alpe_win_en_net

Winter 2012/13

ALPE Alpe di Siusi Magazine

Castelrotto Kastelruth ·· Seis Siusiam allo Schlern Sciliar · Völs · Fiè allo am Schlern Sciliar ·· Alpe Seiser diAlm Siusi

Popular sport Project ‘Sledge safely’

Powder snow Antermoia ski tour

Tradition The world of nativity figures

www.alpedisiusi.info

Editorial & Contents Photo: Helmuth Rier

Der Hände Arbeit hat Zukunft.

Lavorare per il futuro.

Dear guests!

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Nothing but powder snow: Antermoia ski tour Page 8

Freestyle-Contest Red Bull Jib-Ski Kings

Werbemitteilung / Messaggio pubblicitario

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Der Schaffenskraft Südtiroler Bauern verdankt unser Land einen Großteil des heutigen Erfolges.

Und der Erfolg von heute ist das Kapital der Zukunft. Raiffeisen steht zur Verantwortung für den Lebensraum.

Ziel dabei ist es, Tradition zu erhalten und Zukunft zu sichern.

L’Alto Adige deve una grossa parte del suo attuale successo all’impegno degli agricoltori.

E il successo di oggi è il capitale del futuro. Raiffeisen si sente responsabile dell’ambiente in cui viviamo e intende sia preservare la tradizione che garantire il futuro.

Unsere Geschäftsstellen / Le nostre filiali: Kastelruth / Castelrotto

Seis / Siusi

Seiser Alm / Alpe di Siusi

Tel. 0471 711 711 E-Mail: rk.kastelruth@raiffeisen.it

Tel. 0471 711 700 E-Mail: rk.seis@raiffeisen.it

Tel. 0471 727 944 E-Mail: rk.kastelruth@raiffeisen.it

Überwasser / Oltretorrente

Runggaditsch / Roncadizza

Tel. 0471 711 800 E-Mail: rk.ueberwasser@raiffeisen.it

Tel. 0471 711 811 E-Mail: rk.runggaditsch@raiffeisen.it

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intertime and Christmas magic, culture and culinary delights: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and sledging, paragliding over the Dolomites and ice-skating at the Lake Laghetto di Fiè, huts charm and alpine wellness – the Alpe di Siusi holiday area is the place of unlimited incantation. Whatever you decide to do, you will forget the everyday life in any case for the duration of your holiday. Perhaps some of the following articles may stimulate you to try out something out of the ordinary that will really excite you.

In the following pages, bon vivants, sports lovers and all those who would like to get to know the traditions of the Alpe di Siusi holiday area will find interesting news. This issue features sledging: during daytime or in a full moon night, sledging is nothing but fun but you mustn’t forget about the safety rules for sledgers. Patrick Pigneter, world champion in natural tobogganing, turned his hobby into his profession and tells us in an interview about his passion.

Sledge safely: Hints and tips by sledging experts

It also gets sportive in the village centre of Siusi, where the young and the young at heart meet to go ice skating. You aim higher? Then a ski tour is for you! Experience a Mediterranean flair in the Dolomites with Tonino Neroni or read about lift entrepreneur Matthias Rabanser and the eventful history of the lifts on the Alpe di Siusi in “The Lord of the Lifts”. Watch the goldsmith Walter Wallnöfer and his daughter Karin at work, find out about this year’s programme of the Winter Music Festival Swing on Snow and get to know about the wide variety of shawls which adorn the traditional costume of Castelrotto’s women in “A treasure chest of colour shawls“.

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We wish you a wonderful, pleasant and unforgettable holiday, good health and relaxation.

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Interview with World Champion Patrick Pigneter Page 16

The Lord of the Lifts: Matthias Rabanser Page 19

Swing on Snow 2013 Page 20

No custom without a woollen or silk shawl Page 23

Ice skating in Siusi and on the Lake Laghetto di Fiè Page 24

The goldsmith of Fiè Page 28

Christmas nativity scenes High-class fish restaurant on the Alpe di Siusi Page 36

Fred and fairy Lindlei

Eduard Tröbinger Scherlin for Alpe di Siusi Marketing and the Tourist Offices of Castelrotto, Siusi allo Sciliar, Fiè allo Sciliar and Alpe di Siusi

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Winter Highlights ’12/13 Page 40

Summer Preview ’13 Page 42

Around & About

www.raiffeisenkastelruth.it Winter | ALPE 3

Nothing but powder snow A ski tour in the heart of the Dolomite mountains.

S

ki tours are very trendy nowadays.

This is understandable, as it is fascinating to ski away from the standard tourist pistes and head towards untouched slopes to make the first trail yourself. In addition, you can enjoy the stillness of the mountain world around you during your ascent – and experience the thrill of freedom on your downhill run. The Dolomites are magnificent former coral riffs around the Alpe di Siusi and have been declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. When they put on their white winter coat, excited freestyle fans can’t stay in the valley very long.

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Alpine safety. This fabulous mountain world offers numerous enchanting tour destinations for beginners, as well as for trained veterans. Just try it once and you will turn into a freestyle enthusiast. However, old mountaineers warn us about the dangers and risks associated with this sport. A ski tour must be well planned, the snow conditions, weather and avalanche situation checked out, your plans adjusted to suit. When you move from a busy piste to free territory, you definitely need to be in great condition, with good stamina in order to deal with unpredicted surprises such as snow breaks and snowdrifts so that you don’t lose your nerve and panic. The basic rule is to have Alpine expe- »

Text: Rosa Maria Erlacher Photos: Helmuth Rier

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An unforgettable experience: a ski tour in the eye-crushing mountains of the Dolomites

rience and know-how in order to be safe during your ski tour. For this reason, there are local ski guides available, who can be hired as ski or mountain guides. They will ensure that the dangers and risks are maintained at a low level.

Antermoia ski route. It was not recklessness, but simply the excitement of looking forward to a fantastic natural experience that made my sporty friends get up early on a beautiful cold spring morning. It was still quite nippy outside when they shouldered their tour skis in front of the Tirler Dolomites Living Hotel and began to walk towards the ragged rocky ridge of the Denti di Terrarossa.

The destination was the centre of the Catinaccio group, a circular trip around its highest mountain, the Catinaccio d’Antermoia. They needed good weather and excellent snow that didn’t lent itself to avalanches. They knew that the ascent would be a challenge, but the hard work was more than worth it, given the panoramic views and excellent downhill runs through deep powder snow.

‘The Antermoia route’, says Helmuth, ‘is still a wellkept secret.’ The Sasso Piatto mountain is visited by many crowds and it has become a classic ski tour mountain: short ascent, long downhill run and after three to four hours, the deep snow heroes stop at the Zallinger mountain cabin, turn their face towards the sun and relax.

Tip. The Antermoia route, however, is called af-

ter Lake Antermoia at the foot of the Catinaccio d’Antermoia and from a ski-technique point of view it is not very difficult, but it requires extensive Alpine experience and safe snow conditions.

In addition, it demands more action (a longer ascent) until you reach your starting point for a fantastic downhill run in deep powder snow. To put on (and off) your ski skins about four times takes a lot of time, and as Helmuth says, the whole tour will take about 6 to 8 hours.

Mountain and ski guides

But, as he continues to tell us, for him it’s worth it at least once a year, because the landscape is so spectacular and the skiing experience in this environment is simply overwhelming. He continues to rave about the play of colours on the steep Dolomite rock, which looks so magnificent at the Catinaccio. According to an old legend, this massif was once King Laurin’s kingdom, whose rose garden turned into stone and since then glows in the most beautiful tones of red in the twilight.

Arcalpin Helmut Kritzinger Fiè allo Sciliar Tel. +39 338 200 3388

Helmuth shows me the photos from this enchanting ‘winter holiday’ and I must admit that I absolutely envy him! How wonderful it must be to experience this magnificent mountain world with all your senses, to enjoy a cup of hot tea in one of the sheltered gaps of the rock and to let go on your downhill run.

Mountain guides and ski schools in the Alpe di Siusi holiday area: Alpine Climbing School Sciliar Siusi allo Sciliar Tel. +39 0471 706 285

Mountain guide Günther Vettori Fiè am Schlern Tel. +39 347 964 7812 Mountain guide Thomas Zelger Fiè am Schlern Tel. +39 333 487 0547 Ski School Alpe di Siusi Siusi allo Sciliar Tel. +39 0471 727 909 Ski School Sciliar 3000 Siusi allo Sciliar Tel. +39 0471 704 279

Some call it day-dreaming! I call it an exhilarating experience! «

The Antermoia route on skies From the Alpe di Siusi to the Catinaccio area.

