Almanac 2016/17

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Almanac Three Peaks Dolomites

Available free of charge at tourism associations and member companies

25th Nov – 6th Jan 2017 UNDER THE BANNER OF TRADITION AND GENUINENESS

„

I don’t know anything more idyllic, THIS is the cosiest and most beautiful Christmas market indeed. The village itself and the surrounding landscapes are absolutely enchanting. People have put their heart and soul into it. Find out for yourself!

“

m as Christ

market

25th Nov – 27th Nov 2016 2nd Dec – 11th Dec 2016 16th Dec – 6th Jan 2017 24th Dec 2016 25th Dec 2016

The biggest

1st – 16th April 2017

EASTER EGG hunting of the Dolomites

GREAT PRIZES FOR YOU! Big times for the Easter bunny while hiding loads of eggs in San Candido-Innichen!

Red, yellow, big, and small Easter eggs can be found – everywhere in the shop windows of all the shops and stores! Those who manage to find them all will certainly be rewarded: wellness week-ends, prizes, and shopping vouchers are waiting for you!

www.sancandido.info 2

10.30 am – 7 pm 10.30 am – 7 pm 10.30 am – 7 pm 10.30 am – 3 pm closed

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3 Zinnen in the

Christmas tree

TH E

Dolomites

ON THE CIMA GRANDE/GR OSSE ZINNE PEAK

I N 24 HOU RS

28–29

10–12

early bird ...

The

Dear Guests, dear Readers,

is always worth it

A very warm welcome to the Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites. As you will see, name and logo of our popular holiday destination have changed, however our offer range is varied and unique as usual.

Are you ready for an unforgettable experience in the middle of the stunning mountain scenery of the most important peaks in the Dolomites, part of the U N ESCO World Heritage? An authentic alpine world with a genuinely natural life style and multifold ways to fulfil your personal wishes, both for sporting and relaxing moments. Challenging and cosy moments, tradition and innovation – all this and much more is waiting for you in the area of the Three Peaks in the Dolomites.

Therefore, in this Almanac winter edition we dedicate ourselves, among other things, to the fascinating elements of “nature, mountain and snow” and take you, dear Readers, on a snowshoeing tour following silent traces.

Moreover, the present brochure offers a wide range of interesting tips and stories around the Alta Pusteria/ Hochpustertal valley, and obviously plenty of information about the winter events programme.

Just like that, we unveil background information regarding exciting events, as for example the “Tour the Ski” and the “Drei Zinnen Mountain Gladiator”, and offer a closer look into well-known accommodations of the Alta Pusteria valley, as the Grand Hotel in Dobbiaco/Toblach or the rifugio Antonio Locatelli/ Dreizinnenhütte hut.

Furthermore, we have a chat with some interesting characters, who have settled down in the Alta Pusteria valley for the most diverse reasons, as for instance Anna Moggia from South Africa, or the Australian choir members participating at this year’s choir festival.

Dieter Wurmböck

All this and so much more, dear Guests, for your winter holidays. Have fun devouring and reading this brochure, and enjoy a fabulous stay in the Three Peaks of the Dolomites!

President of the Tourist Board

Yours sincerely President of the Tourist Board Dieter Wurmböck

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20–22

18–19

Winter 2016/17

In this edition

Regional is the new luxury Groceries tell a story ������������������������������������������������� 34–39

From geography to the new brand

by Dieter Wurmböck, President of the Tourist Board ������������������������������������������������������ 6–8

The Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites in 24 hours

Choir Festival 3 Zinnen Mountain Gladiator Pure Action ������������������������������������������������� 20–22

The magic of a thousand voices ������������������������������������������������� 40–42

History and alpinism:

A rendezvous with alpine legends ������������������������������������������������� 10–12

Cross-country skiing World Cup in the heart of the Dolomites

One of Ten Thousands

Tour de Ski in Dobbiaco/Toblach �������������������������������������������������� 24–27

How Anna made her way from South Africa to the area of the Three Peaks ������������������������������������������������� 14–16

A Christmas tree on the Cima Grande/Große Zinne Peak ������������������������������������������������� 28–29

The early bird ... is always worth it

A snowshoeing paradise

3 Zinnen Mountain Brunch ������������������������������������������������� 18–19

around the Three Peaks ������������������������������������������������� 30–33

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The Rifugio Locatelli/ Dreizinnenhütte hut ������������������������������������������������� 44–47

Drawing competition winter 2016/17 “My holiday in the 3 Zinnen Three Peaks in the Dolomites” ��������������������������������������������������������� 49

Summer in the 3 Zinnen/Three Peaks in the Dolomites ��������������������������������������������������������� 50

FROM GEOGRAPHY TO THE NEW BRAND

BY DIETER WURMBÖCK, PRESIDENT OF THE TOURIST BOARD “In the future it won’t be important to be able to travel everywhere, but to find out whether it is worth to reach the destination.” – the German writer Hermann Löns wrote this significant phrase more than a century ago. With today’s unlimited travel possibilities, lowcost airlines and a still increasing number of new travel destinations, this insight is more relevant than ever. When the “Grand Hotel Toblach” was opened in Dobbiaco/ Toblach by the Austrian Southern Railway as great railway hotel in 1878, a new access to the unique mountain world of the Dolomites would open up for the rail passengers: the connection of infrastructure and landscape created a new

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travel destination, which had not existed until then.

A

lmost 150 years after this decisive moment, people in charge of the cableway business and tourism associations dedicated themselves to a new project for the future. It was important to clarify, which kind of development this holiday region Alta Pusteria with its villages of Sesto/Sexten, San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Villabass a/ Niederdorf and Braies/Prags would envisage in the future in order to gain a clear and unique position in potential clients’ minds. Finally, it was clear: to administrate the success gained to date with many regular customers could not be a good perspective for

reaching a long-lasting success also in the future. The geographic circumstances, which led to a great competitive advantage back in 1871, due to the new Southern Railway line from Austria through the Val di Pusteria/ Pustertal valley, would not be sufficient anymore in order to ensure big attractiveness for this holiday region. It was important to pursue the aim of providing this area with an importance based on its geographic or scenic advantages only. In addition, touristic markets are increasingly saturated – less and less areas are able to main-

tain their importance as holiday destination for regular and new guests. Soon it was clear, the geographic area Alta Pusteria valley and the operating cableway company Sextner Dolomiten AG had to find a new brand.

A common logo would be less important. You can only represent a real brand, once you promise and deliver clear values that are perceptible for clients and fans at all levels. Our customers experience our holiday region not only in a single location, for example at the hotel. >>

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ach holiday is made of an overall perception of single elements: accommodation, venue, hiking trails, cableways, restaurants, huts, mountain bike rental, etc. – only if the entire orchestra of our holiday region plays the same piece of music, our guests live the great experience they want to tell everyone back home. Therefore, I would like to talk about this piece of music for which we plan “music rehearsals” over the next few years in order to take it through many consistent little steps and deliver an extraordinary performance.

The new piece is called:

“THREE PEAKS IN THE DOLOMITES” This denomination stands for the previous holiday area “Alta Pusteria” and the former company “Sextner Dolomiten AG” that operate under this new name from now on. We do not stand for one of many general mountain experiences or holidays in the mountains. We are rather an alpine region with real life also off the tourist season in the middle of the ennobled Dolomites U N ESCO World Heritage. The “Three Peaks in the Dolomites” opens up its alpine world to its guests in the middle of the most striking mountains of the Dolomites, by guaranteeing a comfortable accessibility to the most beautiful views and starting points for natural experiences

in the mountains throughout the whole year. Yes, right: we want to share this alpine world all year round with our guests, and for this purpose, we are going to structure our offer range over the following years.

T

he area of the “Three Peaks in the Dolomites” delights its visitors with its manageable size, large-scale events programme, proximity of the villages and impressive natural scenery, ingrained people and remarkable alpine history. This is the ideal place for connoisseurs, who have found a holiday region, which surprises them time and again, after their different experiences and encounters in the mountains in general and in the Dolomites.

