KASTELRUTH · SEIS AM SCHLERN · SEISER ALM · VÖLS AM SCHLERN · TIERS AM ROSENGARTEN
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Foreword & Contents
Dear readers!
Welcome to winter! Hopefully the cold season will be at its splendid best once again this year in the Dolomites region Seiser Alm, with endless sun, deep blue skies and shimmering snowy countryside.
The editorial team here at ALPE, our popular Seiser Alm magazine, enjoyed a chat with three ski instructors about the latest trend in the world of skiing, the changes that have had an impact on their profession over the years, and about how a shortage of skilled workers is affecting snow sports. Likewise on the Seiser Alm, the editorial team took a look around the Compatsch square, where a few shops have resisted the passing of the years, on a trip which felt somewhat like a journey back in time: One shopkeeper tells us with a touch of sadness of how life has changed over the last few decades, adding that ease and comfort often take a backseat on holidays nowadays due to the never-ending pressure to perform, even on days off. The alternative to this tendency is to master the art of slowing down. And in this issue, we invite you, dear readers, to forego the notion of compulsive experiencing, and enjoy your holiday with mindful leisure.
Anybody who follows skiing will be familiar with Florian Schieder, the downhill and super-ski racer from Kastelruth who has carved a trail into the highest ranks of the top skiers. The young man joined ALPE for a conversation about his successes and setbacks, and about his favourite places in the Dolomites region Seiser Alm. The star of part 3 of our architecture series also comes from Kastelruth: Lukas Burgauner, who describes his affinity for commercial constructions, and presents his renovation of a listed building which is over 500 years old.
Three excavation sequences and the finds there of at Peterbühl in Völs am Schlern show us just how exciting archaeology can be. There is no comparable excavation from the Rhaetian period in this section of the Eisacktal Valley. In this issue, you can also read about the 40-hour prayer, a Catholic tradition which first began hundred of years ago.
We wish you a happy read and a relaxing break. It’s wonderful to have you here with us!
Helmut Mitterstieler President of Seiser Alm Marketing in the name of the Tourist Offices of Kastelruth, Seis am Schlern, Völs am Schlern, Seiser Alm and Tiers am Rosengarten.
Page 4
Kids in the snow
Page 6
The latest trends in snow-sports lessons
Page 14
At the Compatsch square, where time has stood still
Page 20
A portrait of ski racer Florian Schieder
Page 24
Florian’s favourite places
Page 26
The art of slowing down
Page 30
Architect Lukas Burgauner talks about his Oberpray project
Page 36
Archaeology: Rhaetian finds at Peterbühl
Page 40
The 40-hour prayer in Kastelruth
Page 44
Recipe: apple and walnut cake
Page 46
Winter highlights
Page 48
Summer 2025 preview
Page 50
Seen & heard
Foto: Helmuth Rier
Moments of joy
When they’re playing in the snow, kids experience a world filled with fun and joy. The carefree ease of being in the moment banishes all thoughts of the cold as they play outdoors and breathe in the crisp winter air. Nature becomes an adventure playground overflowing with things to discover and endless fun, without a care in the world. All that matters is the here and now.
Text: Elisabeth Augustin Foto: Helmuth Rier
Not just a stereotype on skis
The quickest routes to the best photo spots, off-piste skiing and the changing nature of the ‘time’ factor: Three instructors (one woman and two men), tell us about what’s trending this year, and about how their professions have changed over the past few years.
Many people—guests and locals alike—see ski instructors as a living, breathing stereotype of the South Tyrolean slopes. A positive one, but a stereotype nonetheless: a laugh on their lips, a cheeky remark at the ready, always up for a “pit stop” and a drink and dance to go along with it, flirty, and tanned to a perfect bronze. Although the image and expectations of a ski instructor remain true to tradition, the job itself has changed beyond recognition for snow-sports instructors, as they are now known, in recent years. While this transformation is largely due to technical developments in the sector, ski instructors are also acutely aware of the ever-changing nature of trends and ‘obsolete practices,’ both in the countries their students come from and the expectations of guests.
The countless ski instructors in the Seiser Alm ski area are well-acquainted with these issues and more still. ALPE spoke with three of them about
the essential skills of their profession, and about how teaching methods and trends have changed over the years.
The transformation of the ‘time’ factor
One of these is Patrick Fill. He believes that the cliché of “cheerful, sociable and tanned to boot are all good prerequisites for a successful ski instructor—both around 30 years ago, when I first started out, and today.” Apart from that, however, a lot of things have changed in the past few decades.
In the 1990s, time was an entirely different factor. “Stopping off somewhere for a drink and a bite to eat was standard practice. In the evenings, we were awash with invitations to our learners’ hotels and guesthouses, and sometimes we would even go
Sarah Mitterstieler (born 1997) from Völs am Schlern comes from a family of ski instructors. She herself began training as a ski instructor while attending the sports high school in St. Ulrich/Gröden and, since she finished school in 2016, has spent her winters working as a full-time ski instructor. “I have to admit that my first few years as a ski instructor were hard going: spending months in ski boots every day, from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm without a break in the high season, in all weathers, with constantly-changing people, languages and needs,” says Sarah. “But I love it now. Being a ski instructor has become part and parcel of winter for me.”
moonlight sledging with them,” says Fill. “Most of my clients were adults. The hotels and guesthouses at that time were still pretty basic; there were very few spas, indoor pools, saunas or 5-course gourmet meals and, as such, when the lifts stopped running the apres-ski sessions went on for much longer. If there was ever a holiday romance, it ended when the lady left – there were no cell phones back then, and writing letters was too time-consuming. “Over the years, everything has gotten faster, and nowadays ski lessons are just one of many jobs that have to be done on any given day.”
“Teaching methodology has changed by 80%, and the didactics and technical aspects have taken on a much more prominent role,” Fill tells us. “Ski lift systems, slope grooming and other technical aids— like the magic carpets on the beginners’ practice slopes—have evolved at an incredible speed, as has the ski equipment itself. Today, learning to ski is much easier. A lot of holidaymakers rent their equipment, so it is always in a good state of repair. Getting on and off lifts is also becoming easier and easier – there’s no comparison with the T-bars of days gone by.”
Fill, who teaches both group and private lessons to learners of all ages, still recalls when carving skis first made their appearance on the scene in the late ‘90s. “This put the brakes on the snowboarding boom for a while. While a lot of people used raceboards at that time, the snowboarders today generally use softboots, especially in the snow parks,” he explains. For a few years now, snowboarders have been making a steady return to the slopes. “This is probably linked to the increasingly international provenance of the holidaymakers who come to the Seiser Alm,” he suspects. “Up until a few years ago, the main languages used in ski lessons were German and Italian, but now we have a lot of guests from other countries – from Russia, to China, to the Arab states. The importance of English as the language of instruction is rising steadily.”
“Just” ski lessons are in decline
Fill’s fellow ski instructors also mention the rise in international guests. Alex Schenk, who manages outdoor activities for a hotel, believes that this trend may be due in part to international collaborations. “There is, for example, the North Ameri-
Kastelruther Alex Schenk (born 1986) spent his first winter as a full-time ski instructor in the 2007/08 season, prior to which he worked as a technical draughtsman. He continued to work in this profession during the “snow-free” months until the summer of 2011, when he established a summer itinerary of hikes and bike tours for the Seiser Alm Ski School. He ran this programme on an ongoing basis until he began to organise the outdoor activities for a 5-star hotel on the Seiser Alm, initially during the summer months and, since 2021, on a year-round basis. Schenk says that he loved working as a ski instructor, but that his current job offers the plus-point that “I no longer have a 7-day week, but a 5-day week, which is an enormous advantage in reaching a good work-family-life balance.”
can Ikon Pass, whose partner destinations include the Dolomiti Superski association and, as such, the Seiser Alm ski area,” says Schenk, adding that, “the entire Dolomiti Superski area provides both excellent skiing and excellent food, and people appreciate that.”
According to Schenk, both guests from far afield and from closer to home are less inclined to request skiing lessons alone. “It’s all moving more in the direction of day-tours and all-round support. This latter should be seen as an investment in the service sector and, for accommodation providers, an opportunity to differentiate,” he explains, adding that the trend for shorter holidays has led to a corresponding upswing in the importance of allround services.
A further trend, in Schenk’s opinion, can be seen in the growing enthusiasm for off-piste skiing. “An increasing number of winter sports enthusiasts, especially locals, are showing an interest in ski touring. They want to walk up the mountain with their skis, and ski off-piste, far from the groomed slopes,” he tells us. From a professional point of view, he can understand the appeal only too well:
“One challenge
of
instructing is that you never know exactly what to
expect
in
the next lesson. With the aid of an app, we can now at least find out the language, age and level of our students beforehand.”
“Off-piste is where you find the most authentic, purest skiing—although, needless to say, the snow and weather conditions have to be right, all safety measures have to be observed, and the necessary technical expertise is fundamental.” One reason for this particular trend, according to Schenk, may be that ski slopes have been somewhat crowded over the past few years, together with the fact that more and more people are looking for physically challenging exercise as a counterbalance to the sedentary nature of desk jobs.
“An all-round skier can freeride and freestyle, which means being able to jump and do a trick or
For Patrick Fill (born 1971), the 1993/94 winter season was the first time that he worked full-time as a ski instructor.
“Since then,” he says, “I have worked on the slopes every day of every year in the winter months. With one exception: I broke my ankle in December 1995, and wasn’t able to ski again until February 1996.”
Fill is a partner in the Seiser Alm Ski School—co-founded by his father in 1957 and the first ski school in the area—and was the director of the ski school from 2004 to 2008. His eldest son Fabian is also a ski instructor, although not on a full-time basis. For the last ten years or so, Fill has worked as a hiking guide during the summer months.
two in the snowpark,” says Schenk. “That’s why I do my utmost to make sure that the children I teach once a week in winter at a sports club course learn how to do exactly that.” Schenk is of no doubt that, “if children and teenagers are going to be life-long skiers, they have to learn to ski without the pressure of competition, enjoy an ‘all-round’ learning experience and, first and foremost, have fun while learning—and that goes for locals and guests alike.”
