For the Norell family, it was a big move when all seven family members packed up their belongings and closed the door to their house on Eriksgatan in Malmberget for the last time. In Gällivare, their new home was waiting in the mountain-near residential area of Repisvaara. Here, Dundret towers, and their house is perfectly positioned with a view of the mountain.

Joakim and Jessica Norell welcome me into their new home on Soldalsringen. The children, Loa, Hilda, and Hillevi, are playing outside in the sunshine. This brand-new house was provided by LKAB as compensation for their former family home in Malmberget. The move eventually became unavoidable due to the expansion of the local mining operations.

It was emotional because the children were sad about moving. It tugged at the heart to leave – it was their home, and they didn’t know anything else. But it was mainly because they didn’t know what to expect, and now we are all really happy. There are more friends and many families with children here," says Jessica Norell.

The uncertainty before we knew what we would get and where we would end up was tough. But once we knew, it was a relief," adds Joakim Norell.

New residential areas are popping up like mushrooms across Gällivare municipality, and for the Norell family, it was clear early on that Repisvaara was the place for them. Skiing is a big passion for the family, and now they live right next to the mountain resort.

Living next to a ski slope and a lift has always been the dream. That’s the main thing, and it’s why I chose to stay here when I moved from Stigtomta 25 years ago. Now we live on a constant mountain vacation – and we never have to leave it, concludes Joakim Norell.