Yes, correct, we are an offer for those who are looking for something extraordinary and special, as they have already sufficiently experienced the ordinary.

The mountain world around the Three Peaks is demanding, the ski areas as well. The “Three Peaks in the Dolomites” is less suitable for beginner and more suitable for experts. We are thus a complete alpine world for experienced connoisseurs.

It is not far from the Lago di Braies/ Pragser Wildsee lake to the village square of San Candido/ Innichen. The distance from Dobbiaco/Toblach into the Val Fiscalina/ Fischleintal valley is shorter than the one

many of our customers have to cover to go to work every day.

From Villabassa/ Niederforf you can reach San Candido/ Innichen, Lienz and Brunico/ Bruneck on the cycle path by bike.

You can go to and return from Comelico on skis, and soon in a very comfortable way – all these places are very close to one another.

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his is our “music piece” for which we are working hard, and our guests will experience new performances every year.

Our guests will talk about a very remarkable alpine world for which it will always be worth it to come back. They will tell family and friends back home: it is always a pleasure to be in the “Three Peaks in the Dolomites”, and absolutely worth a visit.

Sustainable holidays in the name of

Wellness & Fun

In the Leading Green Hotel of Europe

****S Leitlhof – Dolomiten Via Pusteria 29 I-39038 Innichen Ph. +39 0474 913440 www.leitlhof.com info@leitlhof.com

Spending wonderful days at the Leitlhof …

Enjoy wonderful holidays in Hochpustertal. Here, in the Tre Cime Peaks region of the Dolomites, the wonderful natural scenery invites you to have great fun taking part in many winter sports.

In addition to the enjoyable family atmosphere and the warm room furnishings made of natural materials typical of the region, your relaxation will be enhanced by the intimate corners of the wellness oasis and the individual beauty treatments. The light and mouthwatering gastronomic combination of dishes from the Mediterranean and alpine tradition is made even more interesting by the great selection of wines.

We invite you to spend the most precious time of your year in our company.

C M Y K

= = = =

90 %

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100 C 40 M 85 Y 40 K

= = = =

90 %

100 R = 0 R = 0 Pantone Pantone 40 G = 78 G = 78 3435 U 3435 U 85 B = 52 B = 52 40 RAL 6005RAL 6005

100 %

100 %

C M Y K

10 %

10 %

90 %

9

= = = =

5 10 45 15

C M Y K

= = = =

90 %

5R = 218 R = 218Pantone Pantone 10 G = 202 G = 2024535 U 4535 U 45 B = 143 B = 143 15 RAL 1000RAL 1000

100 %

100 %

10 %

10 %

3 Zinnen in the Dolomites TH E TH R E E PEAKS

I N 24 HOU RS

A R E N DE ZVOUS WITH ALPI N E

last curves, we reach the Nordic Arena Toblach, passing the tribunes and arena of big sports competitions.

legends

The Three Peaks are the symbol of this region and the most famous, but not the only attraction. Winter in the Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites offers plenty of interesting events, be it romantic or sports-related. A 24-hour-tour provides a little sample of the fantastic natural landscape.

In the morning of this extraordinary day, we start with a comfortable bus ride. From Dobbiaco/ Toblach we head towards the Val di Landro/Höhlensteintal towards Cortina d`Ampezzo, pass the dark - gleaming Lago di Dobbiaco/Toblacher See lake, and head smoothly towards the sun.

SAN CAN DI DO/ I N N ICH E N

After some sports activities, it can get a little easier. In a few minutes by bus, we reach the centre of San

A VI EW OF TH E TH R E E PEAKS

After a short ten-minutes ride, we reach a bus stop and get off the bus. The main attraction is right there: the view of the Three Peaks. On the left, our view opens up on flat, snowcovered fields and the Three Peaks towering behind, reaching out for the sky. This is exactly the world-famous view of these giant pieces of art.

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is a little village, its urban flair with elegant shops and fancy bars are thus surely surprising. Lunchtime is approaching, and we get ready for a typical local lunch.

VAL FISCALI NA/ FISCH LE I NTAL VALLEY

Let us take the bus from San Candido to Sesto/Sexten and pro-

CROSS - COU NTRY SKI I NG I N TH E VAL DI LAN DRO VALLEY

After a quick “espresso”, we then clip on our cross-country skis and start moving smoothly all the kilometres back to Dobbiaco. An easy tour, as it gently glides downhill all the way back.

The cross-country trail used to be a train line back in the days, which connected Dobbiaco and Cortina d`Ampezzo. On the

Candido. Let’s stroll along the Peter-Paul-Rainer street towards the Michaelsplatz square, proceeding to the Pflegplatz square in front of the collegiate church dating back to the 13th century. San Candido

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ceed into the romantic Val Fiscalina valley, where a horse sledge is already waiting for us. The enchanting winter landscape with steep rock walls on both our sides accompany us during our half-anhour ride until the rifugio Fondovalle/Talschlusshütte hut, which offers delicious South Tyrolean and Italian cuisine. >>

SKI I NG OR SNOWSHOE I NG

The afternoon will be a little more active. There are two possibilities: the first one is a guided snowshoeing tour towards the valley and the Three Peaks.

This is one of the most beautiful tours of the region with a spectacular destination, especially in winter due to its peace and silence at a height of more than 2,000 m (6,561 ft), but also quite demanding. The second one is an excursion up to the ski resort Croda Rossa/ Rotwand, which has become more and more attractive since the merger of Monte Elmo/ Helm and Croda Rossa and the connection over

the Passo Monte Croci/ Kreuzbergpass pass to Padola. Obviously, it will not be possible to ski on all the 93 kilometres (57.7 miles) of slopes in the afternoon. However, there will be time for some of the impressive new pistes between Monte Elmo and Croda Rossa, and a rendezvous with the reindeers at the Croda Rossa.

PRATO PIAZ ZA/ PLÄTZWI ESE

Being able to change and choose between sports activities and enjoyment is one of the big qualities of this holiday region. After our tour, we enjoy another emotional highlight and head to the Prato Piazza – a high plateau at 2,000 m (6,561 ft), which is a popular destination for cross-country skiers and winter hikers. From there we have a breath-taking view of the sunset with glowing mountain peaks of Picco di Vallandro/Dürrenstein, Monte Cristallo and Tofane.

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LAGO DI B RAI ES/ PRAGSE R WI LDSE E LAKE

Once it gets darker and the stars start shining bright, our tour in the Three Peaks in the Dolomites has still not ended.

We head from the Prato Piazza down to the Lago di Braies lake, and proceed then a little uphill on the way to the picturesque Lago di Braies lake: a fabulous conclusion of our extraordinary tour!

OUR HOUSE. YOUR HOTEL.

Georg Weindl Author The freelance journalist lives in Chiemgau Bayern, Germany and travels quite frequently through South Tyrol for reports on behalf of daily newspapers, magazines as well as guidebooks.

Sporthotel Tyrol **** | Via Drava 12 San Candido | Tel. +39 0474 913 198 | info@sporthoteltyrol.it | www.sporthoteltyrol.it

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One of

Ten Thousands

How Anna made her way from South Africa to the area of the Three Peaks

From time to time, some South Tyroleans decide to leave their hometown to try their luck abroad. Similarly, people with the most different backgrounds choose our Province for settling down. This it is the case of Anna Moggia, who left South Africa, spent some years in the Italian region Liguria before finally settling in the Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites.

She talked to the Almanac about her different life cycles finding her own definition of “home” and of her new home country.