Our expert returns to the subject of internationalisation amongst holidaymakers in the Dolomites which, from around the 6th of January, fills in the former “January gap” after Christmas and New Year. “Influencers, or even just ‘regular’ social media users who showcase the Dolomites through their photos all year round contribute to this,” emphasises Schenk.
Photo spots, and a scarcity of skilled workers
Some social media enthusiasts book the young ski instructor Sarah Mitterstieler to take them to the most beautiful photo spots on the Seiser Alm within a one-hour radius. “But in an hour, you can do one or two at most,” she smiles.
Social media platforms are indispensable these days, both to promote a holiday region and to market the services of ski instructors and ski schools. “I take a great interest in social media and manage our school’s Instagram account together with a few of my co-instructors. For some time now, we have been the South Tyrolean ski school with the most followers,” she says happily.
Digitalisation has brought changes in other areas for the ski instructors. “One challenge of instructing is that you never know exactly what to expect in the next lesson. With the aid of an app that our school uses, we can now at least find out the language, age and level of our students beforehand,” explains Mitterstieler. “This is a great help in planning lessons.“
If more information could be entered into the app and forwarded to the instructors, “it would certainly be appreciated, but it would also take up more office time. There is a scarcity of staff, however, and it is getting harder to find seasonal staff
in this area,” says Mitterstieler, who is currently training to become a ski-school manager. There are also fewer and fewer nationally-qualified ski instructors and full-time instructors. “One solution to this issue may be to make some adjustments to the training,“ she says. “For example, the beginner courses for children require a lot of instructors on the practice slopes. This could be a great holiday job for students. To this end, there could be a separate training programme for ‘practice slope’ courses.”
Training to be a ski instructor in South Tyrol is a demanding business: the course lasts around three years, involves numerous training days together with lessons in technology, methodology, Alpine science, sports science, general knowledge and theory, and costs around 10,000 euros.
Sarah Mitterstieler recently graduated in Economics and works for a tax consultant in the summer months. When asked about her future, she replies that she is “not sure if I will continue to work as a ski instructor until I retire; it depends on a number of things, mainly my personal evolution, but also climate change and whether there will continue to be a lengthy snow guarantee during winter in the future, despite the use of snow cannons.”
“Ski lifts, slope grooming and other technical aids and ski equipment have come on in leap and bounds: learning to ski is much easier today.”
Active holidays and uniformed instructors
Alex Schenk takes a similar view, but is confident that active holidays will continue to have potential in the future. “We have ideal conditions for this on the Seiser Alm and the surrounding area,” he says with conviction. “South Tyrol and the Dolomites are unique, and have an immense appeal for the international audience. This is bolstered by the strength of the local businesses, most of which are family run.” In other tourist areas, people talk of the ‘tourism industry,’ a definition which you would never hear in South Tyrol. “With that said, an ever-increasing number of tourists are coming to the area,” says Schenk. “It is important to maintain acceptance of tourism amongst the local people, in the spirit of warm, welcoming hospitality.”
When asked about the future of ski instructing, Patrick Fill becomes a little nostalgic: “It was a very special moment for me when I received my first instructor jacket—almost like a uniform—and I wear it with joy and pride to this day. There is nothing else that I would rather do.” <
The profession of snow sports instructor — as it is now known — has changed over the past decades, largely due to technical developments.
Compatsch, the heart of the Seiser Alm, is the first port of call for sports fans, leisure seekers and holiday guests.
At the Compatsch square
A gentle breeze of the ‘good old days’ wafts Compatsch. The square is home to a few shops which have been there for forever and a day, and the first five-star hotel on the Seiser Alm.
Walking around the shops of the square of Compatsch feels a little like taking a trip back through time: amongst the businesses which have answered the call of modern mountain tourism, you will find an array of fading shop signs together with a few well-known faces which seem to have resisted the passing of the years.
If you are heading to the Seiser Alm, you can’t miss Compatsch: for the many hiking enthusiasts who take the gondola up to the high-mountain pastures, most day trips begin and end here and, for vehicles without a special permit, the time-restricted route along the Seiser Alm road ends at the square in Compatsch.
In the 1960s Compatsch saw the construction of a number of impressive buildings which reflected the innovative zeitgeist of the times, while the first ski lifts opened the gates to tourism. To this day, locals cherish fond memories of the construction com-
pany—Vanzo, from Rome—who built the Eurotel Sciliar in Compatsch and various other large-scale projects on the Seiser Alm. In 1967, a sprawling hotel complex complete with apartments and garages and shops on its ground floor were built right on the square itself. There’s always something happening here in the heart of the mountain pasture.
Professional and personal. The traditional shops nestled between the chic and showy bars have resisted the passing of the years. In front of the Erica ski-school rental shop you can meet Adolf Nocker, as he smokes his cigar in serene pleasure: “I was enticed here by a girl named Erika, the peaceful village of Kastelruth, the sunny, spectacular Seiser Alm,” says Adolf, originally from Wolkenstein in the Gröden Valley. Erika and he were both ski instructors, and opening a sports shop was a logical decision for them. That was back in the summer of 1973. Until 2001, Erica Sportique also stocked dress ‘confections,’ as mass-produced clothing used to be
Text: Elisabeth Augustin Foto: Helmuth Rier
known. Erika, who went on to become his wife, also recognised the importance of stocking high-quality, stylish clothing. Adolf is still very much in business at the Erica ski-rental shop, where he rents out skis, snowboards and toboggans. “Our customers really value the personal contact, and the fact that we serve them in peace and tranquillity: there’s no such thing as hectic frenzy here,” the charismatic shopkeeper tells us. Adolf Nocker has forged a number of friendships over the decades, and still enjoys skiing himself. “The Seiser Alm is the perfect destination for a leisurely ski trip,” he says, “and working in the rental shop brings a lot of variety to life.” The 80-plus year-old is grateful to have been able to spend every day for the last 50 winters in the Alpine pasture. “I am a happy person, live in a fairytale area, and will carry on for as long as I can.”
Postcards and snow globes. Next door, at Foto Trocker, where the main items on sale are newspapers and souvenirs, tourists come and go all day long. The previous owner of the shop was Sebas-
tian Trocker, a photographer who was famed for his beautiful postcards; since her husband’s death, Elisabeth Trocker has been running the shop where you can find everything from snow globes to goblins to sun cream. “And whatever else a holidaymaker may need or forgot to pack,” says saleswoman Anita Gurschler from Seis. She has been working in the shop for 14 years, while her colleague Martina Kantioler from Kollman has been serving customers from all around the world since 1987. Unfortunately, demand for newspapers is in sharp decline, but small souvenirs remain very much in demand. “Our customers like to get a souvenir of their holiday, or just pop in to see what we have,” says Anita. Fridge magnets are the out-andout bestsellers, while cute hiking-stick medallions are often a reward to oneself after a hard day’s hiking, particularly for children. Given its central location, the souvenir shop is also a much-frequented informal information point, although the tourist office is just opposite. However, Anita and Martina are delighted to have so many interesting conver-
Adolf Nocker is a true institution of Compatsch. He and his wife Erika have carried out pioneering work in the area, and he has been serving his customers for over 50 years.
sations with guests and hikers—and there’s always a bit of excitement when a famous face appears amongst them. Boss Elisabeth talks glowingly of the good humour amongst the shop owners in Compatsch. Nevertheless, she says, there is still room for improvement in the visitor-friendliness of the square’s infrastructure.
Seven days a week. The shopkeepers at the Compatsch square are a community unto themselves. Even on stress-filled days, there is always time for a chat over coffee or a drink: at the end of the day, sharing the latest news is an important affair. Eugen Goller is another one of the ‘characters’ of the square. Sadly, the days of Uncle Eugens food
boutique are numbered; Eugen doesn’t want to be drawn into giving a specific date as to his retirement, a prospect of joy and sadness in equal measure. “People used to enjoy a true holiday, but nowadays every day off brings with it another day of pressure to perform,” he says regretfully. “A lot has changed.” Since 1976, Olga Tröbinger has brought dedication and enthusiasm to her job behind the counter at Eugen and Oskar Goller’s shop, summer and winter alike. Now that Olga has taken a well-deserved retirement, the owners decided to shut up shop. “We have everything one could ever need in case of an emergency,” Olga tells ALPE when we meet up shortly before her retirement; “We stock everything from groceries to medicines.”
At Foto Trocker, you can find everything imaginable, from the cute to the useful. Elisabeth Trocker and her loyal staff Martina Kantioler and Anita Gurschler are always happy when there’s a lot going on.
The store is open from 9am to 6pm, from Christmas to Easter and from mid-May to the end of October. However, it is hard to make ends meet by selling milk and bread alone, and competition from the supermarkets in Kastelruth and Seis is keenly felt. Olga says, with a touch of sadness, that holidaymakers spend less time carousing these days.
And that, of course, means that they’re dedicating more time to sports. At the age of 17, Hans Hofer, another firm fixture in the square of Compatsch, was an apprentice to the legendary Lisl Trocker. Recently, he accepted the opportunity to take over Sport Trocker at the end of the row of shops and open up his own sports shop, which is now known as Sport Hans. The bulk of his business is based on rental of sporting equipment: over the last few years, sale and rental of e-bikes and mountain bikes has been a booming business in the summer months. Hans Hofer’s son Samuel helps out in the shop with enthusiasm and expertise.
