Singer Sporthotel & Spa, Berwang, Austria by marketing deluxe

Singer’s Gäste-News Spring/Summer 2012

In tune with nature

We congratulate Gerti Singer on her anniversaries

Loyal managers & creative staff – a good part of our success

Faith in the healing powers of nature

Dear Guests and Friends of our hotel, I am delighted to send you the second edition of our Guest Magazine. We did not have to look far for news and recent events to report, indeed we had to put them in order of priority! 2012 got off to a festive and action-packed start and I am glad to have this opportunity to share the happenings and the photos with you. You’ll also find out more about our mountain guide Gerd Amann – or why not be whisked off into unspoilt nature with our SPA director Christiana Mitterdorfer, complete with her plants and herbs. Then there’s a delicious recipe by our executive chef Thomas Kunath, of course with the matching wine selected by our Maître d’hôtel Daniel Maier. I wish you happy reading and hope this Magazine motivates you to return soon again to Singer’s Sporthotel & SPA. Your Florian Singer

Summer Awakening at Singer’s 17 May – 1 July 2012 Experience our mountains and Alpine meadows in full bloom and enjoy the glorious early summer temperatures. Perfect for true relaxation – either prior to or instead of a classic summer holiday.

We congratulate Gerti Singer on her anniversaries th

70 anniversary & 40 years in Berwang In 1971 Gerti Neubacher arrived to start work at the Hotel Singer. She had sent her application for a position as ‘Hotel and Reception Secretary’ to Günter Singer in the belief that Berwang was really close to Innsbruck where her then boyfriend was working. Although determined to stay for one season, she was suddenly unsure about the day of her arrival and started looking for an alternative hotel.

No-one answered! This was how the young Gerti succumbed to the charm of Günter Singer and his hotel. Her profession became her passion and Ms Neubacher soon changed her position of reception secretary for that of the hotelier’s wife. Time flies and meanwhile their son Florian has celebrated his 30th birthday this year. Gerti has managed the hotel together with her husband for 40 years – with love,

Impressions of the refurbished ‘Zirbenstube’ & ‘Galerie-Lounge’ Exclusive fabrics and curtains, sophisticated tableware, new carpets.... the ‘Zirbenstube’ & ‘Galerie-Lounge’ have been given a most becoming facelift.

devotion and commitment. There is no doubt that she was a ‘force majeur’ behind the success of the hotel. This January Gerti Singer – in an incredible year jam-packed with jubilees – celebrated her 70th birthday. Once again Happy Birthday, sincere thanks and utmost respect for your achievements spanning so many years!

• 4 nights indulgence half board for the price of 3 nights • Spring Alpine meadow bouquet in your room on arrival • 1 x Alpine herb and blossom bath • One guided ‘Alpine flowers & herbs’ walk with our SPA director Christiana Mitterdorfer Price per person for 4 nights, e.g. Double room Rainberg €365 Studio Abendspitze €452 Deluxe Junior Suite Thaneller €482

NEW! Hearty Tyrolean ‘Jausen’ buffet included in the SPA-Bistro Enjoy a Tyrolean ‘Jause’ in the Singer’s SPA every day between 3.30 and 5pm. We pamper you with cold regional specialities such as ham, bacon, herb and cottage cheese, farmer’s bread and butter plus famous sweets from the classic Austrian dessert assortment. What’s more, this new extra is included in your room rate (drinks excluded).

Singer’s Gäste-News

Hiking & SPA, a full-on combination for health fans & active holidaymakers In Berwang, the highest location in the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena, we offer our guests lasting holiday experiences dedicated to nature. Against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery and surrounded by the most diverse flora in the western Alps, health fans and active holidaymakers experience firsthand the power of the mountains at an altitude of 1,336 metres.

Come and explore the wonderful mountain world during a guided tour or set off and explore the region for yourselves. What about a flower-herb hike on the ‘Alpenrosensteig’ according to the motto ‘See AND feel nature’? Above the treeline you will come across regional Alpine herbs and then enjoy them in the Singer’s SPA during an Alpine herbal massage. They inject new energy into your body and give you a feeling of weightlessness. This deeply relaxing treatment is further enhanced by the soothing fragrance of stone pines, dwarf pines and mountain herbs.

