South Tyrol

A modern place of power for families, surrounded by majestic mountains. On daily schedule:plenty of fun, games and free development!

South Tyrol

A small and very fine world of flavours at the Feuerstein Nature Family Resort where you can truly experience the love of cooking and creating.

Kitzbühel

Dolce Vita in the Alps: The LaMonte Bistro in Kitzbühel delights with culinary compositions combined with an Alpine-Mediterranean lifestyle.

Kitzbühel

Aesthetics and fine living right next to the Hahnenkamm cable car: enjoy a luxurious holiday in our tasteful and sophisticated apartments.

South Tyrol

High-quality holiday apartments with wellness area, pool and breakfast service directly at the ski and hiking area Ladurns – perfect for nature lovers.

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Kinder streicheln Hase auf der Feuerstein Farm im Familienhotel Feuerstein in Südtirol

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Our petting zoo is transformed into the Feuerstein farm!

A life for the mountains: our hiking guide Robert Alpögger

Published 06.12.2023

Ski touring has become a trend sport in the past couple of years. More and more mountain lovers are starting to climb peaks in winter.

The first ski tour enthusiasts meet early in the morning in the deepest part of the Pflerschtal valley. They slowly move up higher and higher in small groups, leaving behind forests and overlooking a gorgeous white landscape surrounded by snowy peaks. The only audible sound is the crunch of fresh snow under their skis, otherwise silence reigns supreme. The sun leaves light shadows and sharp silhouettes on the glistening white slopes. The surrounding mountains are majestic. Every mountaineer knows that it is important to respect nature, because it is always dangerous to go on a ski tour on the alpine terrain. The white snow blanket promises fresh powder to glide back down on: all the more reason to walk up the steep mountain all the way to the summit cross. This is exactly what makes ski tours so attractive: to conquer a panoramic view on your own, far off the groomed slopes, surrounded by untouched nature. Then to draw a line down into the valley on the hardly earned and well-deserved descent. It feels like floating through air when you glide over the powder snow. When you come across the hustle and bustle around the ski lifts in the valley, you know deep down that it was right to set off early at dawn and alone. It was worth every drop of sweat. Ski touring is a passion that – once it has taken a hold of you – will never go away. Our hiking guide Robert Alpögger has also fallen for this passion.

A talk with our hiking guide Robert Alpögger

Robert Alpögger was born and raised in Pflersch. You could find him running up and down mountains ever since he was a kid. He has been a state certified mountain and ski guide in the alpine region for over 40 years now. You can still find him roaming around the heights. "I have the best job in the world, the mountains are my life’s elixir", he guarantees. Robert has been accompanying the guests of the Feuerstein for many years now as a mountain and hiking guide. There is basically no mountain related question that he will not be able to answer for you.

What fascinates you about ski touring and snowshoe hiking?

While on a ski tour I’m fascinated equally by the gorgeous mountainscapes you see while walking up the steep slopes as well as the rush you get when you head back down, gliding on soft powder snow. Snowshoe hiking is more leisurely, you get to enjoy nature even more because you don’t have to concentrate as much.

Why is the Pflerschtal valley the ideal place for this winter sport?

The Pflerschtal valley offers the perfect conditions for everyone: beginners and pros alike.

What are the ground rules that anyone taking part in a ski tour or in a snowshoe hike should adhere to, while on alpine terrain?

For leisurely walks, you really just need to enjoy exercising surrounded by nature. An alpine tour however, needs to be well planned out beforehand: You need information on the current danger of avalanches and weather situation. It is also important to become a little familiar with the terrain. You also need to consider your stamina and choose your tour according to what is feasible for you.

What must be found in every backpack?

I always carry an emergency first aid kit and a bivouac sack for my guests, just in case. Guests should bring something to drink and maybe a little snack (like a banana, chocolate or a power bar). It is also advisable to bring a second pair of gloves and a change of clothes. An avalanche transceiver, a shovel and a sensor are, of course, basic requirements when moving on alpine terrain. 

Why would you recommend going on a ski tour or snowshoe hike?

Exercise and movement in nature, surrounded by a unique winter wonderland, are the best things you can do for your body, mind and soul.

What can guests look forward to, if they go on a ski tour or snowshoe hike with you?

A happy-go-lucky, yet sometimes strenuous tour in a unique mountainscape. An unforgettable experience and memory of your holiday in the Pflerschtal valley.