ECHT Montafon Winter 2023/24 EN

Gargellen ski area

WINTER 2023 | 2024

A winter full of personal moments

My Montafon Map LOCALITIES St. Anton im Montafon: The gateway to the Monta-

fon looks back on a little-known tradition of gypsum mining.

Even today, the village houses a millstone from earlier times.

Vandans: A mixture of traditional and modern award-win-

ning building culture as well as wild streams characterise the landscape. With its Golmerbahn, Vandans is also popular with families who love winter sports.

Bartholomäberg: The cradle of the Montafon impresses

with a settlement history spanning more than a thousand years and the most hours of sunshine in the valley. In winter, the panoramic sunny balcony is a popular recreation area.

Silbertal: Mining is reflected not only in the place name,

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CABLEWAYS

but also in the Silbertal legends. Fantastic views and opportunities for active recreation are offered on the Genießerberg Kristberg.

1. Golmerbahn

Schruns: A venue for numerous cultural and art events as

3. Hochjoch Bahn

well as markets, Schruns is a true meeting place. The Montafon World Cup takes place in winter on Schruns' local mountain, the Hochjoch.

Tschagguns: Together with Schruns, Tschagguns forms the Montafon sports arena and is home to the Montafon Nordic Ski Jump Centre and the Aktivpark Montafon.

Gargellen: In the highest mountain village of the Monta-

fon, on the border with Switzerland, there is enough space for unspoiled personal experiences in harmony with nature and with oneself.

St. Gallenkirch-Gortipohl: Due to its central location, the municipality is an ideal starting point for mountain sports. The Silvretta Park Montafon is a popular meeting place for winter sports enthusiasts. It is also known for living traditions such as target shooting on the occasion of the traditional bonfire burning.

Gaschurn-Partenen: Situated at the foot of the Silvretta, the area is well within reach of high mountains and their glaciers. In winter, you can reach the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe with the tunnel bus.

2. Kristbergbahn 4. Zamang Bahn 5. Grasjoch Bahn 6. Valisera Bahn 7. Schafbergbahn 8. Garfrescha Bahn 9. Versettla Bahn 10. Vermuntbahn More details on the Montafon cableways on page 62.

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Grüaß Di, unsere Welt ist im Wandel – alte Werte werden abgelöst, neue erlangen größere Bedeutung. Einer dieser Werte, die unsere Gesellschaft aktuell auf vielen Ebenen bewegt, ist die Nachhaltigkeit. Längst auch im Tourismus, einer der bedeutendsten Wirtschaftszweige im Montafon, hat sich die nachhaltige Entwicklung vom „Trend“ zur grundlegenden Erwartungshaltung geformt. In der aktuellen Ausgabe des ECHT Montafon zeigen wir Dir auf, mit welchen Maßnahmen das Montafon die nachhaltige Tourismusentwicklung – insbesondere mit Blick auf den Wintersport – im Tal vorantreibt. Einen wesentlichen Beitrag dazu leisten die Montafoner Bergbahnen mit zukunftsweisenden Projekten sowie das „PIZ – Zukunftslabor für nachhaltigen Tourismus“.

Skigebiete – die übrigens allesamt mit ihren ganz eigenen Besonderheiten aufwarten – einer abenteuerlichen Skisafari am Fuße der Dreitausender oder einer malerischen Schneeschuhwanderung in der traumhaften Montafoner Winterlandschaft. Freu Dich jedenfalls auf einen Winter voller unvergleichlicher Erlebnisse und persönlicher Begegnungen im südlichsten Tal Vorarlbergs.

Einen inspirierenden Ausblick auf den Montafoner Winter liefern wir Dir in dieser Ausgabe natürlich auch. Sei es eine traumhafte Pistenabfahrt in einem der fünf Montafoner

P.S.: Wie schon in anderen Skigebieten üblich, gilt auch im Montafon in der Wintersaison 2023/24 das dynamische Preismodell bei den Skitickets.

Früh buchen lohnt sich also mehr denn je.

Ich wünsche Dir viel Freude beim Lesen unseres Tourismusmagazins!

A schöni Ziet, Manuel GF Montafon Tourismus GmbH

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Foto: © buero-magma.at

ENTSCHEIDEN WIR UNS HEUTE FÜR MORGEN. VIELES VERBINDET DIE MENSCHEN IM SÜDEN VORARLBERGS: DIE LANDSCHAFT, DIE WERTE, DIE TÄLER, DER FLEISS, DIE VEREINE, DIE WIRTSCHAFT, DIE GEMEINDEN. AUCH IHRE EIGENE REGIONALBANK GEHÖRT DAZU. WIR MACHT’S MÖGLICH.

raiba-bludenz-montafon.at

Contents A valley of winter sports

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Five different sets of pistes, five times the fun

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Mountain adventures on the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe

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A ski touring adventure in the heart of the Alps 22 On your runners, get set, go!

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Mountain sports in winter 28 The people of Montafon and their Tracht 34

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40 The heartbeat of the Montafon 42 PIZ – Future Laboratory for Sustainable Tourism 48 Arriving sustainably 52 Adopted home Montafon: “Like hitting a Jackpot“ 58 Success factor: employees 60 “Öbr d'Schultra gluagat“ 62 Panoramic map 64 My Montafon event calendar 66 World Championships 2027 70 In anticipation of summer 2024

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MONTAFON

A VALLEY OF WINTER SPORTS YESTERDAY AS TODAY

Glittering powder snow waiting to be explored, perfectly prepared pistes as far as the eye can see and ultra-modern lifts that swiftly transport snow enthusiasts to one of the Montafon’s five ski resorts. Today, this image is the embodiment of modern winter sports in Vorarlberg’s southernmost valley – a trend that has developed rapidly in recent decades and decisively shaped the Montafon.

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The Montafon is characterised by a colourful history of tourism. The focal point – of course – has always been the mountains. Yet for a long time, they were conquered almost exclusively during summer. The first alpinists arrived at the valley in the mid-19th century to climb the highest and most difficult among them for the first time. And all this to the great astonishment of the local population, who were puzzled as to their motives, seeing as the mountains were an everyday part of their life and work.

Over time, the concept of summer retreats in the mountains was continuously expanded and became the undisputed engine of tourism in the Montafon in terms of overnight stays by the ever-growing number of guests.

Incline Elevator Golm In 1959, ski operations at Golm commenced. On that day, 221 people were transported.

FROM HEMINGWAY TO WM 2027 Not until the early 20th century did winter sports in the Montafon undergo their first gentle upturn.

Without a doubt, our most famous winter tourist in the Montafon in this period was Ernest Hemingway, who spent winter 1924/25 and 1925/26 in the valley. His recollections of his stays in his “beloved Schruns” even made their way into his works “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and “A Moveable Feast”.

After the Second World War, a gradual establishment and expansion of ski resorts took place, which led to the development of tourism infrastructure as a natural consequence. Ultimately, it was thanks to the increasing prosperity of the predominantly German guests that, from the 70s, the region saw a veritable boom in tourism and in winter sports in particular. Skiing areas were expanded and merged, tourist accommodation establishments sprang up like mushrooms, ski schools and restaurants were opened. In short, the Montafon was well on its way to becoming an internationally renowned winter sports destination. Naturally, this was also reflected

in the figures – in Gaschurn alone, the number of overnight stays grew a hundredfold in just 30 years.

And the hosting of the legendary Montafon Golden Key Races as part of the Women’s World Cup significantly increased the public profile of the Montafon. Winter tourism had now clearly “overtaken” summer tourism, and became the engine of touristic development in the valley.

It is all the more cause for pride, therefore, that the Montafon will be linked to this tradition as the venue of the 2027 FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships. As the biggest ever winter sports event in Vorarlberg, this will undoubtedly provide new, strong impetus for winter sports in the valley.

Source: “Willkommen im Montafon! Tourismusgeschichte eines Alpentales” by Edith Hessenberger and Michael Kasper. Universitätsverlag Wagner. First edition 2020

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SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING With the winter WildPass, no fewer than 298 perfectly prepared kilometres of pistes are literally laid at your feet, offering you more than enough space to glide and carve your way through the snow. From the manageable family ski area with wide pleasure pistes to the sporty ski area with challenging World Cup pistes to the snowy ski area at over 2,000 metres above sea level – in the Montafon, everyone is sure to find their very own favourite piste.

The winter WildPass gives you access to: ■ 9 ski areas, 5 of which are in the Montafon ■ 298 kilometres of pistes ■ 73 cable cars and lifts ■ 984 snowmakers

SNOWSHOE HIKING Take time to simply switch off and enjoy the quiet of winter at your own pace. Snowshoe hiking takes you through a romantic, in places untouched winter landscape far from the noise and crowds of people, where you can bask in the incomparable beauty of the Montafon mountains to the full. Look forward to 150 kilometres of marked trails and guided tours over glistening snowfields and through forests decked deep in snow.

WINTER HIKING Fresh blankets of snow, crisp winter air and a crystal-clear view of the surrounding mountain scenery: on winter hikes, you’ll explore the dreamlike winter landscape of the Rätikon, Verwall and Silvretta on 290 kilometres of prepared and partly illuminated winter hiking trails in total tranquillity. All you need are winter shoes with a good tread and, of course, time.

MÜNCHEN 246

STUTTGART

DEUTSCHLAND

BREGENZ

ZÜRICH

BLUDENZ

INNSBRUCK 130

SCHWEIZ ITALIEN

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SKI TOURS

BERGEPLUS

The journey is the destination: true to this adage, more than 20 designated ski tours await you at all altitudes in the Montafon, inviting you to delight in the fairytale-like winter wonderland. Be it an easy tour to get a taste for ski touring or something more challenging for experienced ski mountaineers. Choose your personal favourite tour now and feel the anticipation for your next ski tour in the Montafon!

Our activity programme BergePLUS helps you to experience the most beautiful side of the Montafon. Whether you prefer to leisurely explore the idyllic natural scenery on foot or stomp through the winter landscape on snowshoes, in the expert company of your BergePLUS guide, the tour will be an unforgettable experience.

FREERIDING Do you want to experience the pure adrenaline and feeling of freedom that skiing and snowboarding off-piste gives you? Then you’ve come to the right place here in the Montafon. With its varied terrain and specially designated trails for all levels, the southernmost valley in Vorarlberg is a true off-piste paradise. The Silvretta Montafon in particular is considered a real hotspot on the freeriding scene.

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Variety of tours offered from December to April Highly trained and experienced BergePLUS guides Secure booking with no fees Discount or free participation as a guest of BergePLUS iiiixiaccommodation or with the guest card Information and booking T. +43 50 6686 // montafon.at/bergeplus

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FIVE DIFFERENT SETS OF PISTES, FIVE TIMES THE FUN 10

In the winter sports paradise that is the Montafon, choose from five ski areas with a total of 298 kilometres of pistes and 73 cable cars and lifts at elevations with guaranteed snow from 650 to 2,400 metres. From the clearly laid out family ski area with wide, enjoyable slopes to the sporty ski area with challenging World Cup runs and the high alpine ski area with untouched deep snow slopes, this place has it all.