From the Tirler Dolomites Living Hotel (1,747 metres above sea level), take the toboggan run (hiking path #8) to the Dialer church (2,145 metres). From there, go in the direction of the Alpe di Tires (2,440 metres). Before you even see the hut, there is a steep ascent on your left into a rock notch up to the Molignon Pass (2,598 metres).

The difference in altitude to the pass is about 900 metres.

For part of the route, you will need to use the ski skins, before you glide down into the Principe Valley. From here, there is a difference of alti-

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tude of about 400 metres up to the Principe Pass (2,600 metres) and the Principe Pass hut. Walk around the southern side of the Catinaccio d’Antermoia without losing any height and conquer a difference in altitude of about 100 metres to the Antermoia Pass (2,770 metres).

Look for good ski snow and glide down to Lake Antermoia (2,495 metres), turn left up into the rock notch between the Croda del Lago mountain and the Sas di Dona mountain.

At this stage, the conditions must be perfect. If they are not, make your way

across the Pas de Dona Mantello Pass, which is slightly more to the east.

At the Croda-del-Lago gap (2,580 metres), you should keep to your left along the rock. After that, you come to the most perfect powder snow that there is! At the beginning, it is quite steep, but then it becomes more comfortable along the entire north face and down into the Duron Valley.

Put on your ski skins for the last time, pass the Malga Docoldaura hut (2,046 metres), make your way towards the right of the Duron Pass and ski up to

the ‘Schneid’, also called Cresta di Siusi Pass (2,247 metres). When you come to the last downhill run, you should have great snow and after a short stretch, you come to a crosscountry trail, which brings you back to the Tirler Dolomite Living Hotel.

Tour details Duration: at least 5 ½ hours Length: 17 km Difference in altitude: 1.260 hm Maximum height: 2.760 m Recommended season: January to March (www.sentres.com) Winter | ALPE 7

Red Bull Jib-Ski Kings 2012 contest at the Spitzbühl piste.

It’s now the second time, that the Alpe di Siusi has run this spectacular tournament in March.

Europe’s best jibbing professionals (and amateurs) met at the Spitzbühl piste to award the jibbing king 2012 at the Red Bull Jib-Ski Kings contest. This time, the organisers had thought of something totally different. They didn’t want to have a general focus on spectacular jumps with mega structures, but wanted to highlight particularly creative performances using natural barriers. For this reason, during the tournament, it was not the famous Alpe di Siusi snow park at the neighbouring Laurin piste with its artificial barriers that was used, but instead we turned to the Spitzbühl piste, being a totally normal ski piste. The freestyle skiers were to jib over all kinds of natural barriers, such as gradient changes and natural rails. The motto was: ‘Only your style is important.’ This meant that the participants had to collect points using their entire repertoire of abilities: hand plant, fast plant, slide, spin, lip trick and a variety of other jibs. Besides the fame that came with the win, there was also a prize money. However, we got the impression that for the participants it was the actual fun that was the centre of things, rather than the prize or award.

By the way: the 2012 title was awarded to 19 year old Lukas Schäfer from Brunico. Second and third place were taken up by the Italian Valentino Mori and Markus Fohr from Finland.

Text: Rosa Maria Erlacher Photo: Helmuth Rier

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Project ‘Sledge safely’

On brisk runners Sledging in South Tyrol has become more popular once again. The popular and low-cost alternative to skiing and snowboarding entices families and young people during the winter into the fresh mountain air.

However, safe techniques must be learnt!

I

Text: Elisabeth Augustin Photos: Helmuth Rier

t is a lot of fun to sit on a sledge and move down a snowy piste, having the wind blow over your face, never mind whether the journey is fast or slow. Sitting on this flat piece of equipment, the enchanting winter landscape comes into a totally new perspective and the one or other muscle that you thought would be in hibernation, suddenly springs into action.

holidaymakers from a flat area in this planet overestimate things and underestimate the risks associated with this relatively simple (so they think) leisure activity. However, there is no way around it: safe techniques of sledging must be learnt!

The South Tyroleans are Olympic champions, world champions and European champions on artificial and natural toboggan runs, which doesn’t mean that this sport comes natural to them. It is not enough to sit on a sledge and to start moving. It might be enough to get more or less to your destination without hurting yourself, but the dangers that are linked to sledging are lurking all around. Particulary

The South Tyrolean association ‘Sledge safely’ was founded in 2011, when an extensive network of

sledging champions, professionals and enthusiasts decided to support the safety of sledging for locals and tourists alike. The tasks of this non-profit organisation stretch from consultancy for safety measures on toboggan runs, to safety sledging events with local experts on toboggan runs and aim at eliminating accidents and increasing the fun of the sports activity itself. Through a targeted »

Safe fun on sledge Straight drive Central sitting position, both hands hold the rope.

Adjust the direction by pulling the steering rope on the interior runner side and by making pressure with the leg on the exterior side.

Curving Pull the rope on the interior runner. One leg makes pressure on the exterior runner, the inner leg remains in the air. Shift the weight to the inner side.

Braking Brake with both feet and with the whole soles on the snow. Lifting the sledge horns helps braking more quickly.

www.safesledge.com

»

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background and information campaign, the rules of this leisure activity are introduced to the public. Signs on toboggan runs and lift facilities, posters in hotels, huts and tourist board offices, as well as flyers given out to leisure sledgers are some of the effective tools in the campaign.

Sledging experts want to ensure that people understand what standard equipment for sledging looks like. In order to prevent head injuries, every tobogganer is to wear a helmet and glasses. Water-tight and weatherresistant clothing is as important as wearing gloves and shoes with a good profile. The sledge also needs to be good quality so that it can be steered easily and glides through the snow.

Training on a safety route gives wannabe professionals unsuspected challenges: correct braking, steering and sliding - which needs good concentration and the full use of your body.

ALPE met the toboggan professionals at the Bullaccia lift on the Alpe di Siusi and was impressed by the great interest shown by winter hikers and other sports enthusiasts with regard to toboggan training. While children turned to sledges like ducks turn to water, it seemed less natural to adults to engage with their body and head. However, it is still true that practice makes perfect, and most of the participants felt much safer after they had a number of trial runs under the watchful eye of a professional coach.

On the Alpe di Siusi, there is sufficient space and great possibilities for sledging. Families and kids, as well as experienced tobogganers will enjoy this sport to the full. If you wish, you can start by pulling your sledge along a path or road, and after the ascent and a

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convenient mountain hut visit, you can enjoy the descent – more or less fairly fast. Comfortable sledgers and those who want more than one downhill run, can use the lift facilities. Tobogganing on full moon nights is great fun - particularly for young people. However, at night you need to be very careful to avoid accidents. During the daytime, you should take care not to get too close to skiers, snowboarders and pedestrians. The Alpe di Siusi offers sufficient space for all kinds of winter sports activities and everyone on the piste needs to keep to the rules so that accidents are eliminated. Ski pistes are not toboggan runs. This is the first rule! Sledges are forbidden on pistes!

Toboggan runs are the right place to ride your sledge safely into the valley.

For example: Spitzbühl (1.9km), IcaroMonte Piz (1.4km), Zallinger (4.7km), Bullaccia (2km), Molignon Hut (3.5km), as well as the Panorama (1.4km) on the Alpe di Siusi and the Malga Tuff (2km) in Fiè allo Sciliar. The use of toboggan runs in the Alpe di Siusi holiday area is free of charge. If you do not have your own sledge, it is possible to hire one at the ski hire stations or directly at the mountain station of the lift facilities.

‘Be safe in the snow with Nix the witch’. The lift proprietors on the Alpe di Siusi welcome safety on the snow.

While the kids learn in school projects, as they are instructed by sledging experts and gain experience through playful fun, an illustrated book offers interesting information about fun in the snow and the ins and outs of skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and sledging. Many useful and simple hints and tips are presented by Nix, the witch. This ensures that the kids will have fun, while enjoying winter and the snow. Alpe di Siusi, we are coming! «

Rules for sledgers The International FIS rules are valid also on sledge runs: 1. Respecting other sledgers Watch out for other sledgers and avoid putting others at risk.

2. Speed control Adapt speed to your skills and to the current weather and snow conditions.

Keep a minimum safe distance of 8 meters from any other sledger.

3. Track and crossings The faster sledger must pay attention to the slower sledger. Mind the warning signs particularly near crossings with walkways and slopes.

4. Overtaking Only with clear view, with safe distance and moderate speed.

5. Stopping Only with clear view. In case of accident, clear the track as fast as possible.

6. Climbing and descending It’s forbidden to sledge on ski slopes.

Never sledge with head in front.