Preferably “car-free”. The Hotel Urthaler in Compatsch is home to a true Seiser Alm mainstay: the sharp-witted Walter Urthaler, who was born here in 1938 and grew up here, is living tour-
ism history. A former ski instructor, not to mention Economics graduate, he tells us about the 1970s, when ski courses were included in hotel rates. At that time, when the Seiser Alm was soaring in popularity as a winter destination and there were not nearly enough ski instructors to meet the needs of the trend, Walter trained no fewer than 320 new instructors in just 6 months. The winter-sports boom was unstoppable in the decades to follow, bringing a considerable boost to the mountain plateau. With its central location in the heart of Compatsch, the Hotel Urthaler, originally built in 1937 as the Hotel Bellavista, has always been a popular destination for guests from near and far; it was also one of the hotels which benefitted immensely from the traffic reduction resulting from the 2003 legislation restricting access to the Seiser Alm. “Ever since access has been reserved primarily to farmers, holiday guests and hotel staff, the Seiser Alm has seen an immense improvement in quality,” says Walter happily. If he had one wish, it would be to eradicate all cars from the Alpine pasture and build underground car parks in Compatsch for essential traffic. His son Thomas, an architect, has already drawn up a sophisticated plan to this end, the main impediment to which is the overcoming of bureaucratic
Hans Hofer (pictured above) is also a mainstay of Compatsch, and his sporting goods are in great demand.
Hotelier Walter Urthaler (pictured with his wife Nina and daughter Barbara) is very keen that tourism develops in a positive direction.
hurdles. With that said, however, nowadays only a deeply unpleasant memory remains of the days when an avalanche of metal drove up to the Seiser Alm and parked in Compatsch every single day.
In addition to the Hotel Urthaler, Walter Urthaler runs the Hotel Plaza and the Kneissl Bar (Bar d&b) in the square together with his wife Nina and children Barbara and Robert. In the future, he would like to see a more measured approach towards the number of guests and visitors. “The Seiser Alm is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world,” the pioneering Walter enthuses. “I am grateful and happy to have been born here, and to have the opportunity to live here.” Taking an optimistic view of future developments is great importance to Walter and, as such, it’s no surprise
that he has set new benchmarks with his own hotel, the first all-wood hotel. The converted Hotel Urthaler was also the first hotel on the Seiser Alm to receive 5-star status back in 2002.
The square of Compatsch with its shops, hotels and restaurants—including the adjacent St. Francis Church, which opened in 2009, and the modern fire station—may not be a prime example of harmonious architecture, but the heart of the Seiser Alm nevertheless beats here in this spot. Since the Seiser Alm cable car first started running in 2003, the crowds shifted to the valley and mountain stations—and, to a certain extent, this has been to the benefit of the evolution of the Compatsch square and its breathtaking mountain panorama. <
Sadly, the days of Eugen’s food boutique are numbered. With the retirement of shopkeeper Eugen Goller and his assistant Olga Tröbinger, an era comes to an end.
The skiing sensation
What a triumph! With his two-in-a-row “Silver Chamois” victories on the famed and fearsome Streif downhill in Kitzbühel, Alpine ski racer Florian Schieder from Kastelruth has achieved a spectacular feat.
Florian Schieder has been a firm fixture on the skiing scene for a long time now, both as a downhill and a Super-G racer. Born in 1995, Schieder grew up on the Prossliner Hof farm below Kastelruth, and discovered his passion for skiing as a child. Although he didn’t chalk up a notable number of victories as a child and teenager, the trainers at his ski club noticed his talent and his unrivalled nerve in hurtling himself down steep slopes. In the years to come, at the Schlern Training Centre – now known as the Seiser Alm Ski Team – the young athlete found the backing required to make the move to professional skiing. At the age of 17 he made his debut in the Europa Ski Cup in all disciplines, from slalom to giant slalom and downhill. In the same year, he completed an expert training in skilled crafts-
manship. And, like his father Karl, one of the founding members of the Kastelruther Spatzen (folk music band), he joined the Kastelruth brass band, with whom he has been playing the trombone since his youth and has – as far as his career permits – been working on the board for many years.
Setbacks and endless patience. Florian Schieder has been competing in World Cup races since 2017. And it’s incredible to see how the Kastelruth boy has carved his path into the highest ranks of the top skiers! The path has been anything but easy, and has been marked by repeated injuries: in autumn 2021, he had to undergo an operation on his left knee, followed by surgery on his right knee in January 2024. Needless to say, these setbacks
Kastelruther ski racer
Florian Schieder has skiing in his DNA and hurtles himself fearlessly down the steepest of slopes.
Text: Rosa Maria Erlacher
Foto: Helmuth Rier, Pentaphoto
led to abrupt breaks in his career, missed training, and a lengthy spell of physiotherapy. Florian is one of life’s eternal optimists, however, and does not let his spirits waver – he knows himself that, with two podiums in Kitzbühel under his belt, he has the strength and the talent to be at the top of the top. “It just takes a lot of patience to get back into it again after that kind of blow, but I’m a fighter,” said Florian in spring of this year when he was getting ready for summer training at home. During a lengthy spell of physiotherapy his bike became his best friend, and he covers considerable distances on both mountain bike and racing bike to get his knees strong and supple for summer training. “I’m definitely hoping to be ready for South America,” he says with assurance. Unfortunately, he has had to give up mountain hiking – one of his other passions – for the time being, as his right knee is not yet up to withstanding the exertion.
A fighting spirit. Florian enjoys working on the farm, primarily at the Prossliner Schwaige hut on Seiser Alm and during the summer months due to the intensity of the ski racing seasons, and he can easily imagine taking over the farm in future years. The two “Silver Chamois” trophies from the Streif races have a place of honour in his recently-built apartment in his parents’ farmhouse. What a result! The Streif downhill in Kitzbühel is considered to be one of the most difficult runs in the world, and insiders of the scene even rate it as the most arduous of all. And then a relatively unknown skier comes along in the 2022/23 racing season – with bib 43 (!) and pulls off a podium with nonchalant confidence. 2nd place, silver!!! It was a spectacular feat, and catapulted Florian to the top of the world rankings. Great celebrations ensued in the Italian team, Florian’s fan club went wild, and the Italian and international press waxed lyrical of his accomplishments. “I was particularly pleased that my fellow racers were so sincere in their congratulations,” he says. And they also swept away the last remnants of self-doubt after his many setbacks.
This ranking brought Schieder to fame, and propelled him into the top positions in terms of bib allocation. However, following the downhill in Wen-
gen in January 2024 – a week before Kitzbühel – where he took 4th place, narrowly missing a podium spot, he had severe pain in his right knee once again. But the piste to success on the Streif was still ahead of him, and he wanted to try it again. With the help of his physiotherapist, he managed to get the pain under control and compete in the race. And then the tension began to mount…
The Streif – his lucky charm. Florian Schieder may not be as brawnily built as some of the other powerhouses among his downhill colleagues but as mentioned, he has an abundance of courage and knows no fear. For a fairly long time he took the lead against superstar and double Wengen champion Marco Odermatt, and was secretly hoping to take the gold. However, when France’s Cyprien Sarrazin crossed the finish line with a lead of 5 hundredths of a second, he had to admit defeat. A tiny 0.05 seconds – a seat-edge hundredths –but Florian was glowing with joy nevertheless: 2nd place, the same as the previous year! A top ranking, every reason to celebrate, and the whole of South Tyrol was elated. The Kastelruth champ went from interview to interview before he made his retreat, had a session with his physiotherapist and raced the Hahnenkamm downhill the following day, where he finished 15th. After the Kitzbühel weekend he went for a check-up. Result? He was going to have to have surgery. Schieder competed in one more downhill in Kvitfjell (Norway), but the disappointing result – 55th place – led to his decision to end his ski season sooner than planned. “I’ll be fit again next season,” says Florian with certainty. All the very best of luck and success, Florian!
N.B. The Streif specialist from Kastelruth is back in full training with the Italian team. He wears the “Seiser Alm” logo on his helmet with pride and – he wants to emphasise this – he is very much looking forward to his next challenges in the 2024/25 racing season. <
In 2023 and 2024, Florian Schieder took second place on the podium at the legendary Streif descent in Kitzbühel. The celebrations were immense!
Florian’s favourite places
The Kofel/Calvary hill in Kastelruth
For Florian, this small hill in the centre of Kastelruth is infused with power and energy. Originally a fortification to the village of “Castellum Ruptum” (broken castle), over the years the Kofel has taken on a religious, quasi mystical significance for the local people. The views from up here are also absolutely breathtaking.
The Königswarte in Laranz
The Laranz Forest between the villages of Kastelruth und Seis am Schlern is an oasis of tranquillity for Florian, who goes there to jog and to recharge his batteries on a stressful day. With its spectacular views, the Königswarte, or “King’s view,” named for King Friedrich August III of Saxony, is the highlight of this running and hiking trail.
The Marinzen Alm in Kastelruth
Although there is a lift, Florian prefers to mountain-bike his way to the Marinzen Alm mountain pasture in the summer months. It is here that he took his first steps on skis as a child. He particularly loves the picturesque little fishing lake in this idyllic spot, and his uncle’s mountain hut, which he often visits.
The Prossliner Schwaige on the Seiser Alm
In summer, Florian particularly enjoys running from Kastelruth to Seis and up the the Geologist’s Trail to the Prossliner Schwaige mountain hut, where he helps his family bring in the hay, and where his uncle has a neighbouring mountain inn. From the farm he runs onwards to the Schlern, which he absolutely adores, especially at sunrise.
Rier
AFFORDABLY AND SUSTAINABLE TO THE WINTER WONDERLAND SEISER ALM
Benefit card for toboganists, hikers and snow shoe hikers, cross-country skiers.