Z Ticket

For a stay of 7 nights and more, we give you a complimentary Z Ticket (24 May – 2 July & 1 September – 8 October 2012)

Spring/Summer 2012

32 year old, mountain guide at the Singer Sporthotel & SPA

Florian Singer interviews Gerd Amann Florian Singer: Gerd, I’m very pleased that you have been with us for almost four years as a mountain guide. How did it all start?

having achieved something!

Gerd: Thank you, Florian, I am very happy to be a guide for the Singer guests. My fascination with the mountains began when I was a little child. At the age of five I climbed the ‘Hönig’ for the first time and ever since the mountains have never let me go. However I did also learn the craft of a wood & stone sculptor and worked for a long time with the Red Cross in Reutte. It was only five years ago that my hobby became my profession and since then I have completed all the training courses for mountain guides.

Gerd: ‘Ehenbichler Alm’ – they have the best snacks and simply delicious home-smoked bacon. And the ‘Tarrenton Alm’ – they make their own cheese and buttermilk and it tastes just wonderful!

Florian Singer: About the mountain huts, which is your favourite?

Florian Singer: What suggestions do you have for guests who come to Berwang looking for a few days rest and relaxation and who are not such enthusiastic hikers? Gerd: Of course, a guided hike with me (he laughs)! But, joking aside, I think the ravine walk taking in the ‘Rotlech’ waterfall is a real experience, easy to reach and find!

Florian Singer: But you are not ‘just’ a guide... Gerd: That’s right. As you know, we also have a group which plays Alpine music and we call ourselves ‘Die Grageler’. Together with Andi I have often played for the guests here at Singer’s. We have about 100 gigs a year! What’s more, I work for the helicopter base in Reutte between six and ten times a month where I am the winch operator for all missions while I’m on call. Our RK2 helicopter is the only one with a winch on board which means that even for the most difficult mountain terrain we can recover and rescue people. Of course, my training as a member of the mountain rescue service and as a first-aider is of great help to me!

Florian Singer: What do you have in store for guests who go on a hiking tour with you?

Florian Singer: How is that with all this work, tasks and missions that you also have a wife and four children? Gerd: (Laughs…) Florian Singer: Tell me when you go up the mountain without any guests, on your own, which is your favourite mountain? Gerd: The ‘Suwaldspitze’ behind

the ‘Hönig’, or if I have more time, the ‘Knittelkarspitze’. Florian Singer: And what’s your favourite route with our guests? Gerd: Depending on fitness levels and wishes of the guests, I really like the classics like the ‘Hönig’, the ‘Thaneller’ or the mountain hut hikes. There is a great deal to see, you can show the guests a lot and they have an immediate feeling of

There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes! Why bother trying to put together all the day-trip destinations and buy separate tickets each time when the clever ‘Aktiv-Card’ does this for you. The Z Ticket covers all the services that make holidaying in the Zugspitz Arena simply unforgettable. For instance: • Ride to the top of the Zugspitze • Boat outing on lakes ‘Heiterwanger See’ and ‘Plansee’ • Use of the ‘Sonnalmbahn’ (chair lift – right next to the hotel) and the ‘Almkopfbahn’ (cable car) • Tennis hall Ehrwald, sport and leisure park Bichlbach For shorter stays and outside the dates indicated above, the Z Ticket is available at the reception, costs €68 per person (from the age of 19).

The right hiking gear An enjoyable and safe hike in the Alps begins with the right gear. Good, worn-in hiking boots are an absolute must. The most important criteria are solid sole, stable materials and a comfortable fit. Seek professional advice in a specialist sports shop and try on several pairs of hiking boots with your hiking socks in order to get a feel for whether the boots are a good fit or not. Ensure your hiking socks are made from breathable materials a reinforcement of the toe and heal is beneficial. Your clothing should be comfortable and practical for your hiking holiday. Light, breathable materials

guarantee a pleasant feeling. Make sure your hiking trousers allow ease of movement around the hips and knees, waterproof outer clothing and practical shirts are other essentials. In order to protect yourself from UV rays in the mountains, some kind of hat is very important. Quick-drying breathable materials also create a pleasant ‘head climate’ and allow perspiration to evaporate. Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen, mobile phone and, perhaps, blister plasters! With binoculars and a camera you can explore the Alpine mountains and capture the most beautiful images and moments

forever. The specialist sports shop Hofherr in Leermoos can provide you with the best range of clothing and advice.