Pay particular attention when descending at night. Use the marked walkways to climb, remaining on the edge and on the interior side of the slope.

7. Mind the signs Always pay attention to warning and information signs.

8. Fall Hold the sledge, protect and assist the injured.

9. Equipment Appropriate snow boots with good soles (also spikes) are necessary for safe descending.

10. Helmet Kids under 14 years are obligated to wear helmets. For adults it’s recommended.

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World champion Patrick Pigneter: Photo: Hermann Sobe

Making your hobby your profession

JÄGERSTUBE

ALPE: How does one become world champion?

Patrick Pigneter: Behind the world championship title there is a lot of hard work. You need a lot of preparation and effort during training sessions. Training starts already during the summer. Behind the success there is not only one man or woman, but an entire team of condition coaches, track coaches, service men, sponsors and team colleagues – all of whom do a lot of work together. Of course, it is also important to be in great form on the actual day and have a lot of luck.

Who taught Patrick Pigneter how to use a sledge?

My first teacher was my dad Raimund, at the Malga Tuff in Fiè allo Sciliar.

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What do you enjoy most while sledging?

It is a constant competition with opponents, a fight against time and the challenge to cover a certain stretch and get faster and faster. I am fascinated by speed and the task of running down a piste, about two centimetres above the ice, in a type of ‘channel’, protected by wooden walls. At the moment, I love everything about tobogganing. I am one of the few lucky people who can earn his living from natural tobogganing and I am glad to have my hobby as my profession.

What do you see as the dangers?

At a top level, there is little that happens in this sport, but it is important to know that all types of sport that are carried

out at high speed carry a certain amount of risk. It’s a totally different situation in mass sports. Compared to skiing, sledging brings more accidents.

In my opinion, this comes from the fact that everyone thinks he/she can use a sledge without any problem. As soon as a person sits on the sledge, speeds up, uses bad equipment and has no training, the track can become a dangerous place for them.

Why are natural toboggan runs not an Olympic discipline?

That’s a good question! Unfortunately, sport isn’t only about sport, but also about politics!

According to what some IOC members said, our sport has the required qualities for entering the Olympic programme.

Maybe, there wasn’t too much effort to take this sport to where it belongs. Partly, it might also be due to the fact, that at international tournaments, there weren’t the required 25 nations who could take part in the event.

I think that the subject of the Olympic Games is coming more and more to the forefront with regarding to sledging. The international association says that they are working hard to ensure that natural tobogganing is seen as an Olympic discipline. «

10 years ago the family Urthaler decided to open a gourmet restaurant with special flair and unique style in a building constructed totally out of wood.

As pioneers the family at that time did not know how the hotel would look like 10 years later and that they were going to become trend setters for a totally new generation of hotels. Quality had and has its price in those days same as today. Let us bring you in a world of culinary delights and fine dining. Enjoy exquisite Haute Cuisine combined with traditional South Tyrolean specialties – every product is prepared to emphasize its own unique taste. Honest and simple, exquisite and unique, South Tyrolean and International. Our meals correspond with the seasons and are prepared exclusively with fresh products.

This you find only at the *****Hotel Seiser Alm Urthaler – the only wooden design-hotel of the alps Just by reservation under: +39 0471 727 919 or info@seiseralm.com Open from Wednesday till Monday.

Summary of our gourmet dinner: „French Foie Gras meets venison“ Terrine of Foie Gras and Crème Brûlée with ham of venison and wild mango Chop of turbot on stockfish with bergamot and earth almonds Grilled fillet of beef with braised rinds flap in Banyuls wine with broccoli and Lardo bacon Braised apple with Cherimoya on Tanariva chocolate and hazelnuts

SEISER ALM URTHALER***** Alpe di Siusi - Alto Adige T +39 0471 727 919

www.seiseralm.com

Matthias in his home: an innovative entrepreneur with a heart for traditions

The Lord of the Lifts Matthias Rabanser: entrepreneur, farmer and musician

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ver the past few decades, there has been an enormous development in snow technology’, says Matthias Rabanser, lift proprietor on the Alpe di Siusi. This means that if you want to be successful in this kind of business, you need to watch out carefully and be ready to invest, otherwise the competition will do it for you! In turn, this translates into a lot of work all year round. When the winter season starts, the lifts must be continually open and run as expected as comfortable, modern lift facilities and the downhill runs should be well prepared, too.

Pioneer work. Matthias is 43 years old and has

Text: Rosa Maria Erlacher Photo: Helmuth Rier

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learnt how to run this operation well since he was a schoolboy. At that time, he used his free time to work alongside the foreman of his father, who drove on a snow mobile from one lift to the next, checking them out and doing any necessary maintenance work. In the 1960s, his father began to build a lift business. The farmer from Siusi had an excellent sense for business and brought a newly built chair lift to the Bullaccia mountain, rented the Eurotel I ski lift at the same time and also built a further ski lift (the Eurotel II), plus the ‘Hexe’ ski

tow lift at the Bullaccia. In order to balance any operational failures due to insufficient snow safety on the slopes of the Bullaccia mountain, he worked on an expansion in the direction of the northern slopes. Near Hotel Paradiso, he constructed a short ski lift and in order to create a link to Compaccio, he also built the Bamby lift at the slope on the opposite side of the hill.

‘At that time, these were mostly rudimentary lift facilities with low rope guides’, explains Matthias, ‘which my father replaced by modern facilities’.

Quickly it became clear that his father had put his money on the right horse, as it was at a time when the sport of skiing developed very fast on the Alpe di Siusi, as hotels and guesthouses were built and roads were constructed all over the place. Paul Rabanser made money and invested it again – having planned continuous modernisation, as well as new projects, such as the Laurin ski tow lift in 1966. At the end of the 1980s, he even bought both Punta d’Oro lift facilities.

The way to a family-run ski resort. At that time, Matthias had just finished business school.

Together with both of his sisters, he had grown up »

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on the Heißn farmhouse in the centre of Siusi, had learnt to do farming work, how to study plans and projects, as well as balance sheets etc. in order to support his dad in the management of their company. Those were hard times, the young entrepreneur tells us. The unlimited building activity encouraged the state to create a protectionist status for the Alpe di Siusi in 1972. In 1994, the government decided to close the road to Saltria and only open it for private traffic. This new situation, as well as the introduction of a day ticket for all lifts on the Alpe di Siusi, created new challenges for the lift company. They needed to check out how to link roads instead of lift facilities and downhill runs. The times, when everyone could do their own thing was over! Now it was important to look to the future and work together with your competition.

For this reason the Alpe di Siusi has experienced a true revolution during the last decade. In the past, skiers needed to move from lift to lift. Today, there are other possibilities for them. Lift facilities have been modernised, moved and extended. Downhill runs have been widened, covered with snow canons, over and under passages built, comfortable piste links erected, as well as conveyor belts, kids parks and speedy downhill runs, a snowpark, a modern centre with ski depots, ski hire places and ski school offices constructed. In short, the Alpe di Siusi has turned into an absolutely family-

friendly ski region, which is safe, uncomplicated and leisurely.

‘Ski sport fans profit from the competition amongst the lift owners’, says Matthias, ‘because every lift owner wants to ensure that many people go to their pistes.’ In relation to the competition from other ski regions, all ‘Lords of the Lifts’ of the Alpe di Siusi stand as one man as they defend their sunny, family ski resorts with unified advertising and joint initiatives.

Level-headed and down to earth. Matthias is not only one of the largest lift proprietors on the Alpe di Siusi, but his level-headedness and his competent know-how have earned him respect.

Whatever he says is taken seriously. Nonetheless, the people in the village also know that, despite his economic success, Matthias is down to earth.

He still lives in his beautiful old house. He ensures that everything runs well on the farm and sometimes, he can even be seen driving a tractor on one of his fields. At the weekend, he goes on hiking trips with his family or skiing. He is also approachable and has an open ear for others, and in addition, he is a member of the Siusi music band.

‘Music is my greatest passion’, says Matthias. ‘After having taken a break for about 10 years, I have now re-joined the music band and enjoy making music a lot.’ «

Swing on Snow 2013 For the eighth time, the Alpe di Siusi holiday area organises the ‘Alpe di Siusi WinterMusicFestival’, which runs under the magnificent name of ‘Swing on Snow’.