Combi Card 3 in 7* 70,00 Euro
In the course of 7 successive days (after first use)
> 3 times to the Seiser Alm and back, with the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway OR the Seiser Alm Express (Bus Routes 10)
> unrestricted use of the Shuttle Bus Service (Bus Routes 1, 2, 3, 3A, 5, 15) around the Seiser Alm and the Almbus (Bus Routes 11)
> Extra charge for the dog: 9,00 €
Combi Card 7* 90,00 Euro
Valid for 7 successive days (after first use)
> unrestricted use of the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway or the Seiser Alm Express (Bus Route 10)
> unrestricted use of the Shuttle Bus Service (Bus Routes 1, 2, 3, 3A, 5, 15) around the Seiser Alm and the Almbus (Bus Routes 11)
> Extra charge for the dog: 21,00 €
Combi Card 14* 136,00 Euro
Valid for 14 successive days (after first use)
> unrestricted use of the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway or the Seiser Alm Express (Bus Route 10)
> unrestricted use of the Shuttle Bus Service (Bus Routes 1, 2, 3, 3A, 5, 15) around the Seiser Alm and the Almbus (Bus Routes 11)
> Extra charge for the dog: 42,00 €
Nordic Pass 3 in 7* 85,00 Euro
Over the course of 7 successive days (after first use)
> on 3 days unrestricted use of the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway OR the Seiser Alm Express (Bus Route 10), on the same 3 days unrestricted use of using the Cross-Country Ski Courses Seiser Alm / Val Gardena and the Almbus (Bus Routes 11)
> unrestricted use of the Shuttle Bus Service (Bus Routes 1, 2, 3, 3A, 5, 15)
Nordic Pass 7* 113,00 Euro
Valid for 7 successive days (after first use)
> unrestricted use of the Cross-Country Ski Courses Seiser Alm / Val Gardena, of the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway and the Seiser Alm Express (Bus Route 10)
> unrestricted use of the Shuttle Bus Service (Bus Routes 1, 2, 3, 3A, 5, 15) and the Almbus (Bus Route 11)
Nordic Pass 14* 173,00 Euro
Valid for 14 successive days (after first use)
> unrestricted use of the Cross-Country Ski Courses Seiser Alm / Val Gardena, of the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway and the Seiser Alm Express (Bus Route 10)
> unrestricted use of the Shuttle Bus Service (Bus Routes 1, 2, 3, 3A, 5, 15) and the Almbus (Bus Route 11)
> The Combi Card and the Nordic Pass are not transferable and are available at all cash desks of the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway, at the Tourist Offices of Kastelruth, Seis am Schlern, Völs am Schlern and at some accommodation.
> Combi Card: Kids born 2017–2021 and persons in wheelchairs ride free of charge. Juniors born 2007–2016 pay only half fare.
> Nordic Pass: Juniors born after 01.01.2009 pay only half fare.
*The Guest Card “Südtirol Alto Adige Guest Pass” from Dolomites region Seiser Alm, which is not available for purchase and is issued free of charge to the guests by the accomodation, includes a price reduction for the Combi Card and for the Nordic Pass.
Seis-Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway
39040 Seis am Schlern · Schlernstr. 39 Tel. +39 0471 704 270 · www.seiseralmbahn.it · info@seiseralmbahn.it
The art of slowing down
Enjoying life mindfully rather than experiencing compulsively; simply doing whatever you feel like doing. That is true luxury.
Modern technology was supposed to make our lives easier and free up our time. Yet here we are, burdened down with an ever-increasing workload. And in the long term, this frenetic pace of life leads to overload. Our mobile phones bring our entire lives to our fingertips, and drawing a line between our professional and private lives is a hard thing to do. This applies every bit as much to Traditionalist (born between 1922 and 1955) and Baby Boomers (1956-1965) as it does to Generations X (19661980), Y (1981-1995) and Z (1996-2009). Generation Alpha (born from 2010 onwards) is growing up with modern technology: we can see how even babies in prams watch videos on their parents‘ smartphones to pass the time while their parents are walking or hiking. The “outer” world fades out of consciousness.
we always have our phones in our hands – joyful moments are there to be captured or shared with the world, after all! Generation Z are taking this latter aspect to the limits: when you look at young people setting a scene to show themselves to their best advantage on social media you get the impression that they don’t even notice their surroundings, so preoccupied are they with themselves.
Text: Katja Sanin
Foto: Helmuth Rier
Being constantly reachable and online means that we are unable to switch off or find a moment’s peace: whether it’s for work or personal purposes,
That is why it’s all the nicer when you do meet groups of young folk hiking or skiing in the mountains – free of mobile phones and absorbed in conversation with friends or, quite simply, looking out to the mountain peaks. In the Dolomites region Seiser Alm there are innumerable spots for everybody who wants to escape the hectic pace of everyday life. And every area has its own distinct character: If you like lively sophistication Kastelruth is the place to be, while Seis am Schlern and Völs am Schlern have a more peaceful ambience. Tiers am Rosengarten is the ‘insiders‘ tip’ for nature lovers; this small mountain village has no loud pubs, trendy restaurants or opulent window displays, and is ideal for slowing down, far from the
The spectacular winter landscape of the Dolomites region Seiser Alm invites you to relax and to marvel at the beauty: Relaxation generates relaxation.
allure of high-speed habits. When you step out from your hotel in Tiers in the evening, all you hear is the sound of nature.
Whether you’re holidaying in a wellness hotel, a small family-run guesthouse, on a farm or in an apartment or chalet – our journey towards inner peace is entirely in our own hands: this means bringing our bodies and our minds into harmony. So many people, however, have not learned to listen to their bodies‘ signals, or to say no; they let outer influences dominate, and are all but unable to relax, even on holiday.
A frenetic pace of life and stress are a widespread phenomenon in our society. And all too often, this lifestyle does not stop even during the holidays –there is so much to see! The ultimate aim should be, however, to enjoy our moments mindfully rather than racing compulsively from one experience to the next. Why not simply enjoy the sight of a beautifully-presented evening meal and breathe in the aromas of the seasoning rather than clearing the table around the plate for a perfect photo? It’s a scenario that is familiar to all of us – and no doubt we’ve caught ourselves doing the same thing.
Like everything in life, it’s important to find the right balance: People who are stressed often need a few days to get into the holiday mood: simply relaxing, taking a day-trip to the snow-blanketed winter’s countryside, or just letting your mind unwind all help to switch off. Spending a few minutes in a peaceful place, closing your eyes and letting our thoughts come and go without analysing them helps to soothe strung-out nerves and ease pressure. Being able to do something that you just feel like doing rather than something you have to do is the truest form of luxury, and the quintessence of a restful holiday. Discover the art of slowing down in the Dolomites region Seiser Alm – on skis, on a sledge, on a hike, in the spa, or wherever you truly want to be. <
The myth of the Dolomites
In South Tyrolean extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner’s words, they are “the most beautiful mountains in the world“. The incomparable beauty of the Dolomites is widely renowned and for many they are synonymous with excellence in winter holidays.
The mountains of the Dolomites can be thought of as a fossilised coral reef arching up into the sky in spectacular fashion. Thanks to their monumental beauty as well as their geological and geomorphologic significance, the so-called Pale Mountains were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2009. Divided into nine areas and forming part of the Nature Park Schlern-Rosengar-
ten, the Dolomites are considered one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.
Nature Park Schlern-Rosengarten:
South Tyrol’s oldest natural reserve, a 7,291-hectare park, is situated in the western Dolomites and was founded in 1974. The Schlern is an impressive mountain range whose emblematic outline, that includes the Santner and
Euringer peaks, stands out as one of the signature landmarks of South Tyrol. The Rosengarten massif, with its numerous peaks, is also known far beyond the country’s borders. The most striking part of the massif is the Kesselkogel peak, which stands at a height of 3,002 metres. The natural park also includes the mountain forests around Seis, Völs and Tiers, and the Tschamin Valley . «
Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage
1 Pelmo, Croda da Lago
2 Marmolada
3 Pale San Martino, San Lucano Dolomiti Bellunesi, Vette Feltrine
4 Friulian and d’Oltre Piave Dolomites
5 Northern Dolomites
6 Puez-Odle
7 Schlern-Rosengarten, Latemar
8 Bletterbach
9 Brenta Dolomites
The fascinating mountain scenery of the Dolomites: the Schlern
Parts of the renovated farm building of the Oberpray farm are more than 500 years old. Now it is used as a residential building
A contemporary testimony to the past
A number of architects from the Dolomites region Seiser Alm have made a name for themselves through their innovative design features and perspective. One of these is Lukas Burgauner from Kastelruth who, for part 3 of ALPE’s architecture series, presents a project in his home town: the renovation of a listed building over 500 years old.
The trees which became the main support beams of the recently-renovated barn of the Oberpray farm beside the cemetery in the centre of Kastelruth were felled in 1488, as revealed during construction research by means of dendrochronological analysis. “The annual rings of the wood, in this case a drill-core extracted from the wooden beams, are compared with those stored in a database. By matching the rings, scientists are able to determine the age of the wood or the time it was felled with pinpoint precision,” explains Lukas Burgauner, the architect who supervised the design and implementation of the project.
Ascertaining the age of the wood was a prerequisite stipulation of South Tyrol’s Office of Architectural and Artistic Heritage prior to the implementation of the project: the conversion of a listed building, complete with byre and barn, into a residential building with three apartments for the owner and family.
Varying conditions and phases of renovation
The Oberpray farm comprises a residence featuring a crenellated gable, a stone-framed pointed-arch doorway and square bay window, and a farm building which has been preserved. Oberpray has been a listed building since 1950, and the neighbouring
“One
principle of listed-building preservation is that everything which is replaced, or new, is visibly identifiable as such.”
Schoberstein and Unterpray properties since 1980. The buildings of the ensemble are in varying states or phases of renovation, and belong to different owners. “The Operpray homestead was renovated around 20 years ago, while the adjacent farm build-
Text: Editorial team Foto: Helmuth Rier
Entire wall sections of the renovated building have been glazed. As a result, the former barn remains recognizable as a farm building, despite its current use as a residential building.
ing to the north had been unused for many years and was severely affected by weathering,” says Burgauner.