Our complimentary hiking service for you: Singer’s hiking kit in your room: • Rucksack • Hiking/walking sticks • Hiking map Our new ski room is the ideal place to store and dry your shoes in summer.

Gerd: An unforgettable day! Firstly, I completely adapt to the wishes and fitness level of my guests, secondly I tell them a great deal about the nature around them, the animals, the plants, the weather but also about people, stories about how it used to be – depending on what guests are interested in. After all, I grew up here and learned a great deal from my parents and grandparents about life here in the mountains. Florian Singer: Thank you and I wish lots of fun with the snowshoe tour today!

NEW! ‘Filled’ hiking rucksack Hiking makes you hungry! As a special service of our hotel, we provide you with a complimentary Singer’s hiking kit in your room. It consists of a rucksack, walking sticks and a hiking map. We are happy to fill your rucksack with food and drinks before you set off on your mountain tour (extra charge).

Singer’s Gäste-News

Spring/Summer 2012

There is, after all, a herb for every ailment!

In tune with nature – discover the healing plants of Berwang

Health tips –

‘Open your eyes to the small things, Herbal and you will see the big picture!’ applications at Get in touch with nature, consciously experience your surroundings and take a closer look at our world of plants. SPA director Christiana Mitterdorfer invites you once a week to set off on a journey of discovery in the world of herbs and healing plants.

have frequently encountered many of these plants already, we know very little about their properties and healing powers.

Herb specialist with a practical flair

be an experienced hiker. The focus is not on taxing exercise but enjoyment of nature.

In the mood for a journey of botanic discovery? Then join us on the flower-herb tour!

The most diverse flora in the western Alps

When SPA director Christiana puts on her walking shoes, then she has just such an exploratory tour in mind. During the flower-herb tour you set off with her to explore the beauty and rarities in Berwang. Orchids, valerian, wild thyme, daisies and many other plants line the path. They enthral you with their heady fragrances and thrill you with their diversity. During this popular tour, even small plants make a big impact. Although we

Alpine herb baths Relaxing or energising Water is calming, invigorating and moving. Water is life. An anti-stress bath in our light-filled comfortable tub with underwater massage and the right ingredients activate body functions, loosens muscles and calm the mind. CALMING BATHS – for dreams and relaxation • Relaxing herbal bath (lavender, sweet balm, sage) 20mins €35 • Berwanger Alpine milk bath with honey 20mins €35

The Berwanger Plateau is not just renowned for its picturesque beauty and many hours of warm sunshine but is also home to the most diverse flora in the western Alps. Botanic treasures grow here in unspoilt nature, just waiting to be discovered. The region is perfect for extensive exploration with keen eyes.

Small plants make a big impact

Singer’s SPA

ENERGISING BATHS – to strengthen and revitalise • Energy herbal bath (mint, pine, mallow) 20mins €35 • Tyrolean revitalising stone oil bath 20mins €35

Alpine herbal massage Regeneration of muscles and tightening of tissue

Christiana is a specialist in this field: The Tyrolean has something to say about almost every plant. She knows how they are used, their ingredients and reveals the best time to pick them. This knowledge is immediately put to practical use. The herbs are not just a treat for the eyes but are also used for treatments like herbal baths and herbal exfoliations in our very own Singer’s SPA. Furthermore: To take part in the flower-herb tour, you don’t have to

An energising massage with Alpine rose and herbal essences combined with a relaxing foot peeling treatment. Afterwards, you feel fresh, your circulation boosted and strengthened. Whole body 50mins €69 Practical information: In a small herb guide, which we put together especially for the flower-herb hike, you will find pictures and exact descriptions of the herbs we have discovered, how they work and how they are used. You can also refer to this book any time once you are back home. How to prepare a stinging nettle spring cure or a spruce tree cough mixture during the cold season. There is, after all, a herb for every ailment!