I

n 2005, the lift owners on the Alpe di Siusi had the idea to launch a very special music festival during the winter months. It was not to be the usual music on the piste, but instead the best of the best of folk music, with a broad and adventurous variety of musical ideas and not the type of music skiers would be used to. The concept under the direction of Hartwig Mumelter became a great success and turned straight away into a unique winter festival of high quality. Following a list of bands and artists who have participated so far: Aluna Quartet; Aniada a Noar; Bifunk; Blechhaufn; Blue Danube Brass Band; Bozen Brass; Crossfiedler; Der Berg; Doppelbock; Duo Agileo; Euphorie; Federspiel; Feel Good; Fei Scho; Gimpl; Global Kryner vs.

The Rounder Girls; Gupfbuebä; Herbert Pixner Trio; Hiesix & Christine Lauterburg; Hohtraxlecker; Hornroh; Hotel Palindrone; Kapelle Purzelbaum; Kerberbrothers; La Frontera; Landstreich; Langa; MagSiMal; Marianne Wade; Miranda Cortes; Miscele d’aria; Moe’s Garage; Netnakisum; Nice Price; Opas Diandl; Pamstiddn Kings; Polka Potente; Rhythme Gitane; Sax Four Fun; Saxophonie Tirol; Saxpack; Septeam; Seven Eleven; Slampampers; Spafudla; Spörk und Köhldorfer mit OU; Stelzhamma; Stimmhorn; The Other; Tire Bouchon; Titlà; Urfahraner Aufgeiger; Veit Heinichen; Velvet Voices; Wimmer / Ohrwalder; Ziganoff.

From Sunday, 20th January to Sunday 27th January 2013 (in old ‘Swing on Snow’ tradition during the last week of January), there are concerts organised all around the Alpe di Siusi ski area and the villages of Castelrotto, Siusi, Fiè allo Sciliar and Prösels Castle. This year, there are also morning concerts planned at some Alpine huts. Another change is that for the first time this year, there is an especially founded ‘Swing on Snow’ band. The programme is available in hotels, restaurants, the tourist offices and can also be checked out on www.swingonsnow.com. Experience unique cultural enjoyment with ‘Swing on Snow 2013’! «

Text: André Bechtold Photos: Helmuth Rier

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Precious family treasure: Fine wool muslin and silk shawls

A treasure chest of colour shawls The traditional shawls, which women in Castelrotto wear with their traditional costumes, reflect old stories and many memories. The wide variety of colours and cloths of the shawls show the taste of every single woman and make every costume very unique.

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olds are carefully and skilfully arranged, as the shawls decorate the female shoulders, in beautiful contrast to the black dress of the Castelrotto traditional costumes. The cloths and colours are quite varied, with most of them displaying floral designs. The actual costume comprises of a black skirt, a black ‘Leibl’ (top) and black or white sleeves. These parts of the costume must not be changed. However, the shawls (Tücheln) and ribbons for the apron are variable. They might not be

many women were able to show off their uniqueness through colour, as well as through their own personal preference of a certain fabric. Bright colours set a person apart from the rest of the crowd and small patterns with subdued colours were more the choice of the shy. The traditional costume itself was made for a person and worn throughout their life. However, the shawls could be changed. Taking the financial circumstances into consideration, it was also more affordable to buy a new shawl than to have another dress made.

the most important part of this traditional costume, but they are for sure the most personal. Of course, some experts in the traditional costume world may not have the same opinion. They would question the importance of a shawl (never mind how beautifully decorated, or whether it is even made in silk) in relation to the exquisite pleats on the skirt of the Castelrotto costume, never mind the valuable lace!

In addition, a new and beautiful shawl was a welcome present given by men to their loved ones. All in all, the ‘Tücheln’ were a true family treasure. ‘The traditional shawls were often handed down from generation to generation. Nonetheless, it was a wonderful thing for women to go to the market and buy a shawl for themselves for the first time. ‘I had to sew on the long frays myself, which wasn’t that easy to do and at home, we were taught by our grandmother or mother to do an excellent job’ an elderly lady tells me, while showing me her prized possessions. »

At a time when a traditional costume was the most important and often the only ‘proper’ thing to wear,

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Text: Barbara Pichler Rier Photos: Helmuth Rier

Winter | ALPE 21

Skilfully arranged: The right shawl for each occasion

Exquisite silk and fine wool. If you open the wardrobe of a Castelrotto lady, you won’t believe the precious accessories you’ll find inside: it’s a wonderful variety of beautiful colours and designs. Exquisite silk and fine wool muslin are laid out on the shelves and take you back to the times gone by: to the way parties were organised, as well as weddings and numerous other festivities, where women had to carefully chose the correct and most suitable shawl to present themselves. There are also certain costumes and dresses for special occasions, a typical Sunday costume, as well as one for weekdays… plus the right accessory in the form of a shawl. On particular festivities, it was (and is) important to wear a precious silk shawl with long, beautiful frays. For going to church on Sundays, the women wore a fine woollen muslin shawl during the winter season, with colourful designs on a black background. For every day wear, they had simple bright muslin shawls without frays, with floral patterns, particularly roses or violets. Amongst the variety of shawls that can be found in a wardrobe, most of the time, there is also a white thin cotton shawl with fine lace, which was worn at their First Communion. In contrast, there is also a black silk shawl for funerals. This array of precious items is kept in old trunks or boxes, each individually wrapped in silk paper. The traditional costume was kept neat and tidy at all times, and even today, it is taken care of and valued with pride.

On your blades, get set, go!

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ast winter, there were many kids who followed this invitation on our artificial ice rink in the centre of Siusi, where they could enjoy skating. ‘It really was a great idea’, confirms one of the organisers. In the morning, the kindergarten kids, as well as the lower school classes enjoyed a quick twirl on the ice. There were quite a number of kids who never did ice-skating before.

Thankfully, this didn’t turn into a problem as one of our neighbours hires skates for all sizes! Also, the kids enjoyed skating on the ice together with a funny penguin as an ice-skating instructor.

In the afternoon, during the holidays, all age groups turned up and took a turn on the ice. The ice rink turned into a real magnet in the centre of the village, where mothers, fathers and kids enjoyed a glass of hot tea or vin brulé, as well as some sweets when they got too cold on the ice. Despite short afternoons due to an early sunset, people refused to pack up their skates and go home. The floodlit ice rink was filled with young ice-skaters who were eager to show off their pirouettes in the spot light, cheered on by the applause from onlookers

and some even dared to improve their more artistic side of ice-skating.

On New Year’s Eve, the ice rink was a definite highlight, when it turned into an open-air stage and held a successful New Year’s Eve party, with music and dance – all outdoors.

Even though the ice rink in Siusi was still something new on the horizon last year, ice skating itself was already well known on the idyllic lake ‘Laghetto di Fiè’. Generations of children have learned their skills on the frozen natural pond and spent a lot of their free time on the ice to try out new pirouettes and enjoy ice-hockey games. When the small lake at the foot of the Sciliar mountain is frozen over, it turns into a huge natural ice rink – available for everyone, including experienced ice skaters. It is also the only lake in the area whose icy surface is carefully looked after and even fresh snow is brushed off. Skates can be hired at the old restaurant at the Lake ‘Laghetto di Fiè’. After having enjoyed a long day on the ice, you can rest on the sun terrace, enjoy a hot drink and take in the great views of the snowy rock walls of the Sciliar. «

During the winter of 2012/13, the ice rink in Siusi at the Oswald von Wolkenstein square will be open from 5th December to 11th January, skate hire place included. When and for how long the lake “Laghetto di Fiè” can be used as an ice rink depends on the weather conditions.

For information: phone +39 0471 709 600

Text: Rosa Maria Erlacher Photos: Helmuth Rier

An art in itself. The way in which a shawl is wrapped around the shoulders requires a certain amount of skill, which is often handed down from mother to daughter. It really is an art in itself. Everything must be absolutely perfect. The folds must be carefully arranged, nothing must move from morning to night, and the shawl must look beautiful at all times!

To ensure that everything works out this way, the fine fabrics on every shawl has its suitable apron in colourful silk or decorative embroidery. «

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Winter | ALPE 23

Here all that glitters is gold Opals are their passion and making individual pieces of jewellery is their strength.

In this art developed by Walter and Karin Wallnöfer, gold is the boss.

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Marianne, Walter and Karin Wallnöfer turn their particular attention to precious individual pieces

ven if one of Walter Wallnöfer’s customers should return to his goldsmith shop only after many years, he will immediately recognise every of his pieces of jewellery on the customer’s hand or around his neck. In fact, he remembers every single one of his creations, particularly because of its shape and the particularities of the stone.

tion, Walter has been able to successfully develop a sense of proportion and combination with the next generation. Nonetheless, Walter and Karin both agree that he seems to be the most creative one of the two. Due to the creative processing of opals and the manufacture of individual pieces, the ‘Völser Goldschmiede’ (Fiè goldsmith) has made a name for itself far beyond the boundaries of the Alpe di Siusi holiday area. ‘Every stone

Walter has been in his job for more than 40 years.