And indeed – nestled in between the three mountain ranges of the Rätikon, Verwall and Silvretta with their many three-thousanders, the Montafon reveals one stunning ski area after another. Alongside the biggest and certainly most well-known of them, the Silvretta Montafon ski area, in addition, Gargellen, Erlebnisberg Golm, Genießerberg Kristberg and Silvretta-Bielerhöhe all offer their very own distinct characteristics. For all their diversity, all the cableways have one shared goal: to protect and defend the Montafon’s precious nature and environment. Find out here what measures have already been implemented to this end.

SILVRETTA MONTAFON THE SKI AREA FOR ADVENTUROUS SOULS

Adventure lovers and freeride enthusiasts will feel right at home in the ski areas of the Silvretta Montafon, where a real treat awaits them with over 35 lifts and 140 excellently prepared kilometres of pistes and countless varied freeride routes.

With more than 50 percent of its many kilometres of pistes situated above 2,000 metres, the Silvretta Montafon offers a guarantee of snow until well into spring. Extensive pistes, including World Cup runs, challenging descents and the “HochjochTotale”, the longest valley run in Vorarlberg, ensure unparalleled fun on the pistes.

Once again this year, the sportiest of ski areas has some exciting new updates. Guests can experience action at the innovative Snowpark Montafon and get the World Cup feeling in the new race area with four routes and automatic video recording.

Under the motto “no two pistes alike”, the Silvretta Montafon presents a further attraction for ambitious winter sports enthusiasts with the ski circuit “Montafon Totale Ski”. And for those who love a thrill, the steepest descents in the ski area await in the form of the Black Scorpions, and the professionally designed mogul slope below the Nova Bahn presents a challenge at the very highest level.

Das Alpenmosaik Montafon 12

ERLEBNISBERG GOLM SKIING FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Families with kids especially appreciate the wide pistes and diverse offer available at the Erlebnisberg Golm with its nine ultra-modern lifts and 44 perfectly prepared kilometres of pistes. From the easy training area next to the new beginners’ lift directly by the valley station to the laid-back family slope all the way to the black “Diabolo piste” with a 70-percent incline, the ski area above Vandans and Tschagguns has something to suit all tastes.

What’s more, there are fantastic offers specifically for children. The littlest ones are looked after at the free summit station kindergarten, while the older children enjoy themselves in the Golmi woods, “Hexenwald” Witches Forest or at one of the piste highlights. golm.at

GARGELLNER BERGBAHNEN DREAMY SNOW RIGHT DOWN TO THE VALLEY STATION

At 1,423 metres above sea level, the highest winter sports location in the Montafon promises guaranteed snow with untouched deep snow slopes and family-friendly fun on the pistes on the border with Switzerland. With 39 varied kilometres of pistes and eight modern lifts, the ski pistes offer optimum conditions for unadulterated skiing enjoyment for all ages set against an incomparable natural backdrop.

A very special experience is to be had with the Nidla off-piste skiing – a challenging deep snow slope extending across 500 vertical metres that can be reached from the piste with a short climb. Facing the northwest, it is the longest and most uniform of its type.

For this one-of-a-kind mountain experience on unsecured terrain, full avalanche gear is necessary. The Gargellen ski school offers professionally guided descents in the company of a ski instructor.

Ski tourers can also get their money’s worth and then some at the Gargellen, with a myriad of unforgettable tours such as the Madrisa Circuit, which leads into Switzerland and back again. bergbahnen-gargellen.at

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Das Alpenmosaik Montafon 14

MONTAFONER KRISTBERGBAHN THE PLEASURE MOUNTAIN IN THE MONTAFON

“Towards the sun” is the motto of this small but exquisite pleasure skiing area on the Kristberg, which is designed to be family friendly and is among Vorarlberg’s sunniest ski resorts.

The two ski lifts (300 metres and 700 metres in length), the free-of-charge conveyor belt at “Silbi’s Winterwelt” and the four optimally prepared, wide ski pistes featuring a difficulty level from easy to medium offer pleasurable skiing enjoyment for families with (small) children, those who are taking up skiing again after many years and even experienced skiers. When there is sufficient snow, a 4.5 kilometre-long ski route leads to the Silbertal. And after fresh snowfall, the deep snow slopes on the Kristberg are a very special experience. montafon.at/kristberg

Kristberg Montafon

SILVRETTA-BIELERHÖHE PRISTINE NATURE IN QUIET SOLITUDE

An insider tip for peaceful skiing pleasure is the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe. Far from civilisation and only accessible via the Vermuntbahn and tunnel bus, even the journey there offers a taste of the spectacular cross-country and ski touring paradise and little ski area with reliable snow in the midst of the high alpine mountain scenery a e impressive Silvretta reservoir, the striking mountain backdrop of the Silvretta is sure to inspire a sense of awe – especially Piz Buin, which at 3,312 metres is the highest mountain in Vorarlberg.

And if you have a lust for adventure then the Silvretta ski safari is for you – on skis and the snow groomer, make your way to an eventful day in the neighbouring Galtür ski resort. silvretta-bielerhoehe.at

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Das Alpenmosaik Montafon

FUN ON THE PISTES WITH A VIEW TO THE FUTURE FOR PEOPLE AND NATURE

For all of the skiing pleasure it offers, the Montafon is also well aware of its responsibility to preserve its precious mountain and living environment. In this vein, the Montafon ski areas strive to promote the sustainable development of tourism and ensure the fun on the pistes is as resource-friendly as possible. Be this through the use of green electricity, photovoltaic systems or an energy management approach that contributes to an increase in energy efficiency. Moreover, incentives to switch to soft mobility are being created, the minimisation of waste is being accelerated and special attention paid to regionality.

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Here you will find more information on the topic of sustainability in the Montafon.

SKIING WITH THE POWER OF THE SUN Every ski area in the Montafon is in charge of its own sustainability management programme and implements individual projects accordingly.

The Erlebnisberg Golm, for example, is advancing in leaps and bounds in terms of sustainability. In 2012, the first photovoltaic chairlift in the world was built here, and since 2018 the entire CO2 output has already been reduced by 30 percent. The plan is to double these efforts by the year 2030. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the Erlebnisberg Golm is considered one of the most sustainable tourism enterprises in the Alps.

CABLE CARS AND ENERGY INTERESTING FACTS The total energy consumption per skier and per day (for cable cars, snowmaking, piste preparation, restaurants, heating and infrastructure) is 18.0 kWh. In comparison: Driving a modern medium-sized car (7 litres per 100 kilometres) a distance of 26 kilometres in a time of around 23 minutes is equivalent to an entire day of skiing.

VORARLBERG’S BIGGEST ELECTRIC CHARGING CAR PARK As part of the “Green Mountains” initiative, the Silvretta Montafon is examining the existing potential to make the framework conditions of mountain sports as nature-friendly as possible. Consequently, the Silvretta Montafon has established Vorarlberg’s biggest electric charging car park with 50 charging stations at the valley station of the new Valisera Bahn. If needed, all 600 parking spaces can be retrofitted with electric charging stations – using emission-free electricity from the region.

RESOURCE-OPTIMISED SNOWMAKING The Bergbahnen Gargellen are also looking at resource-friendly measures as part of their sustainability management programme, in particular when it comes to the topic of snowmaking. The storage reservoirs are only fed by natural inflows and, what’s more, the floating surface extraction of the water and the high elevation of the storage reservoirs means that there’s no need to cool the water. In addition, the fleet of piste vehicles is equipped with a system to measure the height of the snow that is designed not only to function as a tool to predict optimum snowmaking (in development) but also to make snowmaking as sustainable, cost-effective and reliable as possible.

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THE FIRST CAR SHARING MODEL IN THE MONTAFON The partnership with “Turn to Zero” enables the Montafoner Kristbergbahn to make its entire CO2 output “climate neutral” each year. What’s more, it also runs the first car sharing model in the Montafon in cooperation with the community of Vandans and the company Caruso. The charging cycles of the electric vehicles are covered by 100 percent green electricity produced by its own photovoltaic system. The car sharing offer in the Montafon has now been expanded to three locations. And more are continuously being added.

In the last ten years, measured by its transport performance, the cable car industry in Austria has saved almost 20 percent in energy!

With an energy quantity of 750 GWh (= 0.75 TWh), the cable cars including the technical snowmaking require a share of electrical energy amounting to 1.2% of Austria’s total electricity consumption. When it comes to the overall energy consumption of the cable cars including snowmaking, this is just 0.325% of Austria’s total consumption.

Source: Calculation by the Cable Car Association

ERLEBEN

MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES AT THE FOOT OF THE 3.000 M PEAKS 18

On the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe, you enter another world. Here, surrounded by snow and ice, you enjoy not only a fascinating view of the imposing three-thousand-metre peaks of the Silvretta, but also the peace and quiet. What’s more, the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe also forms the starting point for numerous mountain experiences, such as winter and snowshoe hikes through idyllic wintry landscapes and ski tours in high alpine spots.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCES ON THE SILVRETTA-BIELERHÖHE Those with a taste for adventure can enjoy themselves in Vorarlberg’s only ice climbing park on the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe.

Climbing on the ice wall, which is vertical in parts, guarantees that both beginners as well as advanced climbers will have an unforgettable and fun-filled winter experience.

A very special day of skiing awaits you on the ski safari, which starts from the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe. A snow groomer transports you to the neighbouring ski area of Galtür in Tyrol, where you can enjoy a fantastic day of skiing before being taken back to the starting point with a backpack full of unforgettable experiences in tow.

In their guest post, Christiane and Moritz describe in more detail what a ski safari looks like and what makes it so special.

Guest article by Christiane and Moritz We are Christiane and Moritz.

Here in the Montafon, we particularly appreciate the closeness to the mountains and the many possibilities for exploring them. Whether we’re skiing, hiking, climbing or mountain biking, we simply love being out and about in the unforgettable Montafon mountains.

When we heard about the ski safari on the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe, we were immediately curious. What does it involve? What might a safari in the snowy mountains look like? We wanted to find out, and signed up right away.

The description alone sounds very exciting: the snow groomer takes you from the Silvretta reservoir to the neighbouring ski area of Galtür in Tyrol, where you then have a few hours free to play around before being taken back to Vorarlberg.

And we’re off on the ski safari!

HOLD ON TIGHT! Today’s the day: right on time at 8:30 a.m., we take the Vermuntbahn in Partenen in the direction of the summit station. We can’t leave any later than this, because otherwise we wouldn’t reach the meeting point for the ski safari in time at 9:30 a.m..

Once at the top, the skis are loaded onto the buses and the adventure begins: at high speed, we’re taken through the narrow tunnel connecting the summit station of the Vermuntbahn with the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe. The so-called “tunnel bus” only just fits through, but the bus driver doesn’t seem to mind.