Subsequent to its original function as barn and byre, the farm building earmarked for renovation had also been used for other purposes; “To give one example, Gottfried Karbon, known far and wide as the ‘ski maker’ had his first company workshop there,” says Burgauner. “Under the former South Tyrolean regional planning permission regulation— known as the ‘Stadlgesetz’ (the ‘Barn Law’)—towns and villages in the local area had the opportunity to transform unused agricultural buildings within the settlement into conventional residential properties, i.e. residential buildings exclusively for residents of the Province.”
“The challenge of this construction project,” Burgauner continues, “lay in the fact that the building was listed, and therefore had to be preserved or renovated in accordance with the general principles of heritage conservation.” The residential conversion received approval from the Provincial
THE ARCHITECT
Lukas Burgauner (born 1974) grew up in Kastelruth. After completing his studies in architecture in Innsbruck and Seville around 20 years ago he went on to open his own studio in Bozen, where he currently works together with three employees on the design and implementation of a variety of architectural projects. The Kastelruther architect has made a name for himself in South Tyrol and beyond, particularly in matters of representative premises for companies buildings and in the mobility sector. His projects include the expansion of the headquarters of international wholesale company Rothoblaas in Kurtatsch and the valley station of the Seiser Alm cable car, complete with construction of the cable-car parking garage, and the adjacent headquarters of the Silbernagl/SiMobil bus company. “Around 80% of my work is in the commercial sector,” says Burgauner. “The rest is split between a wide variety of projects ranging from residential construction to hotels and the design of public spaces.”
To find out more on the subject of commercial and mobility buildings and why the 50-year-old architect has made them his area of expertise, see page 34.
“ The trees which became the main support beams of the recently-renovated barn of the Oberpray farm in the centre of Kastelruth were felled in 1488.”
Office of Architectural and Artistic Heritage; however, the existing plastered stone masonry—originally the byre—underneath the wooden frame of the barn, had to retain its original appearance and construction, and only the decayed sections of the wooden frame could be replaced with new wood. Rather than installing conventional windows in the barn section of the building, entire sections of the wall were removed and glazed in entirety in order to preserve the original appearance in the best-possible manner.
FUNCTION BEFORE FORM – WHY COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION APPEALS TO LUKAS BURGAUNER
“By chance, my first buildings were commercial, so I gained a foothold in the commercial sector early on, and specialised my own architectural studio in this direction. These are projects which focus fully on functionality. Function comes before form. This is both the appeal and the challenge: first you have to get an insight into the company and how it works, and then you can think about its architecture. My projects are often centred on process rationalisation and, accordingly, I place immense priority on ensuring that all processes slot together seamlessly. Several experts in a wide range of sectors generally work on the development of my projects.
When it comes to designing company premises, my primary goal is to create attractive workplaces, where the purpose and scope of the building is reflected in an aesthetically-pleasing exterior. Naturally, every element of construction—particularly in the choice of materials—depends on the context, on where and for whom the building is being constructed.
Commercial construction also allows for a certain amount of progressive thinking as these buildings are generally located outside of the historic areas of town, where companies want an impactful presence with a modern, contemporary aesthetic.
However, I also value non-commercial projects. Every project is a challenge, regardless of the purpose or size, or whether it is for work or residential purposes, a new build or a renovation. My employees and I are passionately committed to every project we undertake; this is precisely what makes our profession so exciting and so filled with variety.”
Project implementation in two main phases
The work was then carried out in two main phases: The structural renovation and, subsequently, the interior work. “During the first phase, the original masonry was drained and renovated. A new concrete staircase was also integrated into the building, connecting the three residential units with the entrance area. A completely new frame was built at the precise point where the wooden framework had suffered most damage. In addition, a garage and the requisite technical service rooms were added directly on the ground floor,” explains Burgauner. The dilapidated, decaying part of the building had to be raised and reconstructed with true-to-original new wood.
Every decision taken regarding the renovation was clarified with the Office of Architectural and Artistic Heritage during the various on-site inspections. “The condition of the wooden structure was extremely precarious in several places, and, from a static perspective, it was no longer possible to preserve it. Many parts of the frame, therefore, had to be replaced and rebuilt as new. We did this with new wood rather than old, in order to highlight both the old and the new,”
The listed Oberpray farmstead in Kastelruth with the recently renovated building.
says Burgauner. “One principle of listed-building preservation is that everything which is replaced, or new, is visibly identifiable as such.” The steeply-pitched hipped roof was reshingled with shingles from local larch trees.
The second phase of the renovations comprised the interior renovations, including all integrated building technology. “The interior works were carried out using drywall construction methods, and a sand-cement mix was used only for the floor levelling and heating screed,” Burgauner tells us.
The renovations have now been completed. Although the former barn in Oberpray appears to
be a modern building from the outside, its long history of over 500 years is still clear to be seen. Or rather, in the words of the architect himself: “The listed Oberpray farm and its surrounding buildings bear witness to the history of Kastelruth, and date back to the origins of its settlement. The historical substance of the building has been preserved for the future.”
Although the renovation of old buildings is an exceptionally complex task, “the blend of the old and the new is very exciting for me as an architect,” Burgauner concludes, adding that, “living in a historic building is very different to living in a modern construction. I know that from my own experience.” <
Here you can read more about part 1 (ALPE Winter 2023/24) and part 2 (ALPE Summer 2024) of ALPE’s architecture series.
The Rhaetian roots of Peterbühl
Völs am Schlern was first settled over 3,000 years ago. Over the years, archaeologists have unearthed countless fascinating finds in the Peterbühl area.
Peterbühl is a magical spot, particularly when the setting sun bathes the countryside in a surreal, golden light, and in changeable weather when, if you look over from Obervöls/Fiè di Sopra, it appears to rise up from a sea of mist like an enchanted island. Suffused with an air of tranquillity, this fairytale hill in the heart of the village is an all-natural sightseeing attraction, and the little bench in front of the chapel is a box seat for the most spectacularly beautiful views of Völs and the Schlern towering up behind it.
You don’t need to be an expert in the field to feel the energy that exudes from this area, the hub around which the settlement history of Völs am Schlern unfolds: even if you simply let your gaze sweep over its oddly-shaped, slightly terraced terrain, it reveals an incredible amount of its long, eventful history. In the local vernacular, its hollows and depressions are described with the stubbornly persistent term of ‘Bombenlöcher’ (‘bomb holes’), although witnesses from the times and those who have come after them know better: while the area
Text: Sabine Funk
Foto: Helmuth Rier
was indeed bombed during the Second World War (or, rather, the train line running through the valley), the dips in the terrain are the remains of ancient dwellings dating back over 3,000 years ago when Peterbühl was first settled. The findings from three sequences of archaeological excavations confirm that, in the middle to late Bronze Age (i.e. approx 1,500 to 1,000 BC), the area was inhabited by a community belonging to the Rhaetian people, the ethnic group who settled the Alpine region prior to their Romanisation in the 1st century BC.
In 1939, a primary school teacher by the name of Antonie Psenner found a female figurine of just a few centimetres high in hammered sheet bronze at Peterbühl. This, and other scattered finds, led to the first exploratory dig of 1954— resumed in 1956 and 1959—under the direction of charismatic archaeologist Giovanni Battista Frescura. The first visits from international scientists remain clearly impressed on the collective memory of the village:
a good many older residents still recall making pilgrimages to the “Pichl,” as the area is known in the local dialect, to watch real-life archaeologists at work. Frescura left not only vivid memories, but also three meticulously-kept dig diaries which are of inestimable value, not least as a significant number of the finds of 1954 disappeared in mysterious circumstances and were recorded only in Frescura’s sketches and notes.
The political-ideological aspect regarding approval for the complex excavations makes for an interesting side note: the predicted evidence of Rhaetian roots of the local populace was also intended to provide support for the narrative that the “original settlers” of South Tyrol had Rhaeto-Romance origins and, as such, were members of the Italian cultural area.
Frescura, an archaeologist through and through, had no interest in these machinations, and went on to unearth the foundation walls of six Rhae-
Excavations at Peterbühl in spring 2023, with a focus on the structures which were unexamined during previous digs.
The new dig at Peterbühl also unearthed numerous finds. All artefacts and uncovered building remains were meticulously documented by Nicola Degasperi in his excavation journal. The area was precisionmeasured using modern technology before the excavated areas were filled in once again, and covered over with turf.
tian houses on the southwestern slope of Peterbühl. One characteristic feature of these dwellings is their sunken interior, partly hewn from rock; the floor layout is still clearly visible today, although the above-ground sections of the dwelling were mainly built in wood. The digs of the 1950s painted a clear picture of a community consisting of just a few families, most likely small-scale cattle and crop farmers. The excellent vantage point and views over the surrounding terrain and down into the Eisacktal Valley undoubtedly played a crucial role in their decision to settle the area. In addition to everyday objects, tools and weapons, the digs unearthed a number of spectacular finds. The most famous of these is the half-moon fibula with a human face, the original of which has been a longawaited exhibit in the Völs Parish Museum since 2024. In October 1959, however, the Peterbühl excavations came to an abrupt end and funding was redirected to Sanzeno in the Non Valley, where the Rhaetian Museum houses the spectacular results of the digs. Not without good reason do archaeologists use the term ‘Fritzens-Sanzeno culture’ to describe the Rhaetian tribes of the late Bronze and Iron Ages.
30 years passed before construction of the new cemetery at the eastern foot of Peterbühl necessitated an emergency excavation. Along with the
overburden which was unearthed— the Rhaetian’s ‘rubbish dump’ appears to have been located on the eastern slope, where animal bones and broken pottery was discarded— we also see the remains of walls dating to the late Iron Age. They even discovered a Rhaetian-type dwelling, complete with a cellar fitted with a sophisticated drainage channel. However, given that the excavation was carried out for emergency purposes, deeper examination of the wider area is not possible.
