KATHARINA SCHMID

32, tourism professional and volunteer for the village lift in Terenten

advanced skiing lessons. The most ambitious among them might join a ski club, and one or two may even make it as a pro. What unites them all is that they discovered their love for the sport here – in this place where even bad weather can’t take the joy out of skiing. That might sound crazy, but around here skiing, come rain or shine, is just how we do things.

The Panorama lift was built in 1963 and belongs to a local company. A total of 13 staff operate the lift between December and March, taking care of everything from preparing the slope to managing the ski bar. But without the invaluable support of a large, dedicated group of volunteers like me, the lift wouldn’t run at all. The volunteers also help organise ski races, arrange food and drink for the participants and distribute the start numbers. I love volunteering here. I work full time in the tourist information office, but in my spare time I do the accounting and coordinate the volunteers for our village lift. I could even operate a snow cannon if I had to! Why do I volunteer? Well that’s simple – I want to give something back in return for all the wonderful ways in which our lift keeps our village community alive.

Skiing in Terenten alongside the Panorama village lift, which was built in 1963. Like so many others, Katharina Schmid loves the peace and quiet and fresh air.

Three more village lifts... for beginners and nostalgics, kids and returning skiers who feel a bit rusty

+ InLüsen/Luson, the idyllic “Balbein” plate lift has been transporting children up the bunny slope for decades. In 2019, the Rungg slope was refurbished with innovative technology; alongside the tow lift, there are magic carpets for learning to ski in a playful way.

+ A drag lift, a beginnerfriendly blue slope and a steeper red slope, as well as a vibrant lodge where the locals like to mingle: That’s all it takes for a beautiful day in the tiny “Maders Ski Paradise” in Schnauders near Feldthurns/Velturno: a true insiders’ tip.

+ Brixen’s inhabitants have been starting their skiing careers here since 1996: The “Randötsch” platter lift in St. Andrä/Sant’Andrea is right next to the valley station of the gondola lift that leads to the Plose ski area and therefore offers sufficient refreshment options for post-lesson reward cocoas.

xcellent, stay upright, just a bit further, that’s it… and now let gooooo!” cries Karl Untersteiner to a child approaching the top of the Pobist lift in Meransen. The courageous little skier, who must only be four years old, if that, is clutching awkwardly onto the drag lift. He hesitates at the top, unsure when, how and where exactly to get off. As an experienced ski lift operator, Karl immediately springs into action to slow down the lift and help the boy with a gentle nudge. Visibly relieved and undoubtedly proud to have made it to the top, the boy slides over to the rest of his group.

“It’s Monday and day one of the ski course, so for most of these kids it’s their first time on a slope,” says Karl, his eyes fixed firmly on the drag lift. He’s watching the children closely to make sure they’re holding their skis straight, ready to quickly intervene if they lose their footing.

“You need to keep an eye on them,” he says from experience. It’s shortly before midday, and you can see that the children are getting tired and hungry. Using a drag lift is hard work, but it’s an important part of learning to ski. “New skiers who master the lift will also find it easier to ski downhill. Even by tomorrow, they’ll be able to see that they’ve made some progress,” says Karl, who has been working here every winter since 1998.

When he gets a quiet moment, he tells us how he loves absolutely everything about his job. “All you need are a good pair of sunglasses and warm shoes. And a lot of patience!” We ask him if he finds it stressful. “No, mowing meadows or felling trees is much more stressful,” he