He would be entitled to retire, but his goldsmith workshop has a hold over him. He started his business in 1980 and works independently. There are no recruitment problems on his side, as both his daughters have completed their education as goldsmiths and his daughter Karin works with him. Even when she was a child, Karin already knew that one day she would be a goldsmith.

She loved the jewellery her dad created with his hands.

is unique in colour and form’, explains Karin and pulls a tray of colourful opals out of the safe. You can see in her eyes that she has a passion for working with these stones, which is obviously something she definitely has in common with her father. Walter and Karin have developed their own style over the years, which is appreciated by many regular customers. Karin has finished her training in Münster and is now a qualified gem setter. She uses very special techniques and machineries. About six years ago, she also did her masters exam in Germany. In the meantime, she has had numerous offers to work elsewhere, but she seems to like it at home and keeps working in the family business. »

Opal – a stone of love and hope. This father Text: Elisabeth Augustin Photos: Helmuth Rier

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and daughter team share skill, patience and attention to detail – close to perfection. In addi-

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In 2003, Karin Wallnöfer made a real splash in South Tyrol. The young goldsmith took part in the 37th WorldSkills Competition, a type of professional championship in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Being able to present her best together with 673 participants from 36 different countries was a great experience. In her category, Karin managed to get the third place after Korea and Thailand. Before and during this professional championship, she was managed by her father Walter, who accompanied a number of young, ambitious South Tyrolean goldsmiths on behalf of the Local Association of Artisans to Seoul (2001), Helsinki (2005) and Japan (2007). The year 2003 was the greatest challenge for Walter, particularly as his daughter Karin took part. However, he also loves to think about Helsinki, where South Tyrol took the 1st prize. ‘There is nothing as valuable as a good preparation’, says Walter. ‘A goldsmith must not leave any detail unturned, particularly when it has

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to do with creativity.’ During the ‘WorldSkills’, participants have the opportunity to work very precisely and according to the drawings of a previously chosen piece.

The ‘Völser Goldschmiede’ is a quiet place. Creativity and productive work requires peace and concentration. While Marianne, Walter’s wife and Karin’s mother, looks after the display in the window and gets involved with customers, Walter and Karin are tied to their workbenches where they bend, file, fold and shape their unique jewellery.

Sometimes, they can be found in deep discussion.

Walter prefers yellow gold due to its good characteristics for bending, surface design and durability.

Karin, however, loves to work with red gold in combination with white gold. ‘Red gold goes well with the skin and doesn’t form as much of a contrast as the yellow gold’, she says. ‘It’s more discreet’.

White gold is great to work with if you want to ab-

stract. Walter keeps his calm. In the end, everyone is entitled to their own opinion – and that’s also true in their workshop.

Last but not least, the motto is ‘the customer is always right’. The general trend doesn’t stop with just trade and manufacturing, which means that jewellery will be adapted to create a different look for different times. ‘During the 1970s, white gold was very popular’, Walter recalls. ‘Finally, it was pushed aside by yellow gold until the end of the 1990s. Before it all turned back to white metal.’ Today, there is a clear trend to red metals. From a price point of view, all gold metals are the same, particularly as the colours of a precious metal depend only on additional alloying, i.e. the ratio of silver and copper. It is interesting, that in Italy 750/000 gold (18 carat) is predominantly sold, while in Germany, the 585/000 mix (14 carat) and 333/000 (8 carat) with higher copper and silver alloy is sold. The stamp on

the jewellery offers an insight into how many carats of gold is contained in each piece. In Italy, it is necessary to add an ID stamp for the identification of the manufacturer.

At this moment, the value of gold is quite high.

In economic unstable times, when people lose faith in currencies, gold is the next best way to invest money. For the ‘small’ jewellery collector this means that he must pay a lot more for what he wants. For this reason, goldsmiths and their industry return to a new simple way of manufacturing.

‘While in times gone by, larger jewellery was much sought after, customers now look for more tender creations’, says the goldsmith. ‘With or without a crisis, a fiancée will still receive a golden ring, a mother a necklace etc.’, says Walter. ‘The stable value of gold is also important to the younger generation’, says Karin. ‘Good quality work will always be appreciated!’ «

Designed with loving attention to detail: opals are particularly suitable for very special pieces of jewellery

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Figures tell the Christmas story In many South Tyrolean families it is tradition to put up a nativity scene during the Christmas season. In some houses, it is even there throughout the year. Every nativity scene is somewhat different, but they are all are well cared for and new parts or figures are added every year.

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Text: Barbara Pichler Rier Photos: Helmuth Rier

or most people in the area, the fascination with nativity scene starts at an early age. Creating a scene like this has a very long tradition in the Alpine region. The Bible tells us about Jesus’ birth and relating pictures can be found on sarcophagi, icons and mosaics. The first illustrations were limited to Jesus as a child in the crib with an ox and a donkey. Any literature about the actual story of the nativity scene somehow incorporates a Christmas play with St. Francis of Assisi. He asked real people to play the Christmas story in front of an audience. This type of presentation and ‘making things visible’, or ‘speaking in pictures’ is still one of the most important aspects of having a nativity scene set up. The illustrations reflect the well-known bible story. Traditions, customs and stories with a variety of habitats reflect the importance of the nativity scene.

During the Age of Secularisation and Enlightenment at the end of the 18th century, nativity scenes were banned in churches and cloisters.

However, the population was not ready to forget their customs and the stories or pictures associated with them. Therefore, they decided to bring the nativity scenes into their own homes, where they were well-looked after. With time, the number of scenes and pictures increased. Craftsmen and farmers concentrated on the art of carving and their skill turned into a new profession – particularly in Val Gardena. Despite all these efforts, many pieces of art were lost over time due to this new regulation. Only due to some curators and art lovers, it was possible to keep some of the beautiful samples. These can be admired in a number of crib museums in the entire Alpine region, in South Tyrol and particularly at the Bishop’s Palace in Bressanone. »

Nativity scene by Ferdinand Plattner 1924, nativity scene museum in the Bishop’s Palace in Bressanone

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The Wedding at Cana, annual nativity scene by the Brothers Probst at around 1800, nativity scene museum in the Bishop’s Palace in Bressanone

Clay nativity scene by sculptor Martin Rainer, deceased in 2012

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More than 200 years old nativity scene with a variety of settings about the story of salvation in a farmhouse in Castelrotto. The nativity scene is set up all year around in the lounge area and is popular with young and old alike.

Nativity scene by Augustin Alois Probst of Fiè allo Sciliar (beginning of 19th century). The Christmas story, the life and death of Jesus and the story of salvation are presented in a total of 23 scenes and 241 carved figurines made of pinewood.

Building a nativity scene. Nativity clubs have existed in Tyrol since the middle of the 19th century and are still in existence today in a number of South Tyrolean villages. In the Alpe di Siusi holiday area, some farmers organise building a nativity scene every year. For one month, a group of no more than 12 or 13 people meet three times a week. They do crafts from the early afternoon to late at night and construct a nativity scene.

‘Building a nativity scene is my passion. Once you start with it, it is hard to let go’, says Karl Premstaller, who has run these courses for more than 20 years in the region. He organises the material and the tools. The figures, old wood, decorations and even beautiful old tree roots are brought in by the course participants. Years ago, building a nativity scene was the work of women. Nowadays, when people are generally so busy, men are also interested in taking on this task. Many married couples come together and work on the same scene. Richard Schieder has done the course for the fourth time. During this time, he has built a nativity scene for every member of his family. ‘As long as the course runs, I’ll participate. It is a great leisure time activity. Throughout the year, I work on a new nativity scene, make plans, collect wood and other material that can be used for decoration. In the autumn period, I start with the actual work’, he tells us with excitement.

There were always different shapes and styles in nativity scenes. Years ago, the Alpine or root crib was predominant, while today it is more the Oriental style that takes over the trend, says Richard Schieder. Some people take their home or farmhouse as an example, or sometimes even the house in which they grew up. This leads to an intensive meditation on the story of salvation and an Oriental crib illustration. ‘An Oriental crib is much more real’, says Richard Schieder. In the actual courses we run, simple nativity scenes are built: an illustration of the birth of Jesus, with Mary and Joseph, an ox and a donkey. Of course, there are also the three kings, as well as shepherds and angels. The figurines are made according to a tradition that relates to the actual story. At a week-end during the pre-Christmas season, the lovingly constructed nativity scenes are presented and blessed in the church of Castelrotto.