After a further 30 years, the State Office of Archaeology finally launched and funded a new excavation sequence at Peterbühl. In March and April 2023, archaeologist Nicola Degasperi and a four-person team from his company, the Cora Società Archeologica, spent four weeks in Völs am Schlern conducting three clearly-defined digs at Peterbühl, selected on the basis of clearly visible depressions in the terrain. The aim of the excavations was to apply modern technology in order to unearth the buildings which had remained untouched in the 1950s and 1990s, with the further objective of pinpointing the exact date of the wall remains through precision analysis of the sediment layers. Once again, people had the chance to see real-live archaeologists at work right in the heart of the village. The scientists from Trento uncovered buildings on the northwest and southern slopes of the hill with me-
ticulous care, carefully cutting the turf into bricks and setting it to one side before the real work began. And once more, fascinating foundations of erstwhile homes emerged from the ground. Degasperi succeeded in unearthing two more Rhaetian dwellings, rigorously documenting the methodology, results and artefacts found. These are currently undergoing further scientific classification at the State Office of Archaeology.
On a surprising note, after the dig ended all of the unearthed structures were covered over in fleece and the digs filled in once more. Why dig them
up just to cover them over again? The answer is, simply, that there is no alternative when it comes to protecting the ancient walls from weather. Just a year later, the neatly repositioned turf bricks have taken firm root once more, and there is not a trace to be seen of the archaeologists’ work. How long will it be before the next dig? Experts like Degasperi suspect that the highest number of finds is hidden beneath the St. Peter Chapel, as a sanctuary may well have been located in this spot in pre-Christian times. There’s something magical about this possibility too—that after all this time, Peterbühl still has so many secrets to guard. <
ELMAR
PERKMANN –
A VÖLS
MAN, CAPTIVATED BY PETERBÜHL
Many locals still recall watching the archaeologist at work at Peterbühl in the 1950s. One of them was Elmar Perkmann, who went on to become a history teacher, and whose fascination for Peterbühl has never left him. He vividly remembers how exciting it all was, and how he and the other schoolchildren were always drawn to the ‘Pichl,’ where they watched the friendly Mr. Frescura as he dug. Perkmann has recorded the results of his decades-long research into the settlement history of Peterbühl in a number of books and publications.
Perkmann categorises the scientific import of the discoveries with objective clarity: “There is no comparable excavation from the Rhaetian period in this section of the Eisacktal Valley. Three excavation sequences are unusual and confirm the archaeological importance of Peterbühl. The half-moon fibula with a human face from the 8th century BC continues to arouse the attention of the experts in the field. The drainage system is also a discovery of national significance.”
Perkmann’s wealth of knowledge and his records also provided the basis for the metal plaques recently erected at Peterbühl, which provide a full overview of the settlement and its excavation history, and help to locate the remains of the walls and the formations of the terrain.
S’Gebet: The Prayer
While life is a flurry of activity in front of the gates of Kastelruth Parish Church during Shrovetide, within its walls the congregation unite to spend 40 hours in prayer. What exactly is this Catholic tradition which first began centuries ago in the village, and how has it managed to withstand the course of time?
Every year during Shrovetide, or Carnival, the congregation of Kastelruth Parish Church come together to spend 40 hours in prayer. This tradition is known as ‘S’Gebet’ (‘The Prayer’) in Kastelruth, and is a devotion and a vigil which is held at intervals over several days: Holy Mass begins at 10am on Sunday, and 9am on Monday and Tuesday. On all three days, Mass is followed by the exposition of the Eucharist within the monstrance— a precious liturgical display vessel—and adoration until 3pm, with a prayer and a solemn blessing to end the day. “In the final hour from 3 to 4pm on Tuesday, the Liturgy of the Hours is recited by the members of the parish council and the local council,” says Julius Profanter, a long-time member of the parish council and himself one of the supplicants. “In the past, the pews were highly coveted in this final hour, when it was an honour to pray. It’s different these days, and there is always a spot available for all those who would like to pray.”
In Kastelruth, this Catholic tradition has undergone a number of changes over the years. The devotion, for example, no longer lasts for forty hours over the course of four days, but around twenty hours over the course of three. Another change is in the fact that, for several decades now, women have been allowed to lead prayers. “Over time, women became members of the councils who prayed during the final hour,” recalls Fabian Tirler, a native of Kastelruth and Chancellor and Official of the Diocese
of Bolzano-Brixen. Although this was the source of much controversy in the early days, some women went on to lead the prayers during other hours for various reasons, one being that there were no sons in the family, and only daughters.
“S’Gebet’ (The Prayer), as it is known in Kastelruth, is a devotion and vigil which is held intermittently over the course of several days.”
While in days gone by it was only farmers and a handful of important artisans who were tasked with leading the prayer, over time, ever more families relinquished the option and others took over their hour. Today, the plaque in front of the church on which all of the vigil leaders are listed includes the names of both hoteliers and private individuals—one being Julius Profanter, who grew up on a farm and as a child attended the 40-hour prayer with his father, one of the prayer leaders. Now the owner of a technical office in Kastelruth, he has ‘his’ hour on Monday.
“When a farmer led the prayer in the church, it was customary for some of the members of his family to attend,” recalls Profanter, adding that, in the past, there was less work to do on the farms dur-
Text: Simone Treibenreif Foto: Helmuth Rier
The Catholic tradition of the 40-hour prayer has undergone a number of changes over the years—nowadays, for example, women are also allowed to lead the prayers.
ing Carnival and people therefore had more time for the ‘S’Gebet’ observance. “Lifestyles and demands have all changed though, and time has become scarcer.”
The Kastelruth Liturgy of the Hours is attended by worshippers from throughout the area which at one time fell under the Parish of Kastelruth. In addition to the village of Kastelruth itself, this comprised all hamlets including Seis am Schlern und St. Vigil. “Seis and St. Vigil were elevated to parish status in 1974,” says Profanter. Following this event, attempts were made to introduce a 40-hour prayer in Seis, although without success. Quite the reverse: since 1992, only one prayer per year has been held in Kastelruth as well. This decline led to a reorganisation of the custom, and here are now twelve leaders per hour rather than the previous six.
Up until that time, the prayer was held both during Shrovetide and also later on in the year, on Pentecost Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. When Pentecost Tuesday lost public-holiday status, Sacred Heart Sunday took its place as the third day of prayer.
The facebook account of the Parish of Kastelruth clarifies the custom as follows: “Traditionally, we celebrate the 40-hour prayer during the Shrovetide. Prior to the beginning of preparations for Easter, it serves as a reminder to us all that, before he began his public ministry, Jesus spent 40 days in the desert to seek God’s purpose for his life, during which time he also explored other paths.” Elsewhere, however, it is also conjectured that the symbolic importance of the number 40 derives from the 40 hours which Jesus spent in the tomb between his death on the cross and his resurrection. The 40-hour prayer is not limited to Kastelruth alone; “It was the custom in most parishes. It was most commonly held during Carnival, but the prayers were also performed at other times. The differing dates are due, most likely, to practical reasons,” says Fabian Tirler. In countless parishes, however, the ancient custom had to be abandoned in part or in full as there were no longer sufficient believers who wanted or were able to participate in the prayer.
The custom of the 40-hour prayer first began in Milan, where, by all accounts, it was first held in 1527 during Holy Week. The practice then spread
“ The pews were highly coveted in this final hour, when it was an honour to pray. It’s different these days.”
throughout Europe within the Capuchin and Jesuit Orders; in all probability, the Devotion, as an element of the Counter Reformation, was intended to stave off the influence of Protestantism on the parishioners.
“The ‘S‘Gebet’ custom probably came to Kastelruth in 1742, at least the one held on the last day before Lent,” says theologian Tirler who has discovered several sources of literature in confirmation of this date. “The institution of the 40-hour prayer may be related to the parochial missions of the Jesuits which, according to parish chronicles, were held in Kastelruth in the years 1721, 1732, 1736, 1747, 1759 and 1772.” This theory is endorsed by a detailed article by Andreas Jungmann, Jesuit and liturgist from South Tyrol, in which he refers to the fact that the Jesuits transformed the 40-hour Shrovetide prayer into an act of repentance. According to parish records, Tirler continues, the Pentecost prayer was established in 1866.
The money donated to the Prayer was a loan granted against interest payments, and the funds were used to pay for a variety of expenses relating to the prayer, from paying the Dean, the Church Provost and the Sacristan, to providing lighting in the church and carrying out works on the baldachin canopies, explains Tirler. “Today, parish funds cover the expenses for the ‘S’Gebet’.
The 40-hour prayer, for all of it alterations over time and adaptations to changing lifestyles, is a church tradition which has survived for three centuries. Whether or not the ‘S’Gebet’ will survive the next 300 years is a matter which remains to be seen. <
Apple, walnut and cinnamon cake
This cake is marvellously moist, fills the air with the scent of apples and cinnamon, and always turns out well: Just what you need to get into the Christmas spirit, or to bring cheer to the long winter days over a cup of tea and a slice of cake. The ingredients can be substituted to your taste: gingerbread spices make a wonderful alternative to cinnamon, and the walnuts can easily be replaced with almonds or hazelnuts, roughly chopped for a little more bite or finely ground – as you prefer!
INGREDIENTS
220 g butter
150 g sugar
3 eggs
1 baking powder
2 tbsps. cinnamon
160 g flour
120 g walnuts
4 large apples
Lemon juice
Icing sugar
METHOD
Peel and dice the apples and drizzle with the juice of half a lemon. Cream the butter and sugar to a fluffy consistency. Add the eggs gradually.