We leave the tunnel at the level of the Vermunt reservoir, and the breathtaking mountain panorama of the Silvretta with its snowy peaks opens up before our eyes for the first time.

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Das Alpenmosaik Montafon 20

WITH THE SNOWCAT THROUGH THE KLEINVERMUNTTAL Once on the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe, we continue on skis to the meeting point of the ski safari.

Try not to let the spectacular panorama distract you too much here, as the journey to the meeting point takes a while.

To get there, you first ski to the valley station of the drag lift and then follow the route leading out of the valley. It’s a good 20 minutes to the meeting point, with a couple of short ascents to overcome. At these points, snowboarders have to unclip their board and walk a short distance on foot.

Once we’ve arrived at the meeting point, we don’t have to wait long before the snowcat picks us up. The driver swiftly attaches the tow rope to which we then hold on tight, and just like that we’re off in the direction of Galtür.

Thanks to the predominantly flat stretch, holding on isn’t particularly challenging and we’re able to enjoy the trip through the gloriously snowy Kleinvermunttal to the full. We even spot a few chamois on the mountainsides making their way through the snow. After around 15 minutes of travel time, we arrive in the Galtür ski area in Tyrol.

A DAY IN THE GALTÜR SKI AREA AND A LOVELY DOWNHILL DESCENT The Galtür ski area impresses with its six sectors, 43 kilometres of pistes and 10 cable cars and lifts, and is very family friendly. Blessed with glorious weather and top piste conditions, we enjoy a wonderful day of skiing there with fantastic downhill runs and great places to stop and eat.

At 1:30 p.m., we meet back up again for the return trip to Vorarlberg. The meeting point is the middle of the Klein-Zeinislift in Galtür. To get there, you take the Klein-Zeinislift to the top and then follow piste five down to the meeting point. We recommend checking out the meeting point ahead of time so as not to run out of time at the end.

The way back takes us not along the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe, but in the direction of the valley, where we ride the Vermuntbahn down to the valley station. The trip with the snowcat takes us around ten minutes again.

The driver takes us to a ski route that leads us through a coniferous forest in the valley in charming curves.

Shortly before Partenen, we cross the Silvretta high alpine road before the downhill run ends and we’re back at the Vermuntbahn valley station.

Further information

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The Silvretta ski safari takes place daily (subject to snow, avalanche and weather conditions).

Starting point: Vermuntbahn valley station, Partenen Tip: Start at 8:30 a.m. so that you have enough time.

Find more information about the Silvretta ski safari here:

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A SKI TOURING ADVENTURE IN THE HEART OF THE ALPS 22

On a ski tour, you make your way through pristine alpine landscapes far away from the noise and crowds of people as you enjoy the idyllic winter landscape at your own pace. From snow-covered alpine meadow landscapes to snowy forests and frozen lakes to craggy ice formations, you get to witness an incredible variety of different landscapes.

The Montafon is a true paradise for ski touring - here you’ll find more than 20 designated ski tours that guarantee you ideal conditions for a first-hand mountain experience beyond the pistes. An especially lovely example of a ski tour in the Montafon is the circuit around the majestic Madrisa in Gargellen. With long powder descents, a border crossing in the high mountains and a ride on the Rhaetian railway, the circuit has tonnes to offer. For decades, the loop around the group of peaks in the Rätikon, which reaches 2,826 metres in height, has been considered one of the highlights for ski touring enthusiasts in the Montafon.

MADRISA CIRCUIT TOUR TO SWITZERLAND AND BACK

Beginning at the summit station of the Kristallbahn, the route first takes you to the St. Antönier Jöchle, which marks the border with Switzerland. Once at the top, the landscape opens up to provide a spectacular vista of the surrounding mountain peaks. This is followed by a long, fantastic descent into neighbouring Switzerland, where you continue your journey to Klosters by bus and the Rhaetian railway. Having filled up on unforgettable memories, the route takes you across the Schlappinerjoch back to Gargellen.

Tour information ■ Degree of difficulty: xxxmedium ■ Distance: 45,7 km ■ Duration: 5 h ■ Ascent: 300 vm ■ Descent: 2.050 vm

Tip Accompanied by a Montafon mountain guide, your ski tour will be a safe experience. montafon-bergfuehrer.at

Link to Youtube video:

Das Alpenmosaik Montafon

ERLEBEN

ON YOUR RUNNERS, GET SET, GO! Every successful winter holiday must include a decent toboggan ride.

After all, winter fun on two blades doesn’t just boost the spirits of children, but is guaranteed to get a hearty laugh from adults too.

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For an unforgettable toboggan experience, you have countless options here in the Montafon. Whether you’re seeking action-packed descents or a laid-back family outing – you’re sure to find the perfect tobogganing run here to suit your tastes.

While most toboggan runs can be conveniently accessed by cable car, individual

routes require a walk on foot. But this doesn’t make them any less attractive – quite the opposite! On your way to the starting point, you can enjoy the beauty of the peaceful winter landscape with its snowy treetops and glittering blankets of snow all around you, and are finally rewarded with a fun-filled downhill ride.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Without a doubt, tobogganing is fun for the whole family. Because no matter how old or big you are, when a round of tobogganing is on the holiday schedule, laughter and joy are inevitable. A particularly family-friendly route, for example, is the natural toboggan run on the Golm Adventure Mountain.

Winding its way down 21 hairpin bends from Latschau to Vandans, it offers tobogganing fun for young and old with an incline of up to 13 percent. But the natural toboggan run in the Silvretta Montafon, which leads from Kapell to the Kropfen middle station, is also especially popular with families. The Kristberg toboggan run is great for smaller children – from the summit station of the Kristbergbahn, the 600-metre route over around 90 vertical metres leads to the Stelzer boarding point.

START

Hochjoch Bahn Bergstation

START Golmerbahn Latschau

START

Kristbergbahn Bergstation

START

Garfrescha Bahn Bergstation

25 SCHWARZHORN 2.460 m

ZIEL

TILISUNAHÜTTE 2.211 m

Zustiegstelle Stelzer

SCHWARZHORN TILISUNAALPE 2.460 m

ZIEL

Garfre

ZIEL

ZIEL

Golmerbahn Vandans TILISUNAHÜTTE

Hochjoch Bahn Mittelstation

2.211 m

TILISUNAALP

Kristbergbahn summit station – access point at Stelzer

Kapell - Kropfen

Latschau - Vandans

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Difficulty: easy Distance: 0,6 km Duration: 10 minutes Vertical metres: 90

Kristberg Montafon

Difficulty: easy Distance: 5 km Duration: 30 minutes Vertical metres: 504

Difficulty: average Distance: 3 km Duration: 30 minutes Vertical metres: 350

CALLING ALL NIGHT OWLS Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a ride under a sky full of stars. Because once the sun has disappeared behind the mountains, this is when the tobogganing fun really gets going. The Silvretta Montafon invites guests for some night-time tobogganing fun on the Garfrescha three times a week, where even the ride up on the quaint cable car is an experience. From the start of the roughly 5.5 kilometre-long illuminated toboggan run, it follows the Maisäß alpine pasture village of Grandau and then heads back in the direction of the Garfrescha valley station.

START

Garfrescha Bahn Bergstation

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ZIEL

Garfrescha Bahn Talstation

Night toboggan run Garfrescha ■ ■ ■ ■

Difficulty: average Distance: 5,5 km Duration: 30 minutes Vertical metres: 637

SURROUNDED BY NATURE Those who prefer to kick off their tobogganing fun on foot rather than by cable car will enjoy not just total peace and quiet, but with a little luck, a clear run too. The natural toboggan run from the Lindauer Hütte to Latschau as well as the route from the Berggasthof Grabs to Latschau are both perfect for an undisturbed tobogganing experience surrounded by nature. While the route from the Lindauer Hütte is the longest toboggan run in the Montafon, the descent from the Grabs mountain restaurant scores points with sections leading through fabulous snowy forests in the direction of Gauertal.

But the Silvretta reservoir natural toboggan run on the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe, lasting around two kilometres, also promises an unforgettable experience with a breathtaking panorama. There, with specially prepared toboggans and in the direct vicinity of high alpine terrain with the highest mountains in Vorarlberg, you can experience a truly special winter adventure. Please note that the toboggan runs on the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe may only be ridden with rental toboggans.

START

Lindauer Hütte

27

START Grabs

START

Silvretta Skilift

SCHWARZHORN 2.460 m

TILISUNAHÜTTE

ZIEL

ZIEL

Latschau (Gauertal)

Latschau (Gauertal)

Lindauer Hütte – Latschau

Silvretta Skilift

ZIEL

Grabs – Latschau

TILISUNAALPE SCHWARZHORN 2.460 m

Silvretta resevoir

TILISUNAHÜTTE 2.211 m

TILISUNAA

■ ■ ■ ■

Difficulty: average Distance: 6,6 km Duration: 30 minutes Vertical metres: 727

■ ■ ■ ■

Difficulty: difficult Distance: 3 km Duration: 30 minutes Vertical metres: 361

■ ■ ■ ■

Difficulty: average Distance: 2 km Duration: 12 minutes Vertical metres: 125

Das Alpenmosaik Montafon

ERLEBEN

MOUNTAIN SPORTS IN WINTER THE BALANCE BETWEEN ADVENTURE AND CONSIDERATION FOR NATURE

28

Winter sports varieties such as ski touring, winter or snowshoe hiking have a particular appeal: you’re usually moving through pristine nature, where the snow-covered landscape appears even more romantic and the silence of winter even more impressive. Almost as if you were alone out there.

More and more people are craving undisturbed nature experiences beyond the pistes and marked trails. This increasing demand is due to several factors; for example, the growing awareness of nature and one’s own health plays a big role. In and of itself, this societal transformation is a positive thing.

However, the growing number of visitors also entails challenges for the natural habitats, especially for the wild animals living there, as biologist Christian Kuehs from the initiative “Naturverträglicher Bergsport” (nature-compatible mountain sports in the Montafon) explains. Together with representatives of other interest groups, he addresses existing areas of tension in nature and mountain

sports within the scope of the initiative. “In terms of surface area, Vorarlberg isn’t all that big, and the natural spaces are easily accessible from the urban areas.

As a result, there are very few territories where our endemic wild animals are truly undisturbed,” says Kuehs. This has the consequence that wild animals are retreating ever further into the peripheral areas, which are less favourable for them, or only leaving their cover at twilight in order to search for food,” he continues. Which makes it all the more important to observe the rules of protected areas and restricted zones during the aforementioned winter sports.

FOR THE WELFARE OF THE ANIMALS Because in the winter months especially, domestic animal species struggle with tough conditions: thick blankets of snow and ice make it harder for them to access food. Accordingly, they need to ration their energy reserves well. Since flight reactions in particular consume an enormous amount of energy, it is important to avoid these. So the wild animals stay away from highly frequented places such as ski areas or designated tours or know how to deal with these disturbances. In open terrain, on the other hand, wild animals cannot usually anticipate disturbances caused by people.