Singer’s Gäste-News

Spring/Summer 2012

Bronze medal in

the National Championship We are proud to announce that Bianca Abler has been awarded the bronze medal at the National Championships for Tourism Trainees as a hotel and catering trainee. Furthermore, together with the Tyrolean team she brings the federal ‘Länder’ team award title to Tyrol.

she won the silver performance award. Thanks to this reward Bianca, along with two other trainees from Tyrol, qualified for the National Championships in Krems. We extend our congratulations for the bronze medal at the National Championship and wish her every success!

A good part of our success –

Loyal managers and creative staff Recognising young talent, helping staff to develop, motivating managers by means of recognition and performance incentives. At the Singer Sporthotel & SPA a strategic staff policy is both a personal desire and an obligation. Highly qualified

staff and loyal managers are a major driver behind the economic success of our hotel. Without them the hotel would not be what it is today. Successful HR is not merely a part of our corporate philosophy; we make an important contribution

to the advancement of tourism in Austria as our country leads the way on the international stage when it comes to hospitality, service and quality.

In 2008 Bianca, who is twenty years old now, began her training as a restaurant assistant at the Singer Sporthotel & SPA, which she then had to interrupt at short notice. In October 2010 the young lady rejoined our hotel and is doing her training as a hotel and catering assistant. With hard work, courage and a dash of selfconfidence she earned very good marks. The reward for this is her successful participation in the ‘Land’ trainee competition where

We would like to express our special thanks and congratulations to our executive chef Thomas Kunath on the occasion of his 10th anniversary, our chambermaid Borka Bakic for her 30th anniversary and our coffee service Nena Malisic for her 20th anniversary (from left to right)

Recipe by Thomas Kunath

Trilogy of smoked trout

Smoked trout mousse in a crust 200 ml Vegetable stock 500 ml Cream 400 g Smoked trout 4 Thin slivers of smoked char, or smoked salmon for the crust 3 leaves Gelatine Salt, pepper Boil vegetable stock, 300 ml cream and smoked trout. Puree with hand mixer and add salt and pepper to taste. Soften gelatine in cold water and add to mixture. Leave mousse to stand for about 20 minutes in cool place, whip the remaining cream until stiff and fold into the mixture. Apply mousse and lay the crust made from the smoked char around it.

Our Maître d’hôtel Daniel Maier selects the following wine to accompany these dishes: 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Hochsulz, Walter Skoff winery, Gamlitz, southern Styria. Mr. Daniel Maier has been the restaurant manager of our hotel for three years. He began his career with us nine years ago as a commis de rang and has shown great dedication in working his way up to his current position. He heads his team with great prudence and attends to all our guests’ concerns with genuine warmth and hospitality. Furthermore, he assists our sommelier und bar manager Thomas Rückhörmann in his selection and purchase of wines.

a glass. Sear the giant prawns in a frying pan with sunflower oil and season with salt and pepper. Remove the prawns from the frying pan and leave to drain on kitchen roll. Then arrange them around the rim of the glass filled with bouillabaisse. Smoked fillet of trout in breadcrumbs 20 g Flour 1 Egg 50 g Breadcrumbs 500 g Smoked fillet of trout Cut fillet of trout into same-size pieces. Wipe both sides in the flour, the beaten egg and breadcrumbs. Fry in the pan with sunflower oil until golden yellow

Bouillabaisse with added extras Bouillabaisse (classic) 1 fillet of trout 1 fillet of common whitefish 1 yellow carrot 1 red carrot 1 courgette 4 giant prawns Cut the fillets of trout and common whitefish into roughly 1 cm x 1 cm pieces. Carve small spheres out of the peeled carrots and courgette. Boil the bouillabaisse. Poach the prepared pieces of fish and vegetables spheres and arrange in