Born in 1958 as a daughter of Italian emigrants to South Africa, Anna Moggia lived there during her childhood and adolescence. Despite the political problems under the apartheid regime, and even if her parents could not spend a lot of time with her, in her eyes, it was a beautiful and calm time. Working in the gastronomy sector, her parents had, inter alia, a well-known luxurious restaurant in Pretoria, which well received people with big names. During her childhood, little Anna spent quite a lot of time at her family’s restaurant, sometimes sleeping on two chairs while waiting for her parents to finish work – a real restaurant owner’s child. As an adult, Anna decided to move to Europe. She learned the culinary art in Paris and moved then to Monterosso al Mare,

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a picturesque fishing village in the wonderful area of Cinque Terre. Some years later, her parents followed her to Italy and opened a restaurant in her father’s hometown, which they sold in 2007 to buy an apartment in San Candido/Innichen. The choice was not merely random, as the Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites has always been a favourite holiday destination for the family. Moreover, in October 2011, they suffered a big shock: a devastating natural disaster with floods and landslides stroke the inhabitants of Cinque Terre quite hard, and Anna Moggia lost her house overnight. The misfortune was the reason why Anna decided to

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turn her life upside down again, and to move on. While having a look online, she found the property in the heart of San Candido more or less by chance… and fell in love with it immediately.

With her younger son and the furniture from South Africa and Monterosso, she left Liguria as well as family and friends in June 2014 to open her new gem in the middle of the Dolomites. >>

No adjustment difficulties at all for Anna Moggia!

She is well aware of all the advantages a life in this area may offer: “The living conditions and the local mentality are more similar to those in South Africa rather than to the ones in Liguria”, she says. Meaning the sense of order, punctuality, and legal compliance. She enjoys her life in the mountains:

“Sometimes, when I take a walk in the middle of nature, I feel like in paradise” she says enthusiastically. Her son, who attends secondary school in the main village of the Val Pusteria/ Pustertal valley, is at ease too.

So, does the area of the Three Peaks feel like home for the family?

Well, this term is still a bit difficult to use for Anna Moggia. “I actually have no home country”, she says.

The country where she was born does not exist in that form anymore, too many things have changed. Even if she loves to visit South Africa every now and then, according to her possibilities, as many family members still live there. Similarly, the town situated on Liguria’s coast is not really her hometown; she has reached it already as an adult and has not spent enough time there.

Anna Moggia defines her life according to lifecycles: “I already lived two different lives: the one here in San Candido is the third one.” The question, if she would stay in San Candido in the future and settle down for

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good, gets her thinking: “I really feel at ease here. On the other hand, I am a person who may eventually feel bored, too. Who knows, maybe there will be a fourth life waiting for me…”

Who knows what tomorrow will bring, and where life’s odyssey may take her. For the time being, Anna Moggia has chosen to dedicate herself with heart and soul to the guests of her charming Bed&Breakfast. >> Judith Steinmair

She has become a woman with a remarkable life, and you never know, she may finally have found her balance in the perhaps most beautiful mountains in the world…

+39 0474 913 588

+39 0474 913 120

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early bird ...

Before this silence becomes scary, I realize that I am not alone.

The

Other ski tourers are on the move, too. Apparently, the little devil has not been quite successful today. Once reached the top, we have some tea while having a little chat, and even if we do not really know each other, this mountain experience brings us somehow closer together. Biscuits anyone? Then everybody starts getting ready for the descent. Once reached the bottom, the day is about to begin. Getting out of bed has been quite hard and the ski tour has been challenging, however thanks to the released endorphins such an undertaking provides lots of energy and puts you in a good mood for the rest of the day.

is always worth it

3 Zinnen Mountain Brunch

Starting ski touring early in the morning is a popular way for many winter sportsmen and women to be active and start the day, heading to the mountains in order to have more time to enjoy afterwards. Precisely to meet these needs, the “3 Zinnen Mountain Brunch” will be available at the Three Peaks/3 Zinnen Dolomites ski resort from mid-February 2017.

Saturday morning. It is still dark outside. The alarm gets off.

Snooze button, ten more minutes… Staying in bed or getting up? The little devil on my right side: “Stay in beeeeed!” The little angel on my left side: “Get up, you’ll have a wonderful day!” The little devil is right, why should I get up?? It’s Saturday after all.

The ski tour has already been planned and prepared, but… well, we could go tomorrow or next weekend?! Then my stronger self and the little angel join forces, the little devil has no chance: I find myself in front of my wardrobe with sleepy eyes, my teeth already brushed. Ok, let’s take the ski touring outfit, my backpack is ready, the ski touring gear is in the car, wait – heading back for the headlamp – and off we go.

ON SATU R DAYS, 11 February – April 15 th 2017 8 am – 11 am th

MONTE E LMO R E STAU RANT 13,00 € per person

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Finally yet importantly, here is some advice that gives your little devil a hard time: together with friends such an early morning undertaking is not only more fun, but the group somehow “forces” you to get out of bed; nobody wants to let others wait or to be a spoilsport and cancel the very last moment. Should the little devil insist… in theory, it is possible to take the cable car to the Monte Elmo… and enjoy the alpine breakfast without morning sport sessions… I do not want to think what the little angel would say… not to mention the “inner laziness”… ok, you can only do it if you find yourself in a situation of absolute emergency ;-)

enjoy the

"3 Zinnen Mountain Brunch",

ph. +39 0474 710355 info@dreizinnen.com

the alpine breakfast buffet at the restaurant Monte Elmo and recharge your batteries.

Possible ascents also on the valley run Sexten/Sesto.

The important thing is to arrive to the top by 8.15 am, as the pistes open at 8.30 am, and will thus be closed for ascents.

Fresh drinks, sweet croissants, fruits, crunchy cereals or sunnyside-up eggs with herbs will let you forget in a minute all the efforts you have been through on the way up. Afterwards, the day

R EG I STRATION & I N FOR MATION: D R E I Z I N N E N AG

After the first steps on the snow, my breath will get stronger until I find my walking rhythm. Apart from the crunching steps on the snow, I hear nothing. Soon I am able to focus completely, and all the initial thoughts about this and that, about what happened yesterday and what might be tomorrow, fade in the dawn. I am in the middle of the mountains – nothing else matters.

Here is the good news for everyone who is still in doubt: starting next February such an experience does not need any planning or elaborate preparing anymore! In the Three Peaks/3 Zinnen Dolomites ski resort the piste no. 13 “Monte Elmo-Versciacco” with starting point at the restaurant & service centre “Punka” will be reversed into the ascent trail no. 13 “Versciacco-Monte Elmo” each Saturday morning. This means that early birds can be unworried and head for the ascent to enjoy say the sunrise from the top on a lonely spot. In addition, the best is yet to come:

ahead will certainly be a cheerful one: enjoying the sun on the Monte Elmo terrace, some descents on the freshly groomed pistes, sauna and wellness in the valley, or whatever you feel like doing…

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Martina Pfeifhofer Author She is from Sesto and has made her own profession following her enthusiasm for anything linked to sports and mobility. She has got a sport science degree of Innsbruck University, Austria. The Alta Pusteria valley is her ideal place in winter as well as in summer in order to dedicate as much time as possible to outdoor sports activities.

3 ZINNEN MOUNTAIN

AN EXTRAORDINARY COMPETITION WITH A BIG EVENTS PROGRAMME: IT SOUNDS EXCITING, AND IT IS EXCITING.

GLADIATOR PURE ACTION

and skiing sections, participants need to head uphill and downhill, each athlete competing in one discipline.

TEAMS OF FOUR WITH ONLY ONE GOAL: TO WIN!

Mountain biking, paragliding, ski touring and skiing – these are the four disciplines of an extraordinary team competition with its premiere in winter season 2016/2017 in the Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites.

Anticipation is perhaps the greatest joy, but someone just cannot wait! Patience is necessary, as the event is scheduled for March 11 th 2017: the new relay race “Drei Zinnen Mountain Gladiator”. This extraordinary competition, which is new for South Tyrol, envisages pure action and extraordinary sporting performances.