This makes the danger of startling the animals during a ski tour, snowshoe or winter hike that much greater. “But prohibiting all winter sports activities beyond the pistes because of this would be wrong,” Christian Kuehs comments on the problem. “It makes much more sense to educate people and create offers that are reasonable for all user groups,” he continues and points out the numerous projects that have been started in the scope of the initiative “Naturverträglicher Bergsport”.

But it is also important, the biologist emphasises in conclusion, that these offers are accepted and work because only then can they be expanded under certain circumstances.

29

So anyone seeking adventure beyond the pistes and trails should be aware of their responsibility towards nature and the animals living there. As long as visitors stick to a few simple rules, enjoyment in open terrain can be had without detriment to others.

Das Alpenmosaik Montafon

HOW TO MAKE SURE MY WINTER SPORTS ACTIVITIES ARE COMPATIBLE WITH NATURE

I stay on marked pistes and trails or use established tours to avoid unforeseen disturbances as much as possible.

path

30

time

food

I avoid being out and about during twilight so as not to disturb the wild animals while searching for food or eating.

Whenever possible, I go around mountaintops and ridges created by the wind, since this is where wild animals have better access to food.

I do not walk, ride or drive in any areas of reforestation or new growth.

forest I inform myself in advance about the areas I’m in and avoid sensitive areas wherever possible.

information

I pay attention to the marked signs and notices and respect protected and restricted zones.

restricted areas I always keep my dog on the lead.

dogs I help maintain a clean environment and do not leave any rubbish lying around.

waste

“NATURVERTRÄGLICHER BERGSPORT“ The initiative aims to jointly defuse existing conflicts of interest and find viable solutions for everyone - i.e. game, forest and mountain sports.

TOUR PORTAL Find winter and snowshoe hikes as well as ski tours here.

31

NATIVE WILDLIFE

7-12 cm

6,5 cm

12 cm

4-5 cm

AND THEIR TRACKS

Capercaillie

Snow grouse

Black grouse

Snow hare

The capercaillie lives at 1,000 to 1,700 metres above sea level, venturing lower in winter or during the breeding season.

They feel particularly at home in pretty mountain forests and in glades with plenty of wood.

Unfortunately, this species is disappearing more and more from its natural habitat, which is why numbers have been falling steadily for years now.

The snow grouse can be found above the tree line, and likes stony and rocky terrain.

In winter, they remain in willow shrubbery or birch groves at lower elevations and build snow caves up to 50 centimetres deep. They only leave these when there’s a threat of danger. So mountain sports enthusiasts should give them a wide berth.

The wild black grouse grows to around 40 to 55 centimetres in length and weighs 750 to 1,400 grams. They live at 1,000 to 2,000 metres above sea level, although their habitat is slowly shrinking. Under no circumstances, therefore, should you disturb these rare animals, especially in winter.

Snow hares inhabit the higher climes of the Alps and have grey-brown fur in summer and snow-white fur in winter.

That makes them masters of camouflage – or at least they should be. Since their change of fur is genetically determined, they turn white even if there’s not yet any snow on the ground. This makes climate change a real problem for the animals.

5 cm

7-10 cm

7-10 cm

6 cm

33

Source: Respektiere deine Grenzen (animal images and tracks from "Natur & Freizeit", Zürich)

Chamois

Alpine ibex

Deer

Roe deer

The chamois is considered an emblem of the Alps and can be found almost everywhere in the mountains. These animals live at 1,000 to 3,000 metres above sea level and are veritable acrobats on the rocks. Although the chamois is not considered endangered in the Alps, its habitat is under threat due to the development of the mountains.

At home at 1,600 to 3,000 metres above sea level and dubbed the king of the Alps – the ibex. In the 19th century, this species almost died out, but numbers have recovered thanks to strict regulations.

Nonetheless, Alpine ibexes are considered to be very sensitive. So if you happen to spot one, it’s best you enjoy this rare sight calmly and quietly.

Deer also live in the Alpine region and are considered the largest domestic mammal.

These animals require up to 20 kilograms of food per day.

They are particularly comfortable in wide open spaces, but have now completely withdrawn into the forest for fear of humans.

When it comes to their habitat, roe deer are relatively flexible and feel at home both on flat plains and in high mountains. They are true connoisseurs and are always on the lookout for tasty herbs, leaves, buds and shoots. The animals are especially active during twilight.

ERLEBEN

THE PEOPLE OF MONTAFON AND THEIR TRACHT 34

The Tracht, or traditional clothing, is an inherent part of the Montafon’s cultural history. For centuries, it has brought people together, forged identity and is, in no small measure, a testament to great craftsmanship. Today, the traditional garments of rural origin are once more gaining in popularity and are commonly worn at festive and church occasions.

The Montafon Tracht is characterised by certain special features and its diversity, differentiating it considerably from the traditional dress of other valley communities in the Alps. What distinguishes the women’s Tracht – presumably first created in the 18th century in its basic form – is its special handcrafted features, elaborate decorations and high-quality materials in all its different versions. Since then, the Tracht has experienced several changes that have contributed towards today’s look.

What’s more, additional versions have developed over the last hundred years, known

as “updated Tracht” costumes. Traditional costume associations, craftspeople and private Tracht wearers ensure that the tradition of wearing this costume in the Montafon is kept alive.

Tip The Montafon Heimatmuseum (heritage museum) in Schruns is home to an impressive exhibition on the development of and changes to the Montafon Tracht.

THE HISTORICAL MONTAFON TRACHT Without a doubt, the best-known and most ornate Tracht in the Montafon is the festival costume for women. It dates all the way back to the Baroque era. Over the last few centuries, the Montafon festival costume as it is worn today has undergone many changes before arriving at its present-day appearance.

The Montafon festival costume for women consists of a black dress ("Juppa"), whose bodice ("Miadr") is laced at the front. An apron ("Schoß") in the colours of the Tracht is tied over this. A particularly precious element of this Tracht is the embroidery: the fichu ("Broschttuach") is laced into the bodice at the front, while the apron strings ("Schoßbänder") are tied over the apron. The image is completed with a red petticoat, red tights, shoes with buckles and a bow tied around the neck.

The most striking feature of the Montafon festival costume is the embroidery. Depending on the occasion and outer garments of the Tracht, this consists of two or more parts. All embroidery is done by hand and stitched in silk on black velvet. The embroidery amounts to around 500 hours of manual work in the fabrication of a full Tracht costume.

d'Pelzkappa

ds'Mäschli

dr'Briesnöschtl ds'Broschttuach

ds'Undermiadr ds'Miadr vo dr'Juppa

dr'Glöggletschopa

d'Schoßbänder d'Schoß

35

“OF'M KOPF“ THE HEADDRESSES The various headdresses are a particularly important element of the Montafon Tracht for women:

THE SANDERHUT The Sanderhut is a headpiece introduced around a hundred years ago to accompany the Montafon Tracht. It is a black hat made of felt or straw with gold trim on the underside and a large black bow. Montafon women exclusively combine this with the Schlutta, a short black jacket.

THE MÄSSLI

36

The Mäßli is the oldest headgear worn together with the Montafon festival costume. The shape, and also the name, is derived from a grain measure. The Mäßli has been in production again only since 2012, following many decades in oblivion. It is made from the wool of the Montafon Steinschaf (stone sheep). The Mäßli is worn exclusively in combination with the Glöggletschopa.

THE SCHÄPPEL The Schäppel is made from gold or silver wire and decorated with colourful glass stones, beads and silk flowers.

The headdress reminiscent of a crown is worn by women (by the Schäppelmaigana) for the last time on the day of their wedding.

THE PELZKAPPA The Pelzkappa is a heavy, oval-shaped fur hat that was originally made of otter fur. When worn correctly, the hair is covered and only half of the ears are visible. Likewise, this is only worn with the Glöggletschopa.

WHAT DOES THE MONTAFON MAN WEAR? Men in the Montafon wear the Montafon Männertracht, or men’s costume, consisting of black loden breeches, white knee-length sheep’s wool socks, a white shirt and a red vest, the Lieble. Worn over this is a dark blue double-vented jacket, the Tschopa. The Montafon men are especially proud of their headgear, the black top hat – an unusual feature for a valley Tracht and a design unique to the Montafon. The look is rounded out by the Mäschli bow tie and buckled shoes.

Sources: Costumes in the Montafon. Costumes in Vorarlberg.

37

Das Alpenmosaik Montafon

3

QUESTIONS FOR ULRIKE BITSCHNAU

38

ABOUT ULRIKE As the long-standing director and chairwoman of the Vorarlberg Regional Tracht Association and former chairwoman of the Vandans Tracht Group, Ulrike Bitschnau has been dedicated to traditional costumes from Vorarlberg for over forty years, in particular the Montafon Tracht. She has played a major role in ensuring that the tradition of wearing Tracht in the Montafon continues to be upheld by passing on her knowledge to future generations.

#1

What does Tracht mean to you?

#2 What makes the Montafon Tracht so special for you?

#3 What’s the best part about wearing Tracht for you?

Ulrike: For me, Tracht means tradition that needs to be preserved. It’s not just about presenting the Tracht, sharing information about it and tirelessly making the case for wearing it, but also about holding on to the fascinating history behind this costume for those who come after us.

Ulrike: To me, every Tracht in Vorarlberg is a beautiful and unique outfit – but for me as a Montafon native, the Montafon Tracht is synonymous with a certain outlook on life!

Ulrike: Naturally, the best part is wearing the costume itself. But right after this is the community in all its diversity. If you take a look at the many wonderful costumes in this country, then Tracht is another word for diversity. But you could also say that Tracht is another word for sustainability. Because you only buy a Tracht once, you wear it for a lifetime on special occasions, and when you do you’re always well dressed. In a nutshell: “Met’nara Tracht bischt efach allig guat aglegt” (With a Tracht, you’re always well dressed).

Many thanks, Ulrike!

Primarily made by hand with incredible precision, it’s the many details that make this garment so precious.

Ulrike Bitschnau, Vorarlberger Landestrachtenverband

39

THE HEARTBEAT OF THE MONTAFON

MONTAFON

in winter

BÄ

> 16,000 | ICH RL UE

TÜCHTIG |

TIG CH RÄ

INHABITANTS

2 million OVERNIGHT STAYS

TÜCHTIG |

| PIONIERHAF T|

| ICH RL UE

TIG CH RÄ

CABLEWAYS AND LIFTS

| PIONIERHAF T|

BÄ

OF MARKED HIKING TRAILS

| TÜCHTIG | ICH RL UE

| PIONIERHAF T|

Vorarlberg’s highest mountain

1,220 km

TIG CH RÄ

PIZ BUIN

73

Sura Kees, bonfire, organ landscape, Montafon table, solstice, Montafon Steinschaf (stone sheep), Montafon brown cows, alpine meadow landscape, pasture drive, Montafon dialect, traditional Montafon costume

GESCH ICH TS T

3,312 m

MONTAFON MOUNTAIN CULTURE

GESCH ICH TS T

EVENTS

Montafon World Cup, M3 Montafon Mountainbike Marathon, Montafon Arlberg Marathon, Montafon Resonanzen, Montafon Legends Festival, Silvretta Classic Rallye Montafon, Montafon Totale Trail

BÄ

TOP

GESCH ICH TS T

40

There, where the Verwall, Silvretta and Rätikon mountain ranges meet, is a very special place: the Montafon.