Sift together the flour, baking powder and cinnamon, and stir into the batter. Add the apple and some of the chopped nuts and fold in well.
Pour the batter into a 24 cm springform cake tin. Bake for 50-60 minutes at 190°C, top and bottom heat.
Rezept: Barbara Pichler
Foto: Helmuth Rier
Respect the DolomitesRespect the mountain in winter
We all love sunny winter walks, perfectly groomed ski runs, fantastic cross-country ski trails, fun toboggan runs, idyllic snow-shoe hikes, ice-skating fun or romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides in a dreamy setting.
The Dolomites region Seiser Alm, with Kastelruth, Seis am Schlern, Seiser Alm, Völs am Schlern and Tiers am Rosengarten, offers ideal conditions for relaxing and varied activities in a breathtaking natural landscape.
Help us to preserve the Dolomites region Seiser Alm as an attractive living space for everyone! Be respectful and work together with us to preserve our unique natural environment. Your support counts!
Less waste - more nature
Our mountain scenery is a delicate ecosystem. It is extremely important not to leave any rubbish behind. Even dog poop bags must not be discarded in the countryside. The best kind of waste is waste that is not produced at all.
Consideration for wildlife
Winter is the hardest time of year for wild animals. Snow, cold weather and lack of food mean they need to do all they can to save energy. But if they are frightened and stressed repeatedly, they lose too much energy and can also die from exhaustion. That’s why dogs must be kept on a lead.
Move safely - more fun
To ensure that every excursion becomes an unforgettable winter experience, it is essential to plan carefully, travel sustainably, be adequately equipped, and avoid dangerous areas. To preserve our unique natural landscape, it is important to respect the marked trails. Walking on cross-country ski trails is prohibited.
Further tips to make your vacation unforgettable in a sustainable way: www.seiseralm.it/sustainable
Foto:
SAM/Werner
Dejori
Highlights Winter 2024/25
December 2024
CHRISTMAS MAGIC IN THE DOLOMITES REGION SEISER ALM
When the air is thick with the scent of gingerbread, cinnamon and mulled wine, you know it’s Advent time here at the foot of the Schlern. The run-up to Christmas is a meaningful time here in the Dolomites region Seiser Alm; the Christmas markets in the villages of Kastelruth, Seis, Völs and Tiers are small but incredibly beautiful, and are guaranteed to get guests and locals alike into the Christmas spirit, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. With their traditional handcrafts, specialties of South Tyrolean cuisine and Christ-massy melodies, they warmly invite you to join them for a sociable Advent of companionship.
18th Kastelruth
Mountain Christmas
> 6–8 December 2024
> 13–15 December 2024
> 13/14 December 2024: Christmas concert of the Kastelruther Spatzen
> 20–22 December 2024
> 24 December 2024
> 26–29 December 2024
Waiting for Baby Jesus in Völs am Schlern
> 7/8 December 2024
> 14/15 December 2024
> 21/22 December 2024
> 28 December 2024
> 4 January 2025
Mountaineer’s WinterChristmas Market in Tiers am Rosengarten Culinary delight with local products
> 8 December 2024
> 21 December 2024
> 28 December 2024
Seis on Ice
Ice skating with varied entertainment programme for young and old.
> 30 November 2024 to 11 January 2025
Winter 2024/25
PRÖSELS CASTLE IN THE WINTER
Prösels Castle is also open to visitors in winter. Winter castle tours offer a variety-packed alternative to skiing. Every Thursday from 9 January to 13 March 2025, Prösels Castle will be awakening from its winter slumber and open its doors at 3 pm. During a one-hour tour, visitors will learn a wealth of fascinating information about the castle and its former residents and, at the same time, can visit three art exhibitions and a vast weaponry collection. On three days this winter (27.12.2024, 02.01.2025 and 06.03.2025) at 3 pm, the “Winter Cuisine & Culture” event will be held once more at Prösels Castle: After the castle tour, guests will have the opportunity to sample traditional local products free of charge in the castle grounds, where local producers will be hosting an array of stands. www.schloss-proesels.it
Prior booking is essential for winter guided tours, and can be reserved at the Castle up to 12pm on the day of the event: info@schloss-proesels.it
Winter 2024/25 WINTER-ADVENTURES OFF THE SLOPES
The Nature Experience programme includes full moon hikes under the signs of legends in Kastelruth. In Völs, you can enjoy an exquisite gourmet experience named “in vino veritas” and guided tours in the Prösels Castle dedicated to the taste, history and culture. In Tiers, we can explore the rustic Tschamin valley on a snowshoe guided hike through the untouched winter countryside and then stop off at a mountain hut, where a warming soup and atmospheric accordion melodies await us. On full-moon nights, you have the opportunity to embark on a hike across the snowy Seiser Alm to a hut where a traditional dinner awaits. Kaiserschmarrn and dumpling cooking courses are also offered in an Alpine hut. www.seiseralm.it/winteradventure
Winter 2024/25
SCHLERN-ROSENGARTEN NATURE PARK VISITOR CENTER
While outside nature is resting, the Visitor Center in Seis am Schlern provides an insight into the diverse and fascinating flora and fauna of the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park. This winter a special focus will be on the distand world of the supervolcano, that dominated the centre of what is now the Trentino-South Tyrol region 280 million years ago. The visitor center can be visited free of charge during opening hours. nature-parks.provinz.bz.it
19 January 2025
THE KASTELRUTH FARMER’S WEDDING
Over the years, it has grown to become an established tradition: The Kastelruth Farmer’s Wedding. It is an authentic reproduction of an old-fashioned farmer’s wedding as celebrated since time immemorial here at the foot of the Seiser Alm. The high point of the event is the wedding parade from St. Valentin to Kastelruth. The wedding party, dressed in traditional attire, drive to the centre of Kastelruth in a magnificently decorated horse-drawn sleigh, bringing their guests along with them on a trip back in time to the 19th century.
13 February 2025
SOUTH TYROL MOONLIGHT CLASSIC SEISER ALM
A sporting event illuminated by the glow of flickering torchlight, the chance to put your skills to the test at international level, and the magical winter backdrop of Europe’s largest mountain plateau: In 2025, the Moonlight Classic will once again be offering numerous athletes and cross-country fans the chance to spend a sensational evening on the Seiser Alm by night. Participants can opt to take part in either the 30 km or the 15 km variant of the loop route. Both variants begin and end in Compatsch and are raced exclusively in classic diagonal style. The starting pistol for this cross-country spectacle will be fired at 8:00 pm. Registration required: www.moonlightclassic.info
February 2025
TRADITIONAL SKIJÖRING ON THE SEISER ALM
Fascinating combination of skis and horsepower! In skijoring, skiers are pulled by horses over a prepared course and engage in exciting races. A spectacular experience for participants and spectators.
March 2025
17TH SWING ON SNOW WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Jazz in the mountain huts, soul on the slopes and traditional tunes in the restaurants in the evenings: musicians from all over the Alpine region will bring musical cheer to the Dolomites region Seiser Alm at the Swing on Snow festival from morning to night. Bands and singers will be getting old and young, winter sports visitors and music lovers alike, into the party mood. The modern interpretation of traditional folk music with jazz, soul and pop reflects the musical culture of the Alps; listeners can swerve in time to the beats and rhythms, and weave their way downhill to the sounds of the tuba, bass, dulcimer and accordion. Concerts will be played at the mountain station of the Seiser Alm cableway and the slopes of the Seiser Alm in the mornings and afternoons in the huts and evenings in the villages of Kastelruth, Seis am Schlern, Völs am Schlern and Tiers am Rosengarten. www.swingonsnow.com
DATES
> 13–15 March 2025
> 19–21 March 2025
March / April 2025
EARLY BIRD SKIING WITH ALPINE BREAKFAST
Exclusive skiing experience for early risers followed by breakfast on the Seiser Alm. Weekly, three ski lifts will take turns to start running at 7 am. Early risers will have the unique opportunity to cross the freshly groomed, deserted slopes and enjoy the special morning atmosphere on Europe’s largest mountain plateau, accompanied by a ski instructor who will provide a wealth of handy tips. At 9 am, we’ll be heading to a mountain hut to enjoy a sociable Alpine breakfast.
DATES
> Wednesday, 5 March 2025
> Wednesday, 12 March 2025
> Wednesday, 19 March 2025
> Wednesday, 26 March 2025
> Wednesday, 2 April 2025
29 March 2025
NOSTALGIA FUN RACE
Travel back to bygone days at the Nostalgic Jamboree Race! Numerous nostalgia groups from South Tyrol, Trentino, Livigno, and Slovenia have been invited to the Seiser Alm to do just that. Before the race, there will be a charming parade featuring participants in their vintage attire. Spectators can admire the period clothing from a variety of eras on the Panorama slope and meet the nostalgia skiers during the lunch break in the surrounding huts.
Foto: Armin „Indio“ Mayr
Summer Preview 2025
6 May – 27 June 2025
SEISER ALM BALANCE
Fancy a break? When the days get longer in spring and nature awakens, the desire for outdoor exercise increases. With special “Balance” experiences you can recharge your batteries in and with nature. A morning hike to the Tschafon mountain refuge or a Yoga session on the Calvary hill in Kastelruth. The Balance experiences offer movement, relaxation and well-being for body and mind. Plenty good reasons to escape from everyday life for a brief moment. www.seiseralm.it/balance
1 – 15 June 2025
GOURMET WEEKS
In the theme of “100% Dolomites Region Seiser Alm”, lovers of regional cuisine can look forward to a season-opening gourmet experience of a very special kind. Selected restaurants offer a wide selection of specialties with ingredients that come from the Dolomites region Seiser Alm, with the exception of sugar, salt, pepper and oil. The kick-off event “Bergler Harass – Alpine picnic at the foot of the Rosengarten mountain” on 2nd June 2025 will give the starting signal for the Gourmet Weeks. On 7th June the “Völser Dorfkuchl (street food festival) - A Culinary Delight!” will take place, a must for all epicures and gourmets. www.seiseralm.it/genusswochen
Summer 2025
PRÖSELS CASTLE IN SUMMER
From 1 May to 31 October, Prösels Castle, dating back to the days of Maximilian and arguably Tyrol’s most emblematic castle, is open to the public. Guided tours will offer visitors a fascinating insight into the history of the castle and the infamous Lords of Völs, so closely interwoven in the threads of time.