Nativity scene museum. The nativity scene has always been loved by the population: people could

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Scene of the farmers’ everyday life and of the Nativity of Jesus: There are no limits to the imagination.

Nativity scene by Richard Schieder

identify with the poor child Jesus in the barn, as well as the scenes of the salvation story. A good example is an annual nativity scene from the 18th century by the Brothers Probst, which can be admired in the Bishop’s Palace in Bressanone. In 50 scenes with more than 5,000 figurines, the story of salvation is presented as a 3-dimentional picture book, which can be understood even by people who have difficulty reading. Also, a box nativity scene in S. Michele’s chapel in the parish church of Fiè allo Sciliar was made by Augustin Alois Probst.

It has more than 200 carved figurines. «

Nativity scene exhibition Within the framework of the Christmas market, the village of Castelrotto invites you to an exhibition of nativity scenes in the former Raiffeisen building.

The dates are as follows: Dec. 7 and 8: 3 - 8 p.m.

Dec. 9: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., 3 - 8 p.m.

Dec. 14 and 15: 3 - 8 p.m.

Dec. 16: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., 3 - 8 p.m.

Winter | ALPE 31

»

‘Sea & mountains’ At home with Tonino Neroni on the Alpe di Siusi

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Text: Elisabeth Augustin Photos: Helmuth Rier

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onino is a man of a few words.

When curious visitors ask him some personal questions, his replies are very short. However, when Tonino’s eyes run across the ragged peaks of the Dolomites and the fast moving clouds in the red dusk, he suddenly seems miles away. It is a lobster, trying to escape and jump into the snow, that catches his attention and brings the chef back to the Alpe di Siusi, where we have our photo shoot. Tonino has prepared a table for his guests on a terrace with great panoramic views. The table looks great, with nets as decorations and candles, draped with a romantic picture from his home

town – setting of the large fish plate which is presented so perfectly! The contrast could not be any bigger: on one side the sea – and on the other the mountains!

Tonino Neroni, born in 1971, comes from San Benedetto del Tronto, a popular resort in the Italian region Le Marche. His first visit on the Alpe di Siusi was at Christmas 1995, when he found employment as a sous chef. As in his home region everything closes down after the summer, so he wanted to gain new experiences as a chef and was offered a job on the Alpe di Siusi for the winter season. Having arrived at the ‘Hotel Bellavista’, Tonino fell head over

heels in love with his boss’s daughter, Heidi Tröbinger, and since February 1996, they have been a couple. They both love to live modestly and have a strong sense of family; therefore, they decided on a life together in the mountains. At the ‘Alpi’ in Compaccio on the Alpe di Siusi, Tonino and his wife (who married in September 2005 at Prösels Castle) started a new life together. Their sons Alex and Francesco are the welcome additions to the family.

The ‘Alpi’ is quite untypical for this Dolomite region, just as Tonino and Heidi are as a couple. Despite the wooden ceilings and fantastic location in the mountains, their restaurant offers a Southern flair and Mediterranean easiness. It reminds you of a holiday at the Adriatic Sea. The premises demonstrate a definite Italian signature and the typical Tyrolean style is nowhere to be found. The ‘Eurotel’, where the ‘Alpi’ is located, was built between 1958 and 1962, and with its 168 apartments, it was more a communal property. The apartments are predominantly owned by families from the Upper

Italian region, while ten apartments are rented out by Tonino and Heidi. They act as a type of caretaker and are an important contact for many people living there.

Sea and mountains: Mediterranean lightness meets South Tyrolean solidity

In the evening, the residents come together in the restaurant like a kind of extended family. It is visible that most of them have known each other for a long time. They have their evening meal together in order to enjoy the familiar atmosphere, but also because they like Tonino’s cooking! His cuisine consists of dishes such as tagliatelle with prawns and squid, polenta with scampi, octopus salad and a light lemon sorbet; all lovingly prepared, which entices their hungry guests after a long day in the outdoors to visit their restaurant. The menu lists not only Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, but also Tyrolean specialities. North and South mix well at the stove!

During the season, Friday is kept as a fish evening. On those days, since 2003, Luciano Sardagna has sat at the piano and pleased guests »

Winter | ALPE 33

Fish soup “Brodetto alla San Benedettese” Ingredients Squid, mullet, weever, skate, smooth-hound, monkfish, scorpionfish, stargazer, scampi, shrimp; Other: green tomatoes, peppers, onion, olive oil, white wine vinegar.

Preparation After the fish are cleaned, they need to be washed without removing the head and bones. Cut the onion and brown it a little, cut the squid into rings and add it to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes. Cut the green tomatoes into quarters and the peppers into strips, add and cook for a further 10 minutes.

Now you can add the fish into the pan, apart from the scampi and shrimps, which should be added about 3 to 4 minutes prior to the end of the cooking.

Pour white wine vinegar and water over everything, add a pinch of salt and some pepper and cook for a further 10 minutes approx.

The fish soup should be cooked and served in a wide and low pan.

Tonino Neroni with his son Alex

with the sounds of Italian, as well as international hits. It makes your heart melt! Luciano is as much part of the family as the guests coming into the restaurant. He describes the chef de cuisine as a very relaxed person and an impressive chef who does an excellent job. ‘It’s easy to recognise that Tonino comes from the South’, says an Italian visitor. ‘Tonino’s home region is the best place in all of Italy to prepare fish!’ The starters (called ‘primi’) are the very best quality, he says, and if you skip the tagliolini with buffalo mozzarella and cherry tomatoes (pomodorini) which Tonino prepares so excellently, it’s simply your own fault. The gentleman from the Veneto is highly excited about Tonino’s heavenly tiramisu – and anyway, all his ‘dolci’ are simply fabulous.

Tonino himself smiles when he hears all that. As he serves the next course, asking his guests whether they are enjoying themselves, he does it in a very unobtrusive way.

Tonino is also quite easy-going. His wife Heidi confirms that. Although both of them are responsible for the everyday running of the restaurant, they never lose an overall perspective. Answering the questions about South

34 ALPE | Winter

Tyrolean mentality, Tonino says that, initially, his new fellow countrymen were a little closed and held back. Nonetheless, they accepted him right from the start. Throughout the year, the couple lives at the Alpe di Siusi. ‘During the season, you don’t realise the quaintness of the place, but outside the restaurant opening hours, it can be difficult to live far away from the buzz’, says Tonino, even though Siusi and Castelrotto can be reached by car in only 15 minutes. Between the seasons, when the restaurant is closed, Tonino and Heidi go to San Benedetto, where they have built a house. For Tonino, his family is the most important thing in life. He is very proud of Heidi and the two boys. Alex, the oldest, is perfect in both languages: with his mum, he speaks German and with his dad, Italian. Little Francesco has all of this still ahead of him.

Sometimes, however, Tonino misses Le Marche. Then, he longs for the way of life of people near the sea and the easy way of life during the summer. ‘When Tonino is homesick, he calls his family and friends a lot more’, says Heidi.

‘Usually, after such a telephone conversation, he is much quieter than usual’. «

Winter | ALPE 35

Fred makes friends Fred, the little forest gnome, lives a simple life. He is small and therefore, is mocked by other gnomes.

This makes him very sad. He feels unimportant and demonstrates this clearly by being really grumpy.

The fairy Lindlei knows about Fred’s inner pain and always knows when he needs her. Meeting up with Lindlei changes Fred’s life around. He changes his point of view, gains inner strength and dares to be much braver than before. He has the best experience ever – he makes friends.

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Dive into the enchanting world of gnomes and fairies. Being brave and allowing changes in your life is one of the most important prerequisites of life: friendship.

This message comes from a children’s book called ‘Fred and a fairy named Lindlei’. The story was written by the Siusi author Gerlinde Goller. The beautiful and lively pictures come from the Castelrotto illustrator Evi Gasser.

Book idea:

‘Fred and a fairy called Lindlei’ A children’s book to be read to kids from the age of 3 years.

‘Fred and a fairy named Lindlei’ is a fantastic story about friendship, a great story to read yourself, as well as for teenagers and adults. Published by the A. Weger Verlag and available at present only in German in bookshops for € 12.90.