A valley as diverse as the mountain ranges that picturesquely frame it.

Here, longings are satisfied, stories are written and personal encounters become memories that endure. Everything you experience in the Montafon fits in with the breathtaking mountains.

Because it’s authentic. And because it’s personal.

Montafon Dialect Grüaß Di – Guten Tag Guata Margat – Guten Morgen An Guata – Guten Appetit gära – gern

You can find more typical Montafon terms and words in the Montafon dialect dictionary: muntafunerisch.at

MONTAFON DIALECT “etschas bsondrix” – something special The Montafon dialect is an intangible cultural asset of the UNESCO World Heritage and represents a speciality among Austrian dialects. Embedded in the Vorarlberg Alemannic-Swabian dialect landscape, “Muntafunerisch” is characterised by the retention of older relic words from Rhaeto-Romanic. The Rhaeto-Romanic language was replaced in the late Middle Ages by Alemannic German (due to the immigration of the Walser people, amongst other reasons), but today there still remain at least 200 relic words, figures of speech and grammatical peculiarities as well as a broad inventory of phonemes that are almost entirely devoid of diphthongs (double vowels such as ai, oy, etc.). For example, numerous place, field and mountain names such as Schruns, Gortipohl, Vallüla or Piz Buin originate from Rhaeto-Romanic. Terms such as Quatterpätsch (salamander) and Mormenta (marmot) also belong to this language family.

3

TOTAL AREA

HTIG | EIGENW TÜC ILL IG

TÜCHTIG |

CYCLING AND (E-)MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS BÄ

VIA FERRATAS

260 km | ICH RL UE

TÜCHTIG |

| PIONIERHAF T|

24

KILOMETRES OF PISTES

| ICH RL UE

|

TIG CH RÄ

to the Montafon Tour portal

| IG HT

298 km |B Ä

BÄ

| PIONIERHAF T|

TIG CH RÄ

> 140

WINTER TOURING TIPS

from Bludenz to SilvrettaBielerhöhe

(140 km² of forest)

Verwall, Silvretta, Rätikon

| PIONIERH AF T

TÜCHTIG |

LENGTH OF VALLEY

H RLIC UE BÄ

| ICH RL UE

39 km

551,87 km²

MOUNTAIN CHAINS

GESCHICH TST RÄ C

St. Anton im Montafon, Vandans, Bartholomäberg, Silbertal, Schruns, Tschagguns, Gargellen, St. Gallenkirch, Gortipohl, Gaschurn, Partenen

GESCH ICH TS T

11

TOURISM TOWNS

41

GESCH ICH TS T

MONTAFON

PIZ - FUTURE LABORATORY FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Around two years ago, Austria’s first research laboratory for sustainable tourism was brought into being. How “PIZ – Future Laboratory for Sustainable Tourism” came about, what exactly is behind it and what measures are being taken to advance the development of sustainable tourism in the Montafon – we delve into these questions and more on the following pages.

42

Tourism destinations are living spaces. This is why we’re assuming responsibility (temporarily or permanently) for our valuable living space and its inhabitants and expediting sustainable development.

Manuel Bitschnau, Managing Director of Montafon Tourism GmbH

WHY?

2021

THE BIRTH OF “PIZ – FUTURE LABORATORY FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM” May 2021 In May 2021, the ongoing climate change, the turn of an era, a series of previous crises and the tireless desire for a future with a sense of optimism brought together various service providers from the Montafon.

The main topics of the discussion panel revolved around the future viability of the next generation(s) in the local businesses, the challenges with the employee situation and the sustainable development of the entire destination in all three dimensions (ecological, social and economical).

All participants resolutely expressed that there needs to be much (more) active involvement in shaping sustainability in and as a result of tourism.

In addition, much greater emphasis should be placed on the products and services that have been produced in a very conscious and sustainable manner by regional producers for many years now, in some cases even decades.

The panel also quickly reached the conclusion that this concentrated array of issues cannot simply be solved as an aside to the daily workload, and especially not in a time when so much is demanded of all those involved in tourism.

Montafon Tourismus GmbH recognised that it was in a decisive position and signalled that it would adopt a leading role in the handling of topics related to future viability and the sustainable development of the destination.

2022

April 2022

2023

May 2023

The idea of the innovation hub, a kind of research lab, was fleshed out and officially launched as “PIZ – Future Laboratory for Sustainable Tourism” in April 2022. To begin with, the initiative was limited to a so-called pop-up year.

In May 2023, after a detailed examination of the first successes by the Montafon Tourismus GmbH supervisory board, “PIZ – Future Laboratory for Sustainable Tourism”, or PIZ Montafon for short, was confirmed for a further three years.

43

WHAT FOR?

THE VISION. “PIZ – Future Laboratory for Sustainable Tourism” is the first purely tourism-related innovation hub in the whole of Austria that effectively tackles the sustainable development of the country’s own destinations.

As a department of Montafon Tourismus GmbH, the hub provides support in transforming the Montafon into a true model region for sustainable tourism - more effectively, more creatively and faster than others.

44

How can the Montafon become a true model region?

■ When tourism businesses implement measures and projects – with the help of PIZ Montafon – that contribute to the sustainable development of the destination.

■ When certifications make the change in thinking of the leading companies credible.

■ When the Montafon aims to become a role model for other destinations to achieve the intentions of the

Vorarlberg Tourism Strategy 2030, and supports the major goal of making Austria one of the most sustainable destinations overall.

PIZ Montafon is passionate about this issue and is a driving force, generator of ideas, point of contact, advisor, project initiator, companion and more.

Once a model region, always a model region?

No, by no means. And the expectations of the region itself certainly don’t stop there. Being a model region means undergoing constant change. With “PIZ Montafon” as a fixed institution, the region is sending a signal that sustainable tourism development in the Montafon will continue to be pushed forward, ensuring that the future of tourism is positive for all.

HOW?

THE MISSION.

!

The central goal, and this applies above all else, is to raise awareness and provide information on sustainable tourism within the region, both for the people who live here as well as for those who are in the Montafon temporarily.

As part of this, several events have been successfully organised over the last year and a half. Alongside various formats in and around PIZ Montafon, which were primarily geared towards creating access to the future lab, excursions, host coaching sessions, sustainability checks and keynote speeches were also carried out.

Important insights were gained from all the events and formats, which among other things will feed into the next steps and projects of the future lab.

Chris Eichhorn, curator of "PIZ Montafon"

45

WHAT EXACTLY?

CONCRETE PROJECTS AND FUTURE GOALS. ■ Management, coordination and implementation of the certification of the Montafon tourism region with the Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism Destinations.

■ Management, coordination and implementation of the certification of various establishments within a host role model programme with the Austrian Ecolabel for Tourist Accommodation.

■ Design and implementation of an online platform for the journey to

becoming a sustainable tourist accommodation facility, with knowledge, exchange of ideas and recommendations for action.

■ Host coaching as part of the Montafon host academy.

■ Management, coordination and implementation of the certification of Montafon Tourismus GmbH with EcoProfit, a cooperation project between communities and the local economy with the goal of lowering operating costs while also conserving natural resources.

46

Beyond this, PIZ Montafon also deals with additional topics such as: ■ Elaborating a sustainability strategy for the destination of the Montafon on the basis of the Common Good Matrix, a model for the organisational development and assessment of entrepreneurial and public interest-orientated activities.

■ Measures in connection with a shift in mobility, such as the expansion of car sharing offers or more opti-

ons for covering the last few metres. Measures in connection with a shift in mobility, such as the expansion of car sharing offers or more options for covering the last few metres.

■ Development of possibilities for guests to make a contribution to the preservation of the landscape.

■ Support for research projects on the development of tourism.

Contact PIZ - Future Laboratory for Sustainable Tourism Gerichtsweg 3 (old court) 6780 Schruns piz@montafon.at / piz.montafon.at

MONTAFON

ARRIVING SUSTAINABLY

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO THE MONTAFON To ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from our unique living environment, we are constantly striving to promote sustainable development in the Montafon. Tourism plays a significant role here, particularly the issue of how our guests arrive.

48

Jessica Ganahl Employee at PIZ Montafon and mobility officer

Although the number of guests using public transport to travel to the Montafon has risen significantly in the last few years, the majority still arrive by car.

Accordingly, travelling to and from the Montafon makes up an average of 40 percent of the CO2 emissions of a holiday per guest. The ecological footprint can be reduced to around 27 percent if a guest switches to soft mobility and uses public transport to travel to the Montafon. But for this form of arrival to even be an option, there need to be enough possibilities for getting around without a car once at the destination.

The Montafon has a well-developed bus network that takes you to all the important tourist points at half-hourly or hourly intervals. In the evenings, the collective “go&ko” taxi takes you from A to B at low cost. And of course a classic taxi service is available to you here too. For those who don’t want to go without a car entirely, three car sharing locations are available throughout the Montafon.

Incidentally, all the offers in our BergePLUS activity programme are coordinated with public transport and many other services also make an effort to coordinate their schedules. In general, tourism representatives are continuously pushing for an improvement in the mobility offer. Feel free to tell us about your personal experiences. We are always open to suggestions and feedback.

As to what travelling to the Montafon by public transport might look like, read the guest post by Olga on the next two pages to find out.

Guest article by Olga Brecht My name is Olga Brecht, I’m 34 and a wedding and portrait photographer by trade. I love to spend my free time – in both summer and winter – in the mountains. What I especially love about the Montafon is the diverse mountain environment, which offers both tranquillity and challenging climbs.

MY JOURNEY I just recently spent a few days in the Montafon, and this time I decided to get there by train. When it comes to luggage, ÖBB offers a great luggage service for a low price, which applies not only to suitcases and bags, but also to bikes and other sports equipment, and delivers the luggage directly to your accommodation at your destination. But you don’t necessarily have to lug bulky sports equipment along with you, because you can just as easily hire it on site too.

Finding and booking the right connection took a matter of minutes using the ÖBB app.

Tip With the ÖBB luggage service, lugging heavy bags is a thing of the past. Simply sign up for the luggage service and hand over your bags, suitcases or other luggage at the corresponding post office or have it picked up from your home. Your luggage is then delivered all the way to your accommodation at your destination.