As it is the case for multi-discipline events, the “Drei Zinnen Mountain Gladiator” combines four exciting sports activities, which can be considered “local” to the Three Peaks in the Dolomites. Alongside the mountain biking, paragliding, ski touring

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The starting point is next to the Monte Elmo/Helm valley station in Versciacco/Vierschach, and from the very beginning of this mass start, every second will be precious. First, mountain bikers have to carry their bikes, overcoming diverse obstacles, before getting started and ride on a wider road, mastering 400 m (1,312 ft) of elevation gain – thick thighs are guaranteed. Upon their arrival, the field is larger and the bikers hand over to their paragliding team colleagues. On a running stretch over the first 200 m (656 ft), they reach the actual starting point where they can open their glides and take off as soon as possible. Each pilot has to be extremely focused, especially while landing on the confined spot in Versciacco. Before handing over to their third team colleagues, the paragliders still have to run uphill on the slope towards the Rauthütte hut to start a second flight from there. Only after their landing, it will be the ski tourer’s

turn, who first run uphill covering 500 m (1640 ft) of elevation gain towards the Monte Elmo, reaching the last team member after a short descent. The last athletes only have to ski downhill, which sounds quite easy, but the demanding giant slalom on the steep, black-marked and shady piste Raut, being one of the most difficult descents of the Three Peaks in the Dolomites, entails more than one tricky part. Those who thread a slalom pole or misses out one will most probably not be among the winners or the first-classified teams. In addition, in front of the finish line there is a big snow wall, the athletes have to climb over without skis – their last obstacle.

An extraordinary competition with a big events programme: it sounds exiting, and it is exciting. At the start and finish areas in Versciacco, the audience can follow most of the race. Not only the athletes’ pulse will dangerously rise, but also the audience’s adrenaline level will touch high levels while observing for example the audacious flight manoeuvres with pinpoint landing. A big events programme is scheduled for this purpose. Exciting competitions are guaranteed.

This event already meets all the requirements to reach cult status before even getting started. >>

Stefan Herbke Author Is frequently on the move for professional reasons, hiking or mountain biking in summer, skiing or tobogganing in winter.

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Almanac (Stefan Herbke):

What is the “3 Zinnen Mountain Gladiator” about?

Four disciplines, one competition.

Can we consider this kind of race a new entry?

It is an event featuring extreme sports activities, racing in a team made of four people, each one in a different discipline – mountain biking, paragliding, ski touring and skiing – aiming at the best possible times respectively. The challenge lies within the team spirit, people cannot race as single participants, but they have to function as a team.

In South Tyrol and Italy, this competition is new, but in Austria there is a similar race of great success, I have already participated in several times. The difference is that our competition features a different sequence of the four disciplines, we add some obstacles along the way, and the race lasts about double the time compared to the Austrian one. In my experience, this is what sportsmen and women want, who look for a longer and extreme race. We expect the fastest team to take about an hour and a half for the entire distance. This is also an advantage for the audience, as they get to see much more.

Meinhard Fauster:

Meinhard Fauster:

Almanac (Stefan Herbke):

LIVING – HIGHER LEVEL 5*****

INTERVIEW WITH MEINHARD FAUSTER

PURE ADRENALINE WITH THE “3 ZINNEN MOUNTAIN GLADIATOR” THE THREE PEAKS/3 ZINNEN IN THE DOLOMITES WILL CELEBRATE AN EXTRAORDINARY RELAY RACE PREMIERE ON MARCH 11TH 2017.

IT WAS MEINHARD FAUSTER’S IDEA, HE IS FROM DOBBIACO/TOBLACH.

Almanac (Stefan Herbke):

N 46°41’37.04” E 12°21’28.31”

Meinhard Fauster:

Who is allowed to participate?

Everyone can participate, pros and amateurs. However, there is a limit: the premiere event of the “Drei Zinnen Mountain Gladiator” in the middle of the Three Peaks in the Dolomites is set for a maximum of 50 teams, meaning 200 athletes. Most probably complete teams will register however, on our www.mountaingladiators.com athletes have the opportunity to register as single athletes as well. For example, someone can post something like: “I am a super skier and I am looking for a team to participate in the competition.”

Almanac (Stefan Herbke):

Where did this idea come from for such a big event?

Anything else the audience can expect from this event?

Meinhard Fauster:

Meinhard Fauster:

Almanac (Stefan Herbke):

There is a huge events programme on Saturday with live music or DJs at the après ski Punka in Versciacco/Vierschach. On Friday night, athletes can enjoy a big spaghetti party.

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I have been organizing the “Krampuslauf” (the devils’ run, held in December) in Dobbiaco for several years, and this is a big event. At the same time, I have already been tinkering with the concept of a competition. As we have got a lot of good athletes in paragliding, mountain biking, skiing and ski touring here in our province, it was quite clear to take the opportunity to develop a spectacular race putting all the pieces together. March 11 th 2017 will be a big day – the premiere of the “Drei Zinnen Mountain Gladiator”.

MY WELLBEING HOTEL

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- dolomites -

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MONIKA.IT

03.10.16 16:15

TOBLACH DOBBIACO CORTINA

Cross-country skiing World Cup in the heart of the Dolomites TOUR DE SKI IN DOBBIACO/TOBLACH

Dobbiaco is considered a cross-country skiing paradise far beyond its country’s border, and is thus no longer a secret spot. Every year many guests from Italy as well as from abroad enjoy floating on the extensive and perfectly groomed trails in the middle of untouched nature. A special highlight: Dobbiaco’s cross-country skiing trails lead along the Val di Landro/Höhlenseintal valley, the gate to the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, passing the viewpoint of the Three Peaks. Moreover, Dobbiaco is famous for being the venue of international races with top prepared cross-country skiing trails of about 120 km (74 miles). Prestigious sports events as the Pustertal Valley Ski-Marathon, the fun run “Volkslauf Toblach-Cortina” or several World Cup races take place in Dobbiaco. An important element for being an attractive venue is certainly the Nordic Arena. The modern cross-country skiing stadium offers additional possibilities, and is not only training ground for beginners and starting point for different cross-country skiing trails, but it is also the ideal venue for important sporting events, as for example the cross-country skiing world cup Tour de Ski. >>

FIS Presenting Sponsor

Event Sponsors

www.worldcup-dobbiaco.it

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TOBLACH DOBBIACO CORTINA This World Cup season the world’s hardest stage race is held in Dobbiaco for the seventh time. The Tour de Ski is a stage race, which takes place in three countries (Germany, Switzerland, Italy) framed by the cross-country skiing World Cup. The start is set for New Year’s Day in the Swiss Lenzerheide. The se-

cond skating race, which is the sixth section, takes place in Dobbiaco on Friday, January 6th. First, the men’s 10-km freestyle-race takes place before the women’s 5-km race is launched. The Tour de Ski ends in the Val di Fiemme valley with the ascent race on the Cermis peak.

Those who have had the chance to watch this exciting and merciless Tour de Ski race on TV or even live, certainly understand why this sporting event has already gained cult status after only a few years.

Its fans expect absolute spectacular pursuit races, greatly put in he limelight by the crosscountry skiing’s elite. Over the years, Dobbiaco has enjoyed an excellent reputation not only as organizer of these competitions, but also thanks to its appealing events programme. The entire village’s population supports the event: it participates actively and contributes

to the event’s fantastic atmosphere and cheerfulness, enjoying the event and delicious food and drinks. Those who are not able to root for their favourite athletes at the stadium should not worry.

Even in front of the big screen, the event’s spark will leap the gap.

Therefore, the special atmosphere

offers spectacular pictures for TV channels all over the world, with live broadcasting in more than 20 countries worldwide.

Everything has started, as is often the case, with a vision – says OC manager Herbert Santer, a hotel owner in Dobbiaco and proud father of the successful crosscountry and biathlon athlethes the “Santer sisters”. During an ordinary conversation at the sauna this ambitious idea was born: a cross-country skiing competition with special character based on the style of the “Giro d’Italia” or the “Tour de France”. Approved by the FIS (International Ski Federation) and international associations, this demanding stage race was held for the first time 11 years ago.