Winter | ALPE 37

Photos: Helmuth Rier

Winter Preview ’12/13

> December 2012

> December 9, 2012

> Winter 2012/13

> January 5, 2013

> January 10 to 20, 2013

> January 20 to 27, 2013

> January 25, 2013

> March 2, 2013

Christmas in Castelrotto

High Speed Race

Winter Spirits at Prösels Castle

Fan & Fun with Denise Karbon and Peter Fill

Traditional “Hoazetkuchl”

Swing on Snow

South Tyrol Moonlight Classic Alpe di Siusi

Raiffeisen Ski King

Prösels Castle is a majestic, extremely well-preserved castle located in the hamlet of Presule in the vicinity of Fiè allo Sciliar. In the wintertime, too, you can visit it and participate in a guided tour through impressive armories, and up breathtaking spiral staircases. The tour ends in the “Knight’s Hall”, with musical entertainment and a selection of delicious South Tyrolean specialties. www.schloss-proesels.it

The traditional fan club race is a contest and fun-filled event all rolled into one. Ski fans meet on the Alpe di Siusi to measure their skills. Denise Karbon and Peter Fill will be there, too. More information www.denisekarbon.it or www.peterfill.it

Authentic South Tyrolean „Knödel“ (dumplings) and calf’s liver, goulash soup and rye bread, sweet „Muas“ (applesauce) and holiday pastries are just a few of the authentic Tyrolean country dishes from which to choose during the traditional „Hoazetkuchl“.

For the seventh time, the inhabitants of Castelrotto will unveil the secrets of their Christmas traditions and allow others to participate in them.

Beside the little Christmas market, local farmers’ wives will offer their cookies, Christmas logs, pastries, and other authentic goodies for sale. On the second weekend, the well-known „Kastelruther Spatzen“ folks music group will present songs and tunes in keeping with the „Feast of Love“. www.kastelruther-weihnacht.com Dates December 7 to 9, 2012 December 14 to 16, 2012 December 21 to 23, 2012 December 28 to 30, 2012

38 ALPE | Winter

Europe’s largest plateau opens the ski season 2012/2013 with its legendary Highspeed Race: the whole family is invited to watch and participate. Challenger are the weltcup ski stars Denise Karbon and Peter Fill.

All the Highspeed Race teams – consisting of four people with at least one woman – compete on the 230m speed slope Punta d’Oro. A special price awaits the winning team.

Registration: highspeed@alpedisiusi.info > December 22, 2012

Alpe di Siusi Snowpark Opening Perfectly planned and shaped for the winter season, the Alpe di Siusi Snowpark offers loads of different obstacles to rib on. Join in for food, drinks and good music. www.kinglaurinpark.it

Dates December 27, 2012 January 3, 2013 February 11, 2013

> January 13, 2013 > January 5, 2013

kNight Ride Ski and Snowboard Show in the downtown of Castelrotto with music and after-show party. www.kinglaurinpark.it

Traditional country wedding of Castelrotto The Country Wedding in Castelrotto has already become a tradition. It’s the authentic reproduction of a historical farmer’s wedding like those celebrated since time immemorial at the foot of the Alpe di Siusi. The throngs of participants wear their traditional garments with great pride – one of the reasons why the event has developed into one of South Tyrol’s most spectacular pageants.

Eight days of music on the Alpe di Siusi, the huts and in the villages at the foot of the Sciliar mountain, sweet melodies and dynamic rhythms, groups from the entire Alpine region, and above all a great atmosphere: this is Swing on Snow 2013. For the 8th year in a row the Alpe di Siusi WinterMusicFestival offers a mix of traditional folk music with jazz, soul, pop and classical music. www.swingonsnow.com (read more on page 19) > January 20, 2013

Winter golf tournment Play golf on snow and enjoy a wonderful winter landscape: for the 5th time in a row, the winter golf tournament is held on the Alpe di Siusi.

It is played over 9 holes, from 61 to 1150 m long. On skiers, snowboard or on sledge the participants go from hole to hole. The fairways are white instead of green, the greens whites and the golf balls stand out thanks to their bright colours.

Food and music along the golf course will be provided. www.golfkastelruth.it

The moon will be astounded when it peeks over the Dolomites. Because that’s when the starting pistol will fire for a cross-country marathon of a most unusual kind. At 8 p.m., namely, several hundred crosscountry skiers will shove off from Compaccio and glide on their narrow skis in the light of their forehead-mounted lamps through the luminescent night-time winter landscape. They’ll follow the route for 20 or 36 kilometers, finally returning to their starting point. But the „South Tyrol Moonlight Classic Alpe di Siusi“ is a fantastic experience not only for the participants, but for the spectators, too! www.moonlightclassic.info February 2, 2013

Schlern Games The Schlern Games is a Best-Trick Jibbing Snowboard Contest for all Riders in all categories in the whole Snowpark. Join in for BBQ and music! www.kinglaurinpark.it

A Freeski Contest for all riders in all categories, that’s what the Raiffeisen Ski King 2013 is all about. In the morning, riders meet in the upper part of the snow park for a Jib Contest, while in the afternoon, there will be a Kicker Session in the lower part of the snow park.

A very special event: freeski, BBQ, music … and lots of fun. www.kinglaurinpark.it > March 10, 2013

The “Blue Ribbon” Race of the Alpe di Siusi In 1953, more than 250 people participated in this traditional race, which was thus the number-one sports event of the entire region. The idea is original – an Alpine combination of downhill skiing and slalom – and it attracts even those ski sportsmen with less competitive experience. The fastest skier in each category will be awarded a “Blue Ribbon Trophy” like the ones awarded to the luxury ocean liners which could cross the Atlantic the fastest. www.dasblaueband.it

Winter | ALPE 39

Photos: Helmurth Rier

Summer Highlights ’13

> June 7 to 8, 2013

> June 14 to 16, 2013

> July 7, 2013

> July 9 to 29, 2013

> July/August, 2013

> Summer, 2013

> October 1 to 31, 2013

> October 11 to 13, 2013

Big Open-Air of the “Kastelruther Spatzen”

31 Oswald von Wolkenstein Riding Tournament

Alpe di Siusi Running

Schlern International Music Festival

Summer Classics in Seis am Schlern

Summer in Prösels Castle

The “Kuchlkastl” – Culinary Festival in Fiè allo Sciliar

“Kastelruther Spatzen” Music Festival in Castelrotto

For the seventeenth time the famous folk music group from Castelrotto, the “Kastelruther Spatzen”, invites to the Open Air on home soil. But even after all these years, the fascination of the concert is unbroken: many thousands of fans will arrive in Castelrotto this weekend in June to enjoy the breathtaking landscape and to experience the „Spatzen“ live. A special experience for all huge fans.

Galloping into the Middle Ages: in mid-June, the villages surrounding the Alpe di Siusi are dedicated to the biggest horseback riding festival in South Tyrol. A total of 36 teams face the challenging competition games of the Oswald von Wolkenstein Riding Tournament.

The traditional riding spectacle starts with celebrations in Castelrotto. On Sunday, the audience draws on foot or by shuttle buses together with the riders from race to race. At the close of the tournament, there will be an awards ceremony at Castle Prösels, with a subsequent festive celebration quite in keeping with medieval traditions. www.ovwritt.com

The Alpe di Siusi Running is a fascinating running event with start and finish in Compaccio. Parallel to the Alpe di Siusi Running, there is also a public fun race for children and adults – without the pressure of a tournament. Simply enjoy an eight kilometres run through the beautiful landscape. www.alpedisiusi.info/running

Gifted music students from all over the world will be meeting in Fiè allo Sciliar in order to prepare themselves for their musical careers under the supervision of renowned musical instructors and internationally famed artists. At the “Schlern International Music Festival”, the schedule includes classic music concerts presented by the students and a series of master concerts every day. www.schlernmusicfestival.eu

For lovers of classical music, Siusi offers an extraordinary series of concerts. Artists will perform the works of great composers. The „Summer Classics“ of Siusi represent a high level of musical talent and have long since become an integral component of our summer cultural program.

Both locals and visitors will be enchanted.

In summer 2013, everybody will again be able to attend elegant evening concerts and thrilling matinees at Prösels Castle. The high-quality repertoire of the performing musicians and singers extends from the ethereal realms of classical music, to earthy brass band music, all the way to the finest jazz. And whoever can’t attend the events can still participate in guided tours and view the historical castle from the inside. www.schloss-proesels.it

The „Kuchlkastl“ Culinary Festival in Fiè allo Sciliar is a well-kept secret among gourmets and friends of „down home“ cooking, alike. Since 1978, the innkeepers and restaurant owners in Fiè have been inviting visitors to partake in the „Gastronomical October“. At the close of the season, the best chef cooks of Fiè will do their utmost to astonish and enchant you with new variations of traditional dishes – dishes pepared wit passion and enjoyed with fine appreciation.