My journey started in Stuttgart at 7:15 on Sunday morning. The usual travel time is four hours. In comparison: by car – when the traffic is good – it takes around three hours. The first change of trains came after almost an hour in Ulm. Unfortunately, my connecting train was cancelled, but the train connections from here to Lindau are so good that I didn’t have to wait long for the alternative service. The second transfer, in Lindau, took place without a hitch and from there I arrived in Schruns with just a half-hour delay.

49

EASIER THAN EXPECTED

50

During the three days I spent in the Montafon, I went on several hikes. The starting points of all the routes were very easily accessible by bus. To make sure I always kept an eye on the departure times, I used the cleVVVer mobil app, which quickly and reliably displays all train and bus connections in Vorarlberg. When travelling around the Montafon by bus, you not only spare yourself the search for a parking spot, but also the parking fees. In addition, there are also good car sharing and taxi options in the Montafon.

To sum up getting there by train, I’d say that although it requires a little organisation in advance, you’re more relaxed overall and are able to better enjoy your holiday without a car and the endless search for a car park. The latter is a big problem in winter especially, when a lot of people travel to the ski area by car. For me, the biggest advantage of arriving by train is that I can use the travel time to work or relax while also doing something good for the environment. There is a risk that a train will be late or even cancelled, but on the other hand, you avoid the risk of getting stuck in a traffic jam. On my way home especially, I was really glad I didn’t have to sit at the wheel for three hours, since I’d already hiked the whole day and was pretty exhausted. So this coming winter season, I’ll definitely be leaving my car at home more often and travelling to the Montafon by train.

SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY OFFERS IN THE MONTAFON FREE SKI BUS IN THE VALLEY

Start your day of skiing in total relaxation with the on-site ski bus! The WildPass allows you to travel to the Montafon ski areas free of charge with public transport, saving you the search for a car park as well as the struggle to put your ski gear on and take it back off again at the car park - convenient, reliable and better for the environment.

ON-CALL COLLECTIVE TAXI “GO&KO”

The on-call collective taxi “go&ko” operates within the communities of St. Anton, Vandans, Bartholomäberg, Tschagguns as well as Schruns and Silbertal, and improves night-time mobility as a supplement to the night bus. To get you home or onto your next meeting point safely, reliably and at a low price.

CARUSO CAR SHARING IN THE MONTAFON

Those who don’t wish to go entirely without a car can make use of the car sharing offers in the Montafon. At three locations, namely in Vandans, Silbertal and Schruns, you can hire a car with no hassle at all. Simply reserve your preferred vehicle with the Caruso app – for half an hour to up to 72 hours – and off you go!

CLEVVVER MOBIL APP

The cleVVVer mobil app gives you an up-to-date overview of all departure times and bus connections. Simply enter your starting point and desired destination and the app suggests a suitable connection.

FAIRTIQ

With the FAIRTIQ app, you can buy your ticket quickly, easily and securely! Just swipe your smartphone before boarding and after alighting and you will receive a valid ticket for the route you have traveled - at the best available price.

GREEN TICKET – THE CLEAN WAY TO SKIING FUN

Together with Silvretta Montafon, Golm Adventure Mountain and Bergbahnen Brandnertal, Verkehrsverbund Vorarlberg (VVV) offers an environmentally friendly and convenient way to get to and from the resort: the Green Ticket is a combination of a skiing day pass for the aforementioned ski areas and a ticket for getting there and back by bus and train.

The Green Ticket is valid for arrival by bus and train from all over Vorarlberg and from the border stations in Tyrol (St. Anton), Germany (Lindau) and Switzerland (Buchs/St. Margrethen) and includes the return journey. The Green Ticket can be purchased in the online shop of the relevant cable car.

TRAIN CONNECTIONS FROM STUTTGART/MUNICH/ZURICH/LINDAU

Get comfortable on the train, lean back and look forward to your day of skiing! The direct connection from Lindau to Schruns makes for a completely stress-free and quick arrival, all without waiting times. Once you get to the train station in Schruns, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Hochjoch Bahn. Or hop on the ski bus, which takes you (and your ski gear) to all Montafon ski areas free of charge.

More information here: montafon.at/anreise

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GESPRÄCHE

ADOPTED HOME: “LIKE HITTING THE JACKPOT“ Round Table Talk Some guests don’t just want to spend a few days of holiday here – they want to stay. Others have chosen the valley as their new place of residence for other reasons. Many roads lead to the Montafon. More than enough reason for us to host a round table discussion. Four Montafon residents who have made this place their home of choice chatted with us about “the Montafon as an adopted home” – Doro from Germany, who runs a guest house in Schruns with her Swiss husband Kurt, Annika from Holland and Ravensburg native Michael, whose career eventually led him to the Montafon.

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Round Table Interview guests Michael Junginger, from Germany Kurt Beutler, from Switzerland Dorothee Krezmar, from Germany Annika Derksen, from the Netherlands

#1 How long have you been in the Montafon and how did you end up here?

Kurt: For ten years, we travelled across all five continents by bicycle. In Tanzania, we met Kuno and Christiane from the Montafon, the previous owners of our current house. After that, we lived in Cologne for a few more years. In 2011, we visited Kuno and Christiane in the Montafon and camped in their garden. Over a glass of wine in the evening, they told us that due to their age, they were looking to sell the house and retire. That’s how we came to the house – or the house came to us. It just kind of worked out, and of course we loved it.

Doro: Then in 2014, we moved here. Mountains always draw our attention.

There are great leisure opportunities with the hiking, cycling and so on.

Kurt: For me, being from Switzerland, after the years spent in Cologne it felt like coming home. I speak my Bernese German with the locals, and perhaps I’ve also adopted one or two Montafon expressions. In any case, we understand one another. I speak to them at eye level, and I don’t just mean our similar height (grins).

Annika: I moved here in 2015 and have been working at the tourist information office in St. Gallenkirch since September 2022. As a child, I often spent my summer holidays in Austria with my parents. As soon as we were home in Holland, I always wanted to go straight back to the mountains.

With my husband, who’s also Dutch, we later went on winter sports holidays in Austria as well. When we sold our house, we ended up deciding to move to the Montafon. My husband is self-employed and was able to continue with his job in IT right away once we got here. This meant we had an income from the start.

Michael: It was always my dream to live near a really good ski resort.

Through an association, my parents had a hut between Tschagguns and Latschau, where I spent a lot of my summers as a child. I later studied in Dornbirn and have been settled in St. Gallenkirch since 2017. I live there with my partner, who incidentally isn’t a local either – she’s German. She didn’t know the Montafon at all before moving here.

#2 What are the reasons keeping you here today?

Doro: We simply really like it here, and our work too. Our guests are on holiday and so they come in a good mood. We enjoy spending time in the mountains, whether on foot or on our bikes. We feel right at home here, which is also thanks to the fantastic neighbourhood. Everyone helps one another.

Kurt: And thanks to tourism, the infrastructure’s also excellent. We live a car-free life by conviction, and it works really well for us, at least here in Schruns. We cycle to Bludenz by bike, for example. If I want to go to Dornbirn, I take the train.

Annika: I very much enjoy being surrounded by nature – although I’m not a big skier. Hiking is more my thing.

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Das Alpenmosaik Montafon

Heike: Ich gebe hier zum Teil dem Image der Branche die Schuld: schlechMichael: really life here withAber all four seasons.

Wediese have Punkte two young ter ZahltagWe und vielelike Überstunden. wenn wir uns gedaughters, one is two and a half and the other is six months old.soSimnauer anschauen, dann sieht man, dass es mittlerweile nicht mehr ist. ply walking on the meadow in mit front of the house or fetching from Wir haben moderate Zahltage Verpflegung, Unterkunft undeggs Benefits, the es neighbour special experience. have noticed: it die sonst so isinavielen Branchen nichtWhat gibt.I Tourismus gilt sometimes als schlechte seems as though the locals don’t even see the landscape they have right Branche aufgrund der Arbeitszeiten, es heißt, es werden Mitarbeiterinon their any ausgenutzt more. For them, it’s just an everyday thing. If you’re nen unddoorstep Mitarbeiter etc. Vor allem bei den Einheimischen an outsider like myself, you have an entirely different perspective.

I really muss klargestellt werden, dass das nicht so ist. appreciate the openness of the people: I’ve never been offended or really bothered Prinzipiell at all. If you approach mind, in then Manuel: ist wichtig zu people wissen, with dass an deropen Tourismus denthat’s letzhow you’re received.

To be honest, I didn’t actually expect that. ten 20 Jahren um etwa 20 Prozent gewachsen ist. Das heißt, wir haben aktuell mehr Menschen in Beschäftigung als vor 20 Jahren. Es gibt zudem auch weniger Nachwuchs und andere Branchen sind ebenfalls deutlich gewachsen und haben mehr Leute in Beschäftigung. Die Menschen

#3 How do your guests view the Montafon? What feedback do you get?

Kurt: First and foremost, they love nature and are pleased that the valley isn’t yet overrun with people. I hope it stays this way. With all the construction going on recently, I’m slightly concerned.

Doro: They also like how everyone they pass greets them. If they have any questions, everyone’s willing to help. We have a lot of returning guests – which speaks for itself.

Annika: The fact that there’s so much variety for families is very well received. There’s loads to do in the mountains, but there’s also the option of doing a bit of shopping or grabbing a coffee in Schruns. And there’s even some après-ski in winter, although not as much as in other places.

54

Michael: I get the impression that they appreciate not being in a valley totally given over to tourism. You’re really immersed in the day-to-day life of the people here. I lived in a different region for a long time, and you barely have any contact with locals there. As a guest here, you feel like you’re part of their lives and get a more personal impression. A lot of people say this.

Doro: At cultural events like the Montafoner Resonanzen music festival, I run into not only my guests, but my neighbours too. That’s quite special.

There’s always village life here, even during the off season.

Michael: I’ve often been asked: don’t you get bored in the countryside compared to the city? But we don’t live in the sticks, we live in a top destination with a top location. You can get to Feldkirch or Dornbirn very quickly, or to Lake Constance in three quarters of an hour.

55

#4 What has changed since you arrived in the Montafon?

Michael: Twenty years ago, some people considered the Montafon to be a somewhat sleepy region. Today, there’s a feeling of change in the air. This is due to construction projects and infrastructure such as new cableways.

Current hotel projects like the TUI or Falkensteiner are very visible. Yet many of the guests still choose to stay the night in small establishments, e.g. in holiday homes or with our private hosts. It’s true that this balance mustn’t shift too much. As an employee at the Montafon Tourism Office, I can assure you that we’re dealing with this. For example, there’s a hotel master plan that addresses precisely this kind of question: Where should what hotel be built, and how big? Where can people park? We pass these insights on to policymakers so that sensible decisions can be made. There’s a lot of activity at the moment, and you can see it in the centre of Schruns in particular.