Since 2010 Alta Pusteria’s popular tourist destination is one of the many venues, which is well accepted not only by the local population that supports the event with great

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commitment, but also by the entire Province of South Tyrol, assures the OC manager: “Volunteers come even from Caldaro/Kaltern” (about 116 km/72 miles from Dobbiaco).

All the facts that qualifies Dobbiaco for an attractive venue can be summarized using Herbert Santer’s words based on last years’ feedbacks: an appealing priceperformance ratio in the hotel sector, the superlative South Tyrolean cuisine (it always receives special praise!), an extraordinary range of homologated pistes with excellent training possibilities also during summer season, and obviously guaranteed snow conditions.

Finally yet importantly, proven experts and several volunteers carry out organisational duties and implementation on site.

Any visions for the future? To establish Dobbiaco as permanent venue for the international race calendar, because Dobbiaco and cross-country skiing are made for one another…

The current World Cup programme of Dobbiaco (free entry!)

VIESSMANN FIS TOUR DE SKI Friday January 6

th

2017 : Skating | 10 km men’s race | 5 km women’s race

FIS CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING WORLD CUP FEATURED BY VIESSMANN Saturday January 14 th 2017 Sunday January 15 th 2017

Qualification sprint - F ›› women & men Final race sprint - F ›› women & men

Team sprints - F ›› women & men

TH R E E RACI NG DAYS, SIX WOR LD CU P RACES, 200 I NTE R NATIONAL ATH LETES, MOR E THAN 20 NATIONALITI ES – DON’T M ISS IT!!!

New from Loacker!

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Judith Steinmair Author Law degree; freelance activities in the area of project management since 2002; different publishing activities; coordinator and manager of the editorial office of the Alta Pusteria Almanac until 2010.

Toblach Dobbiaco

Innichen San Candido

Heinfels

Lienz

15 min. from Dobbiaco Panzendorf 196 – 9919 Heinfels – Austria

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shop

A

Christmas tree ON THE CIMA GRANDE/GR OSSE ZINNE PEAK

FLASHBACK: START OF WINTER SEASON 2015 The preparations are in full swing, some pistes are already open, snow machines are running at full speed, and some cross-country skiing kilometres have already been groomed. In the sport shops, technicians and shopkeepers are busy adapting the new equipment to their customers. Christmas lightening and decoration is ready.

Only Old Mother Frost apparently has not noticed anything so far…

This was the start of last winter season. Most athletes however did not have any reason to complain: pistes and cross-country trails were in good condition, even if in the surroundings there were no white spots at all. Some years we just have to wait a little longer for fresh snow, and this is actually nothing unusual.

For this reason, ski resorts and by now also cross-country skiing trail operators use artificial snow systems. This does not happen regardless of weather conditions, as sub-zero temperatures are necessary in order to produce artificial snow, but thanks to modern techniques, some few cold nights are sufficient to create a good snow layer.

By the end of 2015, there was no snow to be found “far and wide”, nor was the situation “on top” of the mountains any better: the highest peaks, the surrounding mountains and the ascents were completely snow free. A striking fact, which caused some worry lines on the forehead of snowshoeing hikers, ski tourers and sledging fans…

However, as the saying goes: “Every cloud has a silver lining” – and following this proverb some young mountain guides and climbers from the valley took the chance to celebrate Christmas on top of the Cima Grande peak. Big fun and many “likes” as a reward for the pictures and videos posted on facebook.

You can see the mountain fans on top of

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The Cima Grande peak sitting and dancing in front of the Christmas tree, which they had carried up themselves. One of them had taken his guitar with him to be able to play a Christmas song up there.

Having a closer look, one can see a little snowman on the rocks. Yes, a SNOWman – made of real snow!! This was a big highlight, because all the snow gathered on the peak had to be used for it…

One of the comments on the pictures gets it to the point: “Cool idea guys, but where does the snow for the snowman come from?” Answering the question, why did they have this idea in the first place, one of the participants said devilishly “Well, such a snow layer, or better no snow on the Cima Grande peak, which is almost 3,000 m (9,842 ft) high, won’t probably happen again in the next years or decades. Therefore, without hesitation we decided to climb it on Christmas day.

On the following days, we got up to the peak again with climbing customers.

This was a great winter season start – just not the usual way!”

Now we really hope that next winter there will be plenty of snow. We also hope that Old Mother Frost will take care of the snow a bit earlier! However, if she should have some initial difficulties once again, do not worry: we will certainly be creative!

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>> Martina Pfeifhofer

A SNOWSHOEING PARADISE

MOVING SLOWLY, ENJOYING MORE

AROUND THE THREE PEAKS

Those who get involved in snowshoeing will discover the untouched winter landscape, and be rewarded with the most fascinating experiences.

The silence is almost unreal while big white flakes fall smoothly from the sky, as in slow motion, and apparently englobe any kind of noise. If you stop breathing for a moment, then you hear – nothing. In return, you see so much more: gently gliding snow stars, which wrap the green spruce needles into pure white, while the younger spruces have gotten a huge snow cap much earlier. The colourful group of snowshoeing hikers enjoy the flake swirl with childlike joy and sparkling eyes, almost devoutly, while nearly turning into snowmen themselves. It is snowing – and looking at it as a fact, there is nothing spectacular, but nonetheless it has an enormous fascinating effect. Almost with devotion, the group enjoys the natural spectacle. “Mountains are silent masters and create taciturn students” – a quote by J.W. Goethe,

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which could easily be adapted into “Nature is a silent master, and creates taciturn students.”

Without snowshoes, it would be easy to sink into the deep powder.

With the big plates clipped on our shoes the contact area, however, is sufficiently big and enables hiking without any problems off the beaten tracks and without signs across the countryside, in the middle of deep, snow-covered, and untouched forests. We discover unique places, which normally would be out of reach in the deep snow powder. Those who explore nature off the beaten tracks or slopes get a glance of the real winter landscape: a dreamlike, fascinating, lonely, exciting, but at the same time also reassuring atmosphere.

Josef Hofmiller, a German writer, got it quite to the point: >>

„MOUNTAINS ARE SILENT MASTERS AND CREATE TACITURN

STUDENTS“

BY J.W. GOETHE

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Almanac (Stefan Herbke):

Almanac (Stefan Herbke):

Almanac (Stefan Herbke):

Snowshoeing is quite popular right now, what is so fascinating about this kind of sport?

So, snowshoeing is something for people who like to enjoy?

Is snowshoeing suitable for everyone?

Well, yes. Those who are on the move here in the Three Peaks in the Dolomites cannot help but marvel and gaze. Here and there, you can use cable cars or lifts for the ascent and shorten the tour by starting just above the timberline enjoying the beautiful landscape from the very beginning. By doing so there is enough time to listen to some animal sounds or to read animal traces.

Those who go for snowshoeing, experience the winter mountains in a much more intense way.

In my opinion, I would say yes, however it depends on the kind of tour. In high alpine areas, it is important to pay attention, to have alpine experience, as well as to take an emergency equipment (shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver) with you, and be in good physical shape.

Something has to be very clear: snowshoeing is more demanding compared to summer hiking tours on a good trail.

By means of snowshoes, also non-skiers are able to experience and enjoy untouched nature off the prepared winter hiking trails. A second good reason for snowshoeing is the keyword “deceleration”. During the snowshoeing tours, in contrast to ski touring hikes, not the peak but the journey is the reward.

What matters is walking and exercising in the middle of nature, and the tour experience itself.

“HIKING IS AN ACTIVITY FOR OUR LEGS – AND AN EMOTIONAL STATE OF OUR SOUL.“

SEARCHING FOR TRACES

JOSEF HOFMILLER

“Hiking is an activity for our legs – and an emotional state of our soul.”

