estate investment property: a ski chalet in the same community we lived in that needed a lot of love to bring it back to life. It was meant to be a project that gave me something to do while I figured out my next career steps.
We poured our experience in Norway into that first chalet, transforming it into a space that embodied the warmth, simplicity, and coziness we had found in Norway. Every choice we made, from the design to the amenities, was rooted in the philosophy of creating a place where people could reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, and the beauty of the natural world.
Photos: Purchase and renovation of our first project, Chalet Scandinavian
A JOURNEY ROOTED IN PURPOSE
That first chalet marked the beginning of Chalets Hygge. Over the years, we expanded, acquiring and renovating more properties, each a unique reflection of the hygge lifestyle. From the soft textures of the furnishings to the carefully curated guest experiences, every detail was designed to help others find the peace and joy that had inspired us.
It wasn’t always easy. There were sleepless nights, steep learning curves, and moments of doubt. But every challenge reinforced why we had started. This wasn’t just a business; it was a mission to create something that aligned with our values and allowed us to share them with others.
Photos: Some of our favorites of the chalets taken by some of the fabulous photographers we are lucky enough to work with!
CREATING CONNECTIONS, FINDING MEANING
Chalets Hygge became more than a collection of properties—it became a way of life. For me, it was a way to rewrite my story, to step out of the burnout and into a life that felt meaningful. For Philippe, it was the realization of a dream to combine his love for the outdoors with his drive to create something lasting.
Together, we’ve built a brand that stands for more than just hospitality. It’s about helping others slow down, find joy in simplicity, and reconnect with what truly matters. From welcoming our first guests to forming partnerships with local businesses, every step has been about fostering a sense of connection and community.
Photos: Products from local artisans and producers in our chalets.
EXPERIENCES HYGGE
Chalets Hygge is our life's purpose and reflects our journey from burnout to purpose. It’s proof that even in life’s darkest moments, there’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and create something new. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue growing and sharing the magic of hygge, knowing that every guest we welcome is a part of the story we’re proud to write.
Thank you for being part of our journey 🧡 - Kerri, Philippe, Lola 🐶, Péné 🐈