Kurt: That’s right, Schruns is becoming more and more attractive. For example, the Posthotel Taube is due to open soon. The look and feel of the place has definitely benefited. What’s more, summer has become more important here in recent years, with our occupancy rate just as high now as it is in winter.

Michael: What we’re noticing as a whole is that the trend is moving away from a few peak months such as August. The numbers in May, June and autumn are growing rapidly. This is strengthening us on the path to yearround tourism. For potential new employees, this also makes us much more attractive than normal seasonal operations.

Das Alpenmosaik Montafon

#5 How did your family and friends react to your move to the Montafon?

Michael: We frequently have friends and relatives come to visit, sometimes even for a whole week. We have plenty of space and there’s loads to do. It’s great.

Kurt: We also have a lot of private visitors: at the moment, my father-inlaw is here, and next week a friend of Doro’s is coming.

Doro: Our friends also really love the area. They’ve already offered to take care of the house if we ever go on a longer trip again (laughs). Some of them envy the high quality of life we have here. Alongside our work, we also have a lot of free space.

Kurt: I couldn’t imagine it getting any better. Meeting Kuno and Christiane in Tanzania back then, who eventually led us to the Montafon – that was like hitting the jackpot.

Doro: Our long trip around the world was a wonderful time too. Now we’re in a completely different phase of life, but one that’s just as wonderful.

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#6 Annika, you even wrote a book about your move to the Montafon...

Annika: That’s right: when we were planning our move, I started writing a blog. It was also intended to be a reminder for my son – so that later on, he could read about why Mum and Dad moved to Austria with him when he was little. This eventually turned into a book in Dutch. The title translates as “A new life in the mountains”. The move was a big step because, of course, I also miss my family and friends in Holland. I travel to the Netherlands to see them at least twice a year. Here in the Montafon, it was a bit of effort for me to understand the dialect. In larger groups, I still find it challenging today. My husband integrated really quickly. After three weeks, he joined the fire brigade and intensively practised the dialect. He’s now also a member of the Krampus association – and I’m part of the Latschau theatre group (laughs).

Reading suggestions Annika Derksen: “Een nieuw leven in de bergen”, Uitgeverij Grenzenloos, paperback 232 pages, 20 euros / 10 euros in e-book format

Kurt Beutler, Dorothee Krezmar: “Odyssee ins Glück – Als Rad-Nomaden um die Welt: 10 Jahre, 160.000 km und 5 Kontinente”, Reise Know-How Verlag, hardback 400 pages, approx. 20 euros

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EXPERIENTIAL HABITAT MANAGEMENT MONTAFON The region is made even more attractive for guests and for – potentially new – local residents thanks to the project “Experiential Habitat Management Montafon”. Organisations such as the Montafon Tourism Office are expanding their perspective to include the entire living space, beyond the division into tourist offers. Dialogue between various groups is playing an ever greater role, for example in the initiative “Nature-compatible mountain sports in the Montafon”. The Montafon Tourism Office sees itself as an open platform and was the first destination in Austria to introduce PIZ Montafon, a pop-up lab for sustainable tourism. Guests are viewed as temporary residents. montafon.at/nachhaltigkeit

Podcast series “THE MONTAFON AS AN ADOPTED HOME” An adopted home is a country or place in which someone has chosen to settle down and feels at home without having been born or growing up there. But what makes the Montafon an adopted home? What is so special about this almost 40 kilometre-long valley that Michael and Nicole consciously decided to spend their life here together? In this podcast episode of the Montafon podcast “Real mountains. Real experiences”, we explore their story.

Listen here: montafon.at/Podcast

MONTAFON

SUCCESS FACTOR: EMPLOYEES ONGOING PROJECTS FOR TOURISM EMPLOYEES IN THE MONTAFON

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Tourism is considered one of the most important economic factors in the Montafon.

Around 1,500 people in the Montafon are employed in the commercial tourism businesses, plus the employees in the private sector. However, the image of the tourism industry as an attractive employer has suffered a downturn in recent years. With the tourism employer brand, the destination wants to prioritise the satisfaction of employees in tourism and position the Montafon as an attractive region in which to work and live in the long term. And the individual tourism businesses in the valley are also getting involved with innovative projects and measures for existing and potential employees. Below, we present several of the ongoing projects for tourism employees in the Montafon.

Posthotel Taube TAUBE TEAM CHALETS In the course of the extensive conversion of the Posthotel Taube, to be fully completed in December 2023, three spaciously designed chalets were built for employees. Located in Tschagguns, conveniently close to the hotel, these feature 50 fully furnished apartments with high-quality fittings for one or two people and include a kitchen, fridge and bathroom, TV and WiFi. In addition, the modern employee complex also has its own underground car park as well as a beautiful area with a pond and BBQ area. An inviting common room with a kitchen on the ground floor and a laundry room with a washing machine and dryer are available to the employees for shared use, as are a fitness room along with a sauna.

Silvretta Montafon SIMOTEL ZAMANG The company Silvretta Montafon is building a new employee house next to the valley station of the Zamang Bahn: the SiMotel Zamang. It encompasses a total of 44 microapartments measuring 23 square metres each, divided across two wings. During planning, the focus was placed on a sustainable energy supply and construction style. Special attention was paid to the innovative vertical façade photovoltaic system. By investing in this future-orientated and climate-friendly project, Silvretta Montafon is once again demonstrating just how important it is to assume ecological and social responsibility. The living units should be ready for occupancy on schedule at the end of November 2023. The SiMotel Zamang is the second of its kind, following in the footsteps of the SiMotel Silvretta Park, which was built in St. Gallenkirch in 2021.

Silvretta Montafon SIMO GAGLA CLUB 59

Based on the idea of social sustainability, the founding of the SiMo Gagla Club in 2022 saw the introduction of free, all-day supervision for children between three and ten years of age of Silvretta Montafon employees. The offer is thus aligned with the peak tourism periods when public childcare facilities are closed, and is geared towards employees who would otherwise have no possibility of professional reintegration into the tourism environment. Other companies and private individuals can also make use of this offer.

Employer brand “TOP TOURISMUS JOBS VORARLBERG | MONTAFON“ Since the start of 2022, a working group in the Montafon, consisting of seven tourism businesses – including Montafon Tourismus GmbH – has been concentrating on the establishment and development of the tourism employer brand. This is directly associated with the project “Top Tourism Jobs Vorarlberg” of the Vorarlberg Chamber of Commerce and aims at positioning the Montafon and Vorarlberg as an attractive region in which to work and live in the long term. Tourism businesses need to meet certain criteria such as a respectful corporate culture, attractive full packages and the opportunity for further development in order to become a member of the employer brand. Furthermore, annual employee surveys facilitate certification of the companies as part of the nationwide programme. montafon.at/tourismusjobs

MONTAFON

The section “Öbr d'Schultra gluagat” provides insights into the various departments of the Montafon Tourism Office

“ÖBR D'SCHULTRA GLUAGAT“ GUEST SERVICES DEPARTMENT

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The employees who work in our guest services department are true superheroes. Practically around the clock, they assist both guests and locals with their concerns, helping out with the choice of accommodation and the right route planning and providing support in solving any kind of problem that arises. But that’s not their only job – they also provide support for the hosts in the Montafon. .

The Montafon boasts a total of around 1,560 registered accommodation facilities, from private rooms and holiday homes to simple self-catering huts all the way to the five-star luxury hotel. Whether big or small, commercial or private – they all have to deal with countless tasks. “We staff members in the host service team provide support and assistance so that nothing stands in the way of successful renting,” Anne explains, pointing out the many services offered to hosts in the valley by the Montafon Tourism Office.

While the host consultation and coaching cater to the respective individual establishment and its needs, numerous training

opportunities are on offer as part of the hosting academy. From courses on calculating prices, tax law and everything in between to social media workshops, the offer has the right thing for everyone and also provides a place for valuable exchange and insights among hosts. What’s more, the Montafon Tourism Office also takes care of matters such as the online bookability of the establishments and their outward presentation.

Why is all of this so important? Because personal contact and exchange with the hosts in the Montafon is incredibly valuable for the region. After all, as Anne so nicely puts it: “We’re only as good as our hosts.”

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„Üsri“ Anne

Team leader of host service

Interesting facts & figures* from our guest services department ■ 2.060 offers sent by the Montafon Tourism Office

We're only as good as our hosts.

Anne Rudigier, Team leader of host service

■ 591 establishments bookable onlinex

■ 12.494 emails processed by the Montafon Tourism

■ 38.646 visitors at the five Montafon Tourist Information Centres

*The figures refer to the year 2021/22.

Piz Buin 3312 m Silvrettahorn 3244 m

Dreiländerspitze 3197 m Wiesbadener Hütte

Silvretta BielerhöheTunnel

Kopssee 1809 m

Zeinisjoch 1842 m

Burg 2247 m

Madrisa Rundtour A/CH

Silvretta-Haus Saarbrücker Hütte Madlenerhaus

Silvretta-Skisafari

Nova Stoba

Obwaldhütte

VERSETTLA

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Maderer 2769 m

Vermuntb

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Rehsee Stöbli

PARTENEN 1051 m

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GARFRESCHA Brunellawirt

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Fundlkopf 2401 m SILBERTAL Windeckerspitz 2331 m 890 m Glattjoch Amatschonjoch 2000 m

Tuklar 2318 m

Alpilakopf Tödi 2156 m

Schillerkopf 2006 m

Gasthaus Kropfen

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Mondspitze 1967 m

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Gasthaus Mühle 1800 m

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Burtschasattel 1680 m Sesselbahn Restaurant Frööd Schlepplift

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Speedstrecke Fotopoint

Rufana Alp Skisafari Silvretta

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Restaurant Winterwanderweg Unicorn

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Extremely Extrem steilesteep Piste slope

MoonBikes Moon Bikes

PermanentRennstrecke race track Permanente

Rodelbahn Toboggan run

Speed section Speedstrecke

Nachtrodelbahn Night toboggan run

Photo point Fotopoint

Toboggan safari Rodelsafari

Snowpark/Funpark Snow Rufana Alp park/fun park

Practice area Übungsgelände

Alpine Coaster Alpine Coaster

Restaurantfor Kinderland/Kinderattraktion Kinderland/attractions

Mountain restaurant/bar Bergrestaurant/Bar

Trail Loipe

Skipiste children

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Nachtloipe

Unicorn

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Winterwanderweg

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BARTHOLOMÄBERG 1087 m

Schlepplift Drag lift

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Josefsheim Skipiste

Kinderland/Kinderattraktion

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Brandnertal Aerial tramway

Taleu 1746 m

SCHRUNS 690Kinderland/Kinderattraktion m

Silvretta Skisafari

Skiroute

Skiroute Variante

BÜRS 570 m

A14

TSCHAGGUNS 685 m

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Schanzenzentrum Aktivpark Montafon

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Fuchsbau Rodelsafari SILVRETTA-BIELERHÖHE MONTAFONER KRISTBERGBAHN LiftstübleLoischkopf

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Silvretta Park Montafon Seitenschwung

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KAPELL

FIS Rennstrecke

Zusteigstelle ,,Schöni“

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GARGE 1423

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GORTIPOHL 910 m

Grasjoch Hütte

Zamangspitze 2386 m Kreuzjoch 2395 m Wormser Hütte

ttjöchle 2074 m

Barga

Dr´Schirm

GASCHURN 979 m

GRASJOCH

Bella Nova

VALISERA Gamsjöchli Ofenwinkel Alte Talstation

Hochjoch 2520 m

Knappastoba

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Berggasthof Hotel Piz Buin

Silvretta-Skisafari

Gafierjoch 2415 m

Versettlaspitze 2372 m

Bielerhöhe 2032 m

Valisera Bahn

Ballunspitze 2671 m

Madrisa 2770 m Schlappiner Joch 2202 m

Schafb ergba

Vallüla 2813 m

Heimspitze Valiseraspitze 2685 m 2716 m

Madrisella 2466 m

Schneeschuhwanderung

Itonskopf 2089

Schesaplana 2965 m

Rätschenfluh 2703 m Gargellner Köpfe 2482 m St. Antönier Joch 2379 m

Drusenfluh Drei Türme 2830 m 2827 m

Oberzalimkopf 2340 m

Sulzfluh 2818 m

Alpengasthof Melkboden

Grabs 1365 m Berggasthof Grabs

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Außergolm

Haus Matschwitz Matschwitz Alpengasthof 1520 m

Melkboden

Restaurant Goona

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Taleu Kinderland/Kinderattraktion n ah 1746 m rfb o D Skihütte Skipiste Fuchsbau Liftstüble Skiroute VANDANS 654 m Rodelbude Liftstüble Variante Schesatobel

Taleu 1746 m Skihütte Fuchsbau

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bahn II

Einhorn

LORÜNS 583 m

Rundtour

ST.ANTON im Montafon Alp m 651 SilvrettaRufana Skisafari Monteneu 1883 m

Rellseck Extrem 1492 I msteile Piste

Wannaköpfe 2031 m

BÜRSERBERG Tschengla 890mm 1200

Einhorn

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Drusenfluh 2827 m

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Silvretta Skisafari Winterwanderweg

Extrem 61 steile Piste

562 m Extrem steile Piste

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BLUDENZ Tschengla 588 m 1200 m

Speedstrecke Fotopoint

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Fotopoint

Übungsgelände Muttersberg

Bergrestaurant/Bar

Moon Bikes

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Rodelbahn

Rodelbahn

Loipe

Nachtloipe

Pendelbahn Nachtloipe

A14 ERLEBNISBERG BÜRS GOLM Fundlkopf 570 m Tuklar golm.at 2401 m 2318 m

Windeckerspitz Nachtrodelbahn 2331 m 59 NÜZIDERS Glattjoch Rodelsafari Amatschonjoch 2000 m 562 m Hoher Fraßen 61 1979 m Alpine Coaster Laz

Palüdhütte

Goona

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Eissportzentrum Ice sports centre hn ba

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Schlepplift Skiverleih, Service, Depot Snowpark/Funpark Skischule

Hoher Fraßen 1979 m

Furkla Höhenloipe

Schanzenzentrum Ski jump centre

Rodelsafari

Schanzenzentrum Liftstüble

Muttersberg Taleu 1746 m Skihütte Fuchsbau

Tourismusinformation Schesatobel

muttersberg.at

Sesselbahn Winterwanderweg

Skischule Laz

Loischkopf Tourismusinformation Schneeschuhwanderung Snowshoeing Tourism office Rodelsafari 1860 m Schattenlagant Niggenkopf Hütte n Burtschasattel Terrasse h a b Skibus 1680 m d Winterwanderweg FIS Winter hiking trail Ski bus lü Elser Alp Elser Alp Pa Restaurant Rennstrecke Schmafu Bar 1590 m 1590 m Parpfienz Frööd Bahnhof/Bahnlinie Skiverleih, Service, Depot Ski rental/Service/Depot Train station/train line S16 1390 m BRAND Hoher Fraßen m 1979 m Parkplatz Skischule Ski1037 school Car park

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NÜZIDERSService, Depot Skiverleih, Alpengasthof Muttersberg Eissportzentrum

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Rodelsafari Legende Alpine Coaster

A14 58Schneeschuhwanderung BERGBAHNEN BRANDNERTAL Alpilakopf Schillerkopf 2006 m 2156 m Winterwanderweg brandnertal.at Mondspitze 562 m

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Elser Alp 1590 m

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Nachtrodelbahn

Loipe

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Bergrestaurant/Bar Moon Bikes

A14

Hoher Fraße 1979 m Laz Alpengasthof Permanente Rennstrecke Muttersberg

Alpine Coaster

A14 Zimba 2643 m

Außergolm

Rundtour BÜRS 570 m

Übungsgelände

BLUDENZ Alpengasthof Loipe Melkboden 588 m bahn LORÜNS rg e b rs Nachtloipe e Night trail tt u 583 m M Restaurant

az asthof sberg

Variante

Rodelsafari

Alpengasthof Muttersberg BLUDENZ 588 mGulma 1800 m

NÜZIDERS S16m 562

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BÜRSERBERG 890 m

Skiroute

Fotopoint

GARGELLNER 2965 mBÜRS BERGAHNEN Rodelbahn Oberzalimkopf 570 m 2340 m bergbahnen-gargellen.at

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Skipiste

Winterwanderweg 59

Kinderland/Kinderattraktion Eissportzentrum Skipiste Schanzenzentrum Ski piste Skiroute Tourismusinformation Ski route Variante Skibus Variation Rundtour Bahnhof/Bahnlinie Loop tour Silvretta Skisafari Parkplatz Silvretta ski safari

Gesperrte Waldfläche Restricted forest area

Winterwanderweg Gesperrte Waldfläche Winter hiking trail

Absturzgefahr

Extrem steile Piste Absturzgefahr Danger of falling Permanente Rennstrecke

ahn II

m

n

Kinderland/Kinderattraktion

Rodelsafari

Restaurant Bergrestaurant/Bar S16 Unicorn

randnertal Brandnertal Winterwanderweg

Snowpark/Funpark nI bah

hor

Ein

890 m Furkla Höhenloipe

Rufana Alp Übungsgelände Restaurant Unicorn

Restaurant Unicorn

Schlepplift

Permanente Rennstrecke

rba

me

Tschengla 1200 m Schesatobel

Tscheng 1200 m

Rufana Alp Sesselbahn

Mondspitze 1967 m

Silvretta Skisafari

Gol

urant

Gondelbahn

Kinderland/Kinderattraktion BÜRSERBERG

1037 m Snowpark/Funpark

Rodelsafari

Pendelbahn

Schesatobel

Schlepplift Brandnertal Snowpark/Funpark

Loischkopf Skiroute Rodelsafari 1860 m Burtschasattel Variante 1680 m Restaurant Frööd Rundtour

BRAND Landschisott

Furkla Höhenloipe

Skihütte Fuchsbau

Gondelbahn

Furkla Höhenloipe

Restaurant Palüdhütte PalüdhütteRodelsafari Goona Loischkopf Zimba 2643 m Gondelbahn Ganeu Rodelsafari Niggenkopf 1860 m Schattenlagant Niggenkopf Hütte Burtschasattel pf aSchillerkopf Terrasse Terrasse hn hn ba Latschau 1680 m lüdb 2006 m Holzschopf Sesselbahn FIS FIS lüd m Mondspitze a m P Pa Restaurant Rennstrecke1000 Rennstrecke Schmafu Bar 1967 m Parpfienz Parpfienz Frööd Schlepplift 1390 m 1390 m

BRAND 1037 m

Legende

Taleu 1746 m

hn

ba

Alpilakopf Schillerkopf 2006 m 2156 m Sesselbahn

Rellstal

Gulma 1800 m

Pendelbahn

Burtschasattel 1680 m Restaurant Frööd

Parpfienz 1390 m

Pendelbahn

Tödi

Rodelsafari

Loischkopf

Rodelsafari 1860 m

Liftstüble

Sonna Hüsli Panorama-Restaurant

Legende Golm

Gulma 1800 m

FIS Rennstrecke

rf Do

Schesaplana Berghof Golm Grüneck 2965 m mkopf Fundlkopf Oberzalimkopf Fundlkopf Tuklar Tuklar Alpilakopf Schillerkopf m 2340 m Drusenfluh 2401 m 2401 m 2318 m Tödi 2318 m Windeckerspitz 2006 m 2156 m 2827 mWindeckerspitz Mondspitze 2331 m 2331 m Gauertalhaus 1967 m Glattjoch Glattjoch Amatschonjoch Amatschonjoch 2000 m 2000 m Gauertal

Palüdhütte

bahn II

Mittagsspitze 2168 m

n

ah

db

lü Pa

Furk Höhenloip

Niggenkopf Terrasse

Einhorn

Grüneck 1890 m

Restaurant Goona

Legende

Skitunnel

Außergolm tüble opf m

Mondspitze 1967 m

Gulma 1800 m

BRAND 1037 m

Golmerjoch 2124m

a Valtellina

Schattenlagant Hütte

Schmafu Bar

Lindauer Hütte

Kessl-Hütte

n

Schillerkopf 2006 m

bahn II

Zimba 2643 m

ah

Alpilakopf 2156 m

Einhorn

gellen

rfb

Tödi

Glattjoch 2000 m

Amatschonjoch

Täli

Do

Tuklar 2318 m

Madrisa Rundtour A/CH

Schafberg Hüsli 2130 m

ELLEN 3m

Fundlkopf 2401 m

Windeckerspitz 2331 m

Tschengla 1200 m

Speedstrecke

MONTAFON

MY MONTAFON EVENT CALENDAR Just as diverse as the Montafon mountains themselves is the event calendar in the Montafon – full of sporting, culinary and cultural highlights. montafon.at/Veranstaltungskalender

64

Ski Opening Montafon 1 to 3 December 2023

Montafon World Cup 15 to 17 March 2024

On the first weekend in December, the new winter season kicks off in the ski areas of Silvretta Montafon and Gargellen. A varied programme of accompanying events and – best of all – top piste conditions await you! skiopening-montafon.at

During the FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup, the international elite come together once again for gripping contests on the spectacular route in the Silvretta Montafon ski area. This time, however, there’s a new location – and a new date in spring. weltcup-montafon.at

NI OPE

S K IO N T A F O N

NG

3 202

M

Montafoner Winterzauber 23 December 2023 to 5 January 2024

Gargellen Touring Festival 15 to 17 March 2024

The most beautiful and yet most contemplative time of the year becomes a sonorous event in the Montafon. As part of the Montafoner Winterzauber, atmospheric concerts add enchantment to the Christmas season. montafon.at/winterzauber

In the Montafon’s highest mountain village, it’s once again time for testing, talking shop and