This is also the case for easy snowshoeing tours. The experience in the middle of winter landscapes can be much more intense. Especially, when it starts snowing on the way up to the Klammbachalm hut, and The surroundings start getting covered with a thick, white layer of icing sugar, which captures any kind of noise. It is quiet, but not everyone is hibernating, as different kinds of animal traces tell us, before disappearing slowly under the new snow layer. “Traces of hares, red deer, roe deer, foxes, martens, and grouses are common”, explains the mountain guide. Nevertheless, you will hardly see them during the day, “wild animals are wild after all.” While snowshoeing the route, not the peak, is the reward. The destination does not matter actually, what counts is walking and exercising, the tour experience itself. There are plenty of possibilities in the Three Peaks in

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the Dolomites. Tours into the lonely valleys are very popular, where the great rock peaks of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage form the distinctive and unique mountain scenery or the panorama tour from the Prato Piazza/Plätzwiese to the Monte Specie/Strudelkopf peak. A very sunny tour, with a rest point at the end, is the tour to the Rifugio Bonner Hütte hut, situated majestically below the Corno di Fana/Toblacher Pfannhorn peak.

The interest in snowshoeing tours is increasing; beginners should rather opt for a guided tour with local guides. Sharing wonderful experiences in the middle of nature with a group is even more beautiful, and stopping by at the cosy Malga Klammbachalm hut, talking about the exciting day, will create a pleasant sense of togetherness. >> >> Stefan Herbke

INTERVIEW

Almanac (Stefan Herbke):

Do I need any special equipment?

First, you obviously need snowshoes, and not too heavy ones. It is also important to have a good binding, which enables a smooth clipon-and-off at the same time. Moreover, snowshoes need to have ice claws in order to provide sufficient support on hard snow. In addition, ankle-covering trekking boots, telescope poles with big snow baskets, which prevent you from sinking too much into the deep snow, as well as suitable clothing.

Untouched vastness, completely white forests – on snowshoes also non-skiers can do some touring activities in the winter mountain landscape. Snowshoes used to be an important means of locomotion in the heavily snow-covered mountains; their use has changed over time, and has now evolved into a trend sports activity. The mountain guide’s tip for snowshoeing.

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Almanac (Stefan Herbke):

Is it possible for me as a beginner to try snowshoeing in the Three Peaks in the Dolomites?

This area is perfect to discover snowshoeing for yourself. Be it on a quite easy track into the Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal valley to the Rifugio Fondovalle/Talschlusshütte hut, or a little bit more demanding up to the enchantingly positioned Klammbachalm hut, which is open for delicious refreshments; or to the Prato Piazza/Plätzwiese plateau with a stunning view, heading upwards to the Monte Specie/Strudelkopf – there are plenty of possibilities. Obviously, in all the places of the Three Peaks in the Dolomites it is possible to opt for guided snowshoeing tours.

REGIONAL IS THE NEW LUXURY

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GROCERIES TELL A STORY. Cross your heart: when was the last time you had a real good story in your mind while buying groceries? A story about the origins and the process of the product you have just t aken from the shelf. About the caring hands, which have produced, processed and refined it. About sun, wind and water, which have played their role along its growing process.

Or about the breath-t aking landscape, which marks the origin of this product. A utopian dream? No, “regionality� is the magic word, which brings sense and sensibility, consumers and producers closer together again. So close that they are able to see, listen and wonder again. >>

THE RENAISSANCE OF RARE VARIETIES. All this happens at farmers’ markets, in farm sops, in gastronomies with regional and seasonal cuisine, along hiking tours on mountain pastures and in many other places, where crafted quality products take centre stage and tell their stories.

THE LOCAL ECONOMIC CYCLE. SMALL BUT NICE. We are able to buy groceries coming from everywhere in the world at any time, however the taste sometimes falls by the wayside. The real luxury today is to find local products and enjoy them exactly in their season. In addition to the extraordinary taste, there are a series of advantages linked to it: • Regional products enable an easy traceability to the producer. Show diaries, farm visits, guided tours to explore herbs and flowers, traditional handicraft and farmers’ markets offer an Insight into the manufactu ring process of local products..

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•

Seasonal groceries from the region protect the environment, as unnecessary and polluting transports can be avoided, and no energy for greenhouses or refrigerated warehouses is needed.

•

Farmers not only produce raw materials, but also highquality luxury food. Niche products from agriculture and livestock farming and long forgotten artisanship get attention again. This provides support for small farming structures and leads to the fact that our natural and cultural landscape will stay alive.

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South Tyrol is a Province where excellent cuisine is a major feature, and each valley has its own traditions and delicacies. In the Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites, the strength of local resources has been rediscovered for some years now. The satisfying results can be seen on the menus, where for example meat delicacies made of “Pustertaler Sprinzen” are offered, an old cattle bread seriously endangered until recently. Regional grain varieties as spelt, rye and buckwheat live their renaissance, too. Creative cooks use and transform them into delicious first courses. The Pusteria/Pustertal valley is one of the three flagship areas for the “Regiokorn” (regional grains) project. The aim of this project is the revival of grain farming, once used to be strongly widespread in South Tyrol, the rebuilding of traditional cooperation between farmers, millers and bakers as well as the preservation of the cultural landscape’s diversity through golden cornfields. About half of the spelt and rye harvest is of biological quality. Bread and pastries made of local grains may show the quality mark South Tyrol and are additive-free, meaning no chemical additives, no flavour enhancers, and no preservatives. Some typical bread varieties are the “Pustertaler Breatlan” (rye bread) or the wellliked Schüttelbrot (crunchy flatbread). Local cheese delicacies made of cow, sheep or goat milk are excellent with local bread. For example the aromatic “Pustertaler Räucherkäse” (smoked cheese) from the show diary Drei Zinnen in Dobbiaco/Toblach or – for dauntless gourmets – the spicy and strong-smelling “Graukas” from the cheese dairy Käserei Sexten.

Those who find their bed rest in a bedroom made of Swiss pine wood after such exquisite delights can count themselves lucky, because as studies confirm, this local wood type has a relaxant effect on the heartbeat and ensures a good sleep. >>

GINGERBREAD RECIPE Ingredients: • 140 g flour • 360 g rye flour • 150 g ground almonds • 10 g cooking soda

Use a layer of baking pa

THE FARM. SUCCESS THROUGH ADAPTATION.

CHRISTMAS TIME IS TIME FOR TRADITION.

per for the baking tray.

Mix flour, rye flour, almon ds and cooking soda.

Heat honey and sugar slightly, mix it with eggs, melted butter, vanilla sug ar, lemon peel, lemon juice, rum, cinnamon, clo ve powder and the flour mix and process eve rything into a dough.

Cover it with a cloth and store it in the fridge for at least 12 hours. The n process the dough slightly, roll it out into a one-cm-flat layer, cut out biscuits at your conve nience and coat them with some milk. If you like it, decorate them with almonds or walnuts and bake them in the preheated oven.

Baking temperature:

180ºC (356ºF).

Baking time: about 6 minutes.

Especially during a holiday stay, it is easy to get to know the advantages of regional products in a relaxed atmosphere and to watch the farmers at work. Many farms offer guided tours on their farms and food tastings, as for example the Lechnerhof in Braies/ Prags, which in addition has a special adventure for kids: “Schule am Bauernhof” (school at the farm), which means, experiencing, understanding and learning. The classroom is swapped against free nature, meadows, the stable or the hay barn. Displaying the connection between agriculture and environment sharpens the children’s awareness for precious foods in an exciting way. On the interface between tradition and a glance towards the future, many farmers have developed ideas and solutions with which they guarantee the maintenance of their business, and experience new appreciation.

• 200 g honey • 200 g sugar

• 2 eggs • 50 g melted butter

• 1 sachet of vanilla suga r • 1 pinch of grated lem on peel • 2 tbsp. lemon juice • 1 tbsp. rum • 1 tsp. cinnamon • 1 pinch of clove powd er • Milk for the coat • Entire almonds or walnu ts for decorating

Experience local traditions in the area of the Three Peaks in the Dolomites! Not only religious holidays are solemnly celebrated, also old customs of pagan origin, as the “Krampuslauf” (the devils’ run) in Dobbiaco are part and parcel of local life. Atmospheric surroundings at the Christmas markets, where not only arts and crafts, but also little delicacies are offered.