“Martha the Witch” will also be guiding special children tours where children can delve into a realm of fable and fairytales and discover the secrets of the healing arts in days gone by, while children embarking on tours led by Knight Friedrich von Hauenstein will step into a bygone world of knights, knaves and damsels. A series of concerts, readings and seminars round off this castle’s cultural events programme. Prösels Castle has South Tyrol’s first ever outdoor escape rooms in a castle. Children (9 years old and upwards) accompanied by their parents, young people and adults in groups of up to 5 people can put their skills to the test in intuition, creativity, team spirit, logic, maths and, above all, their ability to learn and have fun. And while the kids are having fun in the all-new play park, their parents can savour the delights of local cuisine in the castle gardens. www.schloss-proesels.it
13 – 15 June 2025
42ND OSWALD VON WOLKENSTEIN RIDING TOURNAMENT
3 days, 4 locations and 36 teams: In tribute to knight and minstrel Oswald von Wolkenstein, the three villages of Kastelruth, Seis am Schlern and Völs am Schlern organise a historical riding tournament at its very finest. On 13, 14 and 15 June 2025, visitors of the Oswald von Wolkenstein Riding Tournament can leap back in time to the 14th century and experience life in the Middle Ages, admire the masterly horsemanship and feel the hospitality in South Tyrol. No other riding tournament has the good fortune to be able to offer this kind of culture, tradition, history, sport and folklore all rolled into one single event. This year, the opening ceremony and festive parade take place in the village Völs am Schlern. www.ovwritt.com
20 and 21 June 2025
KASTELRUTHER SPATZEN OPEN-AIR CONCERT
Thousands of fans make their way to Seis am Schlern to enjoy the breath-taking landscape and to experience the “Spatzen” live. They’ll be treating fans and friends to a nostalgia concert of their hits from 1993 to 2025. This coming year, as always, music bands from near and far will be providing fringe entertainment.
July / August 2025
WITCHES‘ NIGHTS IN SEIS AND KASTELRUTH
Experience magical evenings in the village centers of Kastelruth and Seis am Schlern, because there is a lot on offer at the Witches‘ Nights! Various live bands provide a great atmosphere, while folk dance groups show off their skills. There is a variety of children‘s entertainment for the little ones and, as a highlight, the witches dance on the village square.
DATES
> Wednesday, 9 July 2025, Seis
> Tuesday, 15 July 202, Kastelruth
> Wednesday, 23 July 2025, Seis
> Tuesday, 29 July 2025, Kastelruth
> Wednesday, 6 August 2025, Seis
> Tuesday, 12 August 2025, Kastelruth
> Monday, 18 August 2025, Kastelruth
Foto: Schloss
Prösels/Helmuth
Rier
Summer 2025
OPEN-AIR GOURMET EXPERIENCES
Two very unusual open-air gourmet events make for an incredible culinary experience in the Seiser Alm summer: The first event will be the “Bergler Harass” (Alpine picnic) in Tiers am Rosengarten on 2 June, followed by the “Berglertafel” mountaineers‘ dinner on 17 July, 2025, which is also famed for its breath-taking views to the legendary Rosengarten.
23 June – 8 September 2025
SUMMER CLASSICS IN SEIS AM SCHLERN
Seis offers an extraordinary series of concerts for lovers of classical music. The artists, mainly from Italy and with a wealth of international experience behind them, will be performing the works of great composers. The concerts will be held on Mondays at 9 pm.
DATES
> 23 and 30 June 2025
> 7 and 14 July 2025
> 18 and 25 August 2025
> 1 and 8 September 2025
6 July 2025
12TH SEISER ALM
HALF MARATHON
21 kilometres, 601 metres of elevation difference and 700 participants: These are the key statistics of the Seiser Alm Half Marathon on 6 July 2025, which will start and finish in Compatsch. Surrounded by the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, the Seiser Alm Half Marathon is a unique experience and sporting challenge for both professional and amateur athletes. The route leads past the majestic Schlern and Plattkofel, as it weaves up to its highest point at 2,050 metres under the Goldknopf and, from here, back to Compatsch. running.seiseralm.it
12 July 2025
8TH ROSENGARTEN
SCHLERN SKY MARATHON
Right in the very heart of the unique Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, a 45-kilometre Alpine Mountain Marathon with around 3,000 m of elevation difference will set off from Tiers am Rosengarten. The Rosengarten Schlern Sky Marathon. The challenging mountain race will begin in St. Zyprian at 1,136 m asl, lead round the Rosengarten Massif, over the Schlern and the Tschafon and back to Tiers am Rosengarten. The highest point of the Sky Marathon is the Grasleiten Pass at 2,630 m. www.skymarathontiers.it
Autumn 2025
TRANSHUMANCE
Marking the end of the season and the return of the cattle to the valleys, this festival features whip-crackers, live music and mouthwatering traditional fare. The transhumance from the Seiser Alm to the valley will take place on 4 October and the Völs am Schlern and Tiers am Rosengarten transhumance on 5 October 2025.
1 September – 31 October 2025 AUTUMN PLEASURES IN THE DOLOMITES REGION SEISER ALM
A very special atmosphere awaits you in the golden autumn months in the Dolomites region Seiser Alm. The Seiser Alm mountain autumn brings together outdoor experiences with a magnificent landscape and outstanding cuisine. You can enjoy sunrise hikes to the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites with breakfast in a mountain refuge. Guided hikes, traditional events and a pleasure E-MTB tour, as well as cooking courses and guided tours of local producers complete the program. www.seiseralm.it/mountainautumn
8 September 2025
TRADITIONAL ALM MARKET
The traditional Alm Market in Compatsch is held every year on Saturday 8 September, and features live music, stalls selling a wide variety of goods, and culinary specialities.
1 – 31 October 2025
48TH VÖLSER KUCHLKASTL KITCHEN PANTRY
The Völser “Kuchlkastl” Kitchen pantry event has been a culinary high point of autumn in the Dolomites region Seiser Alm for 48 years and counting. Foodies and lovers of down-home cuisine can feast to their hearts’ content from 1 to 31 October, when the restaurateurs of Völs warmly welcome guests to enjoy a “Gastronomical October.” The chefs of Völs will be cooking up traditional recipes with a sophisticated twist: Time honoured recipes reinterpreted and served with love. www.voelserkuchlkastl.com
10 – 12 October 2025
KASTELRUTHER SPATZEN MUSIC FESTIVAL
Three days of celebrating, spending pleasant evenings together, experiencing the “Kastelruther Spatzen” live: the Spatzen-Festival in Kastelruth is a must for every fan. Surrounded by the unique scenery of the Dolomites the seven “Spatzen” mesmerise all lovers of traditional music.
Foto: TV
Völs/Martin
Kompatscher
Foto: Helmuth
Rier
Around & about
Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park turns 50. The Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park is the oldest of South Tyrol’s seven nature parks. During a recent conference held at the Visitor Center of the nature park in Seis am Schlern, participants took a look back at the development of the park over the years. 50 years ago, designation of the area as a nature park was a foresighted, courageous decision; the initial scepticism amongst the farming population has long-since given way to an awareness of the importance of this unique natural habitat. Since its founding days in 1974, the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park has not only preserved biodiversity, but has also provided countless people the opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquillity of nature. Nowadays, the challenge lies in creating a balance between conservation and land usage.
Tobias, Super Flyer
The best of luck to #TeamSeiserAlm!
A host of #TeamSeiserAlm athletes will be competing in the 2024/25 winter season, including Peter Fill and Florian Schieder (ski), Raphael Mahlknecht (telemark), Aaron March and Tommy Rabanser (snowboard), Felix Fulterer (freestyle snowboard) and Samuel Pattis (freestyle ski), the Seiser Alm Ski Team, Andrea Vötter, Sandra Robatscher and Leon Haselrieder, (artificial track luge), Patrick Pigneter and Tobias Paur (Natural track luge). A number of these athletes already have a remarkable track record behind them, while the younger ones hold great promise for the future. As always, the Dolomites region Seiser Alm will be providing its young athletes with support in the upcoming season, and wishes them all the very best of continued success and joy.
Tobias Grossrubatscher, aka Tobifly, has had a fabulously successful 2024 season: The paragliding champ won Dolomiti Superfly, a spectacular hiking and paragliding race through the Dolomites, was a member of the winning team in the Red Bull Dolomitenmann, and took third place as paraglider pilot in the same contest. The Dolomitenmann, whereby teams of four compete in mountain running, paragliding, mountain biking and kayaking events, has a reputation as the toughest team event in the world and is considered to be the unofficial World Cup of extreme sports. The 31-year-old athlete from Kastelruth is now training for Red Bull X-Alps, an incredibly challenging 2-week adventure race across the Alps. Congratulations on your outstanding success, and all the very best in your future challenges, Tobifly!
IMPRINT
Legally responsible for the editorial content: Elisabeth Augustin Editorial Team: Elisabeth Augustin, Rosa Maria Erlacher, Sabine Funk, Annelies Stifter, Barbara Pichler, Helmuth Rier, Katja Sanin, Simone Treibenreif; Translations: Bonetti & Peroni. Advertising: Sabine Demetz, Christoph Trocker. Photo: Helmuth Rier. Graphic: Komma Graphik. Printing: Litopat.
The
Foto: SAM/Helmuth Rier
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