If you are in search of original dishes (based on time-honored recipes, but with a modern accent), you ought not to miss this month-long culinary festival in Fiè allo Sciliar. www.voelserkuchlkastl.com

Three days of celebrating, spending pleasant evenings together, experiencing the “Kastelruther Spatzen” live: the Spatzen-Festival in Castelrotto is a must for every fan. Surrounded by the unique scenery of the Dolomites the seven “Spatzen” enchant all friends of traditional music.

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>

> Summer 2013

Summer for families Summer time is family time – the Alpe di Siusi holiday area will become a paradise for children: An extraordinary nature-experiencing programme takes children and adults on a discovery expedition across the unique natural environment of the Alpe di Siusi holiday area. Together with Martha, the witch, children and parents will follow the footsteps of witches and wizards. Those of you who would like to discover what life is like on a farmstead can experience nature and agriculture close-up.

40 ALPE | Winter

Winter | ALPE 41

KOMMA Graphik · Foto: Helmuth Rier

Around & About

h Fres ts uc prod ur o from al c lo ers farm

Wintersport. Alpe di Siusi Marketing sponsors Patrick Pigneter, Peter Fill, Denise Karbon and Urban Zemmer.

Like in the past World Cup season, the Alpe di Siusi holiday area is supporting the alpine ski racers Denise Karbon and Peter Fill.

For the first time, also Patrick Pigneter, multiple world champion and overall World Cup champion in natural tobogganing, and Urban Zemmer, world champion and world record holder in vertical kilometer skyrunning, are sponsored.

Berlin Philharmonic on the Alpe di Siusi

Film shots on the Alpe di Siusi

Of course, we didn’t get the entire 136 musicians of this famous symphony orchestra, but a number of brass band soloists and a chamber music ensemble are quite sufficient to create a magnificent sound in the S. Francesco church. The new church with its meditative and simple flair, formed just the right framework for an event like this. According to experts, the acoustics are great and can well compare to a first class chamber music hall. The church had its debut as a classical concert hall back in June at the musical summit ‘Stradivari Summit’. During autumn, the exclusive music holiday weeks took place with the solo oboist Albrecht Mayr, the solo clarinettist of the Berlin Philharmonic, accompanied by Markus Groh at the piano and the Brahms Ensemble Berlin. A real treat for your ears, very much top notch, in an atmospheric ambience. To be continued throughout the coming years.

Charlemagne, the mythic Franconian emperor, once travelled on a journey to Rome through the mountain landscapes of South Tyrol. Some scenes from the historic documentary Charlemagne - a German-Austrian production - was filmed in July on the Alpe di Siusi: with lots of ‘infantry’, an entourage of riders and replica armour from the 8th century. In September, the Alpe di Siusi was the short-term arena for the popular German TV series Commissario Brunetti based on the novels of US author Donna Leon. In order to escape the Venetian heat, Commissario Brunetti (alias Uwe Kokisch) spent a short holiday with his family in Siusi allo Sciliar. During an excursion on the Alpe di Siusi - and to his dislike he was ordered back to his desk in Venice in order to help in a murder case of the episode ‘Faithful and believing’.

The new supermarket Coop in the heart of Castelrotto offers you a wide range of first quality products.

In the specialities‘ corner you will find unique culinary delights from local farmers, from biological origin and from fair trade. At the selling desk there is the famous butcher Heinz of the renowned Butcher Shop Silbernagl offering you typical Speck from Castelrotto and Helga, the soul of the Bakery and Confectionery Shop Burgauner, who will contribute with the “Schüttelbrot”. Why don‘t you come around?

Food - Butcher - Bakery - Confectionery - Hardware - Gardening - Agriculture articles

Burgauner BAKERY · CONFECTIONERY

Imprint. ALPE: Reg. Court Bolzano / Bolzano, n. 9/2002 R.St. Published by: Alpe di Siusi Marketing, Via del Paese, 15, 39050 Fiè allo Sciliar, phone +39 0471 709 600, fax +39 0471 704 199, info@alpedisiusi.info; Responsible Editor: Alex Andreis; Editorial Team: Elisabeth Augustin, Rosa Maria Erlacher, Barbara Pichler-Rier, Michaela Baur, André Bechtold, Daniela Kremer; Advertising: Sabine Demetz, Christoph Trocker; Translations: Studio Cizeta; Graphic: Komma Graphik; Printing: Litopat.

42 ALPE | Winter

butcher’s silbernagl

MARKT

Famiglia Cooperativa Castelrotto Via Panider, 24 · Phone +39 0471 706 330 · www.konsummarkt.com Opening hours: From Monday to Saturday from 07.30 to 12.30 a.m. and from 3.00 to 7.00 p.m. (closed on saturday afternoon when out of season)

KOMMAGraphik | Foto: Helmuth Rier

without auto-mobile

Affordably and conveniently through the winter wonderland With the Combi Card or the Nordic Pass Combi Card 3 in 7

40,00 Euro

Combi Card 7

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78,00 Euro .20

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In the course of 7 days (after first use)

Valid for 7 days (after first use)

Valid for 14 days (after first use)

> 3 times to the Alpe di Siusi and back, with the Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway or the Alpe di Siusi Express (Bus Route 10) > Unrestricted use of the Bus Service around the Alpe di Siusi (Shuttle Buses, Almbus and Public Transport Buses) and the Nightliner in the Alpe di Siusi holiday area from Passo Pinei to Fiè allo Sciliar > Unrestricted use of the Public Transport Services “Mobilcard Südtirol/Alto Adige”

> Unrestricted use of Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway and the Alpe di Siusi Express (Bus Route 10) > Unrestricted use of the Bus Service around the Alpe di Siusi (Shuttle Buses, Almbus and Public Transport Buses) and the Nightliner in the Alpe di Siusi holiday area from Passo Pinei to Fiè allo Sciliar > Unrestricted use of the Public Transport Services “Mobilcard Südtirol/Alto Adige”

> Unrestricted use of Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway and the Alpe di Siusi Express (Bus Route 10) > Unrestricted use of the Bus Service around the Alpe di Siusi (Shuttle Buses, Almbus and Public Transport Buses) and the Nightliner in the Alpe di Siusi holiday area from Passo Pinei to Fiè allo Sciliar > Unrestricted use of the Public Transport Services “Mobilcard Südtirol/Alto Adige”

Nordic Pass 3 in 7

Nordic Pass 7

Nordic Pass 14

46,00 Euro

61,00 Euro

98,00 Euro

In the course of 7 days (after first use)

Valid for 7 days (after first use)

Valid for 14 days (after first use)

> 3 days Fee for Using the Cross-Country Ski Courses Alpe di Siusi / Val Gardena > 3 days unrestricted use of the Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway or Alpe di Siusi Express (Bus Route 10) > Unrestricted use of the Bus Service around the Alpe di Siusi (Shuttle Buses, Almbus and Public Transport Buses) and the Nightliner in the Alpe di Siusi holiday area from Passo Pinei to Fiè allo Sciliar > Unrestricted use of the Public Transport Services “Mobilcard Südtirol/Alto Adige”

> 7 days Fee for using the Cross-Country Ski Courses Alpe di Siusi / Val Gardena > Unrestricted use of Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway and the Alpe di Siusi Express (Bus Route 10) > Unrestricted use of the Bus Service around the Alpe di Siusi (Shuttle Buses, Almbus and Public Transport Buses) and the Nightliner in the Alpe di Siusi holiday area from Passo Pinei to Fiè allo Sciliar > Unrestricted use of the Public Transport Services “Mobilcard Südtirol/Alto Adige”

> 14 days Fee for using the Cross-Country Ski Courses Alpe di Siusi / Val Gardena > Unrestricted use of Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway and the Alpe di Siusi Express (Bus Route 10) > Unrestricted use of the Bus Service around the Alpe di Siusi (Shuttle Buses, Almbus and Public Transport Buses) and the Nightliner in the Alpe di Siusi holiday area from Passo Pinei to Fiè allo Sciliar > Unrestricted use of the Public Transport Services “Mobilcard Südtirol/Alto Adige”

The Combi Card and the Nordic Pass are not transferable! Children (0-5 years) and persons on wheelchairs ride free of charge (Combi Card).

Juniors (6-13 years) pay only half fare for Combi Card and Nordic Pass.

The Combi Card and the Nordic Pass are available at all cash desks of cableway Alpe di Siusi, by Tourist Information offices and at your accommodation.

Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway 39040 Siusi allo Sciliar · Via Sciliar, 39 Tel. 0471 704 270 · Fax 0471 704 269 www.cabinoviasiusi.it · info@cabinoviasiusi.it