Christmas baking is a big tradition in this area during advent season, and honey is appreciated especially in winter thanks to its beneficial compounds.

There is a big hustle and bustle in the several beehives of the Three Peaks in the Dolomites in summer, and the manifold flora provides for extraordinary honey quality. Perfect for a delicious gingerbread recipe! Other important ingredients for baking and cooking during Christmas time are available at the farm shops or directly at the regional farms. >> Alexa Falk

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The magic of a thousand voices

FESTIVAL Al t a Pus te ria Inte rnational Choir F e s tiv al

Since ancient times, people have used songs to give nature’s beauty and sublimity a voice. Vice versa, nature offers the most beautiful sceneries for music.

In ancient times, amphitheatres were deliberately set into the landscape in order to offer the audience an impressive natural backdrop. An approach, which has been used as well by Richard Wagner: spectacular natural sceneries represented his arenas of music dramas and act as emotional amplifier, and as metaphors for the protagonists’ state of mind. Similarly, at the Alta Pusteria International Choir Festival not only the music performances have been captivating the audience’s attention for almost twenty years, but also the wonderful natural stages. In 1998, the first edition of this festival was held with 22 Italian choirs. Over the years, it has become a cultural highlight of the Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites, and sparkles with international participants. For the 2017 edition, more than 80 choirs have registered. The performances are divided into different venues, in order to give

Traditionally, “concerts” of two to four choirs take place in concert halls or churches, some concerts attract visitors to unconventional venues, as for example mountain huts.

The “open-air revues” are pure outdoor concerts with five to

Pustertal valley. The acoustic pleasure is enhanced by the beauty of the surrounding scenery, for example by the Lago di Anterselva/Antholzer See lake, the Val Fiscalina/ Fischleintal valley framed by the Dolomiti di Sesto, the Val di Landro/ Höhlensteintal valley with its view on the famous Three Peaks and many more. Full-sensorial experiences at the “revues” create unforgettable memories.

From an artistic point of view, the

eight choirs. Each “revue” performs in front of a natural backdrop marked by the unique landscape of the Val Pusteria/

audience appreciates the “meeting days” with the largest number of choirs: eight to twelve choirs offer their individual repertoire.

also the side valleys of AnterSelva/Antholz, Braies/ Prags and Casies/Gsies also the possibility to host world-famous choirs from five continents.

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This festival does not require any mandatory pieces, and its participants can choose genre and style freely. Therefore, one can expect an extraordinarily varied overall programme, whose music range spans from sacred music to folk music and opera, gospel and jazz. A wide-ranging audience visits the Alta Pusteria Choir Festival.

DATE

The “Mosaic Community Choir” and “Vocally Wild” are two Australian choirs, which perform under the direction of Robert Dryden. The repertoire includes contemporary pieces, musicals, choral, spirituals and folk. At the Choir Festival, they perform together under the name of “Viva Melbourne”. Choirmaster Robert Dryden attaches great

importance to a cheerful atmosphere free of fear, in which each choir member can unfold his/her voice potential. Based on his philosophy “Everyone can sing, somebody just has to show how to do it”, no admission tests are needed. >> Alexa Falk

Find out more about the Choir Festival at: www.fes tivalpus ter ia.or g/en/

JUNE 21st 2017– JUNE 25th 2017

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Mr Dryden, when was your first time in the Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites?

I master two choirs in Melbourne, and in 2013, we decided to combine two choirs called “Viva Melbourne” participating in the Choir Festival. In 2015, we came again. We love the atmosphere of this festival, we always meet very nice people, enjoy the performances and obviously the great mountain view – it is breath taking!

“ A r t wa she s a wa y t he

e v e r y da y du st from your so ul.”

B er t h o l d A u er b a ch , w r i t er

In June 2017 you will participate again in the Choir Festival with “Viva Melbourne”.

What exactly is so attractive in this area?

We want to come back because of the wonderful experience we made in the past. One of the best things is to meet like-minded people from all over the world; we share our love for singing.

Moreover, we have learned a lot about ourselves, observing others’ performances. And obviously we got lots of praise and appreciation.

What is the difference between the Alta Pusteria International Choir Festival and similar events?

First, there is a great organisation and a fantastic hospitality, and in addition the wonderful, unique sceneries for the concerts. The result is a gathering of more than 80 choirs in summer 2017 from all over the world.

This leads to a fantastic atmosphere and makes you feel part of a world community.

Which are the highlights of your programme in 2017?

The highlights are the performance in front of Italy’s second biggest bell at the Plan de Corones/ Kronplatz peak, the parade through San Candido/ Innichen’s streets and in the famous Gustav Mahler hall at the culture centre of Dobbiaco/Toblach.

When have you discovered your passion for the choir?

My passion for choirs and choral has started very early. I was part of the church choir when I was seven. My parents also participated in the church choir and encouraged me.

NATURE SHAPED BY HANDICRAFT & TRADITION

Do you have any messages for the audience?

The Alta Pusteria International Choir Festival is one of the best festivals of the world. It is an absolute must for all choir and music fans.

Hatter

COME AND VISIT US! Burgweg 2 Innichen Tel. +39 0474 913535 Please find us 200 m from the pedestrian area towards Haunold www.haunold.info

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History and alpinism:

the Rifugio Locatelli/ DreizinnenhĂźtte hut The construction of the Southern railway through the Val di Pusteria/Pustertal valley around 1870 inspired an already previously perceptible touristic boom. Even if there had been already exclusive clients for a long time, who came to this mountain area for holiday reasons and summer retreat, the better accessibility of this area opened up for a completely new class of guests. At the beginning, guests were mainly English people, rich citizens or aristocrats, who benefited from the beginning industrial revolution in the UK and were looking for new thrills. Citizens pertaining to this class had been growing up surrounded by the myth of the big conquerors, and thus many of them were looking for extreme experiences.

This fact is quite similar to today’s phenomenon of extreme sports. >>

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Schusterplatte with the Rufigio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte hut in 1886

The ascents of peaks, which had not been climbed by anyone so far, became one of the new, elitist sports, which henceforth gained foothold mainly in the Dolomites and in the Swiss Alps.

Rich guests would often hire locals as their accompanying person. In this way, alongside the gastronomy branch, a new professional group emerged, the mountain guides. With the guided tours in the mountains for rich guests, these professionals could earn good money, unlike through the meagre agricultural branch. With the increasing development of prosperity in the Western Europe, also other guests from Austria-Hungary and Germany followed this new trend.

The foundation of the Austrian Alpine Club (Österreichischer Alpenverein) was followed by the one of the German Alpine Club (Deutscher Alpenverein), based on the model of the British Alpine Club. The German and Austrian Alpine Clubs founded around 1873 aimed at promoting mountaineering, among other things, through the building of rest points in the mountains. Thus in 1881, in a wonderful location over the Alpe dei Piani/Bödenalm pasture, on the pass between Monte Paterno/Paternkofel

and Sasso di Sesto/Sextner Stein, the beginning of construction of the Rifugio Locatelli/ Dreizinnenhütte hut was set.

The Alta Pusteria/ Hochpustertal section of the German and Austrian Alpine Clubs DÖAV supported the construction. The initial quite modest structure was inaugurated two years later.

Available berths as well as a small kitchen enabled the hut to provide for 18 visitors simultaneously. In the following years, small enhancements were made, so that in 1897 already 642 visitors could be registered. The following year Sepp Innerkofler took over the Rifugio Locatelli as the new host.

Back then Innerkofler was already a famous mountain guide of Sesto/Sexten, who had made several first ascents and marked new routes, among others, the then very demanding north wall of the Small Peak (Cima Piccola/ Kleine Zinne) in 1890. In the course of hundreds of mountain tours, he had been guiding numerous alpinists coming from all over the world. Under his lead, the Rifugio Locatelli hut flourished. Soon afterwards, in 1908, there was another renovation of the hut, which could then offer 55 berths. In those years,

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approximately 2,000 hikers and mountaineers per year visited the hut.

Unfortunately, this first touristic boom found an abrupt end with the outbreak of the First World War. Already since 1914, summer visitors and alpinists from all over Europe held off, even if a deceptive quietness still characterized the Peak plateau. However, the political tensions between AustriaHungary and Italy became gradually more noticeable also in the mountains. Little by little, patrolling activities were increased on both sides, and strategically important places preventively occupied. Since the end of winter 1915, Italians occupied already the Pian di Cengia/Büllelejoch pass and the Monte Paterno pass, Austrians for their part started to occupy and to secure the line from the Wildgrabenjoch to the Innichriedel. Former fellow mountaineers, Austrian gendarmes and Italian “Finanzer” (finance officials) had to avoid each other following high commands and were not allowed to meet at a hut anymore.

All of a sudden in spring 1915, the peaceful mountain idyll in our area was over. On May 23 rd, the Kingdom of Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary, and already

the same morning the artillery projectiles would whirl and hiss.

The Austrians burnt down the Italian border barrack below the Monte Paterno pass, the Italians responded out of revenge by shooting down the Rifugio Locatelli hut. From very close, Sepp Innerkofler had to watch his life’s work go up in flames. Soon afterwards, he passed away. In immediate proximity of his hut, he guided an expedition for the reconquest of the Monte Paterno, which failed on July 4 th 1915. The exact circumstances of his death have been controversial until today. It is a fact however, that Innerkofler was struck and killed shortly below the summit; the Alpini buried him on the mountain summit.

After World War I, the Rifugio Locatelli hut was rebuilt only in 1922, even if in 1920 an old military barack at the Toblinger Riedel opened for food and drinks. In September 1923, the resurrected Rifugio Locatelli hut was suddenly expropriated, due to one of the first fascist decrees, and handed over to the Italian Alpine Association CAI, as it was the case for all the other huts pertaining to the local Alpine Association. From 1935, a complete new construction was

pushed with great effort by the CAI sections Bolzano/Bozen and Padova. A modern construction with 80 berths, a telephone connection and electric light arose.

In the course of the inauguration in July 1937, the Rifugio Locatelli hut was renamed festively after a comrade-in-arms of poet and soldier Gabriele D´Annunzio, Antonio Locatelli. In the turmoil of the Second World War, the construction was destroyed again.

After the Second World War, the hut was rebuilt again, this time on sole initiative of section Padova of the Italian Alpine Association CAI. From 1949 onwards the family Reider managed the hut, since 2001 Hugo Reider.

In the first post-war times only a few hikers and mountaineers “got lost” in this area, in the following years however, the business expanded continuously. With the beginning economic miracle, bigger numbers of mostly German tourists reached the mountain world of the Three Peaks in the 1960s. Italian guests followed gradually. Especially the road from Misurina to the Auronzo hut made the visitors flow to the Rifugio Locatelli hut flourish even stronger.

Currently the hut is generally open from mid/end June until the end of September. On some sun-

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ny days, up to 2,000 visitors stop by for food and drinks. Moreover, the hut offers 40 beds and more than 100 berths. For many years now, the Rifugio Locatelli hut has been thus an important pillar for the local mountain tourism. It is equipped with a breath-taking view on the Three Peaks, an essential starting point for many wonderful tours and an important base for the mountain rescue teams’ missions. After a more than touching 135-year-old history, the hut appears in full bloom still today.

MA Curti Covi Author MA Curti Covi, resident in San Candido/ Innichen, historian and political scientist.

In addition to diverse fields of activity in the consulting and research area he develops tourism development strategies from the point of view of local history and culture for the area of South Tyrol.

Photo contest summer 2016

My favourite place 3 Zinnen/Three Peaks in the Dolomites

Among many fantastic pictures, the classic photos are clearly one step ahead in the competition for their favourite place in Alta Pusteria/ Hochpustertal. It is our pleasure and we are proud to present the three absolute best pictures. They send us into raptures…

We would like to thank all participants of the photo contest.

Prizes summer 2016

We congratulate the winners, and invite everyone else to join the drawing competition and meet the new challenge. We are waiting for your pictures!

First prize: Weekend for two at the Glinzhof in San Candido/ Innichen www.glinzhof.com

Second prize: Dinner for two at the Hotel Sole Paradiso in San Candido/ Innichen www.sole-paradiso.com

Third prize: A surprise gift sponsored by the 3 Zinnen/Three Peaks in the Dolomites

First prize

Second prize

Stefan Achorner

Stefanie Angerer

Drawing competition winter 2016/17

„My holiday

in the 3 Zinnen/Three Peaks in the Dolomites“

PLEASE SU B M IT YOU R PICTU R E TO: » Tourismusverband Hochpustertal Dolomitenstr. 29 39034 Toblach Südtirol - Italy

or via email: INFO@DREI-ZINNEN.INFO

Third prize Roberto Duchini 48

Deadline: April 1 st 2017

We would like to give our little guests a chance to win fant astic prizes, too. Therefore, we are organizing a drawing/painting contest. Show us your most beautiful holiday memories, the thing you liked best or your favourite activities during your st ay in the 3 Zinnen/Three Peaks in the Dolomites.

We are waiting for your pictures!

Conditions of participation: Children aged between 0 and 12. One picture for each child. Among all submissions, we will raffle 10 fantastic prizes!

With their child’s participation in the contest, parents agree to the use of all submitted pictures by the Tourist Board Alta Pusteria for advertising purposes and for publishing purposes in the Almanac Three Peaks Dolomites, citing the creator’s name. A title will be added when receiving the pictures. The jury members, being representatives of the Tourist Board, of the diverse tourist associations and of this magazine’s editorial staff, will raffle the winners.

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Summer in the 3 Zinnen/Three Peaks in the Dolomites

Credits Editor: Alta Pusteria Tourist Board Editor in charge: Michael Wachtler

Translations: Kerstin Pramstaller Cover: Harald Wisthaler Photo: H. Wisthaler, H. Oberhofer, Photogruener, R. Krasnig, A. Villgratter, Rotwild, F. Rizzetto, M. Gratton, E. Callierotti, N. Eiselehein, Landi, Licht & Fokus, M. Verdoes, M. Schönegger, M. Kottersteger

Mon - Fri 08 am - 12 pm 01 pm - 06 pm Saturday 09 am - 12.30 pm 1.30 pm - 6 pm

BRAIES

Editorial office & coordination: Alta Pusteria Tourist Board / Stefanie Pfeifhofer / Patrizia Hörmann Texting: Martina Pfeifhofer, Stefan Herbke, Judith Steinmair Georg Weindl, Judith Steinmair, Alexa Falk, Marion Mair, Curti Covi

Opening hours:

Lake Braies

Grafics und Layout: Werbeagentur Rotwild (Brixen) – www.rotwild.it

600 m after the entrance to Braies Valley, turn right and follow the street for another 500 m.

DOBBIACO

Opening hours July 1st - September 24th:

Bikeway

Villabassa Monguelfo

BRUNICO

Mon - Fri 08 am - 07 pm Sat - Sun 09 am - 07 pm

D O F OA R TY & OR T FAC

Advertisment: Alta Pusteria Tourist Board / Stefanie Pfeifhofer / Patrizia Hörmann Printing: Litopat SpA All information is subject to change

Our partners: ALPE PRAGAS - BRAIES DI FUORI 38 - 39030 BRAIES - DOLOMITI - ITALY TEL. +39 0474 749400 - INFO@ALPEPRAGAS.COM - WWW.ALPEPRAGAS.COM

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Alemagnastraße 4 | I-39034 Toblach-Dobbiaco T + 39 0474 972 142 info@hotel-santer.com www.hotel-santer.com

Trachten Stüberl

Ihr Trachten- & Lodenfachgeschäft im Pustertal St.-Johannes-Str. 69 :: I-39034 TO B L AC H Tel. +39 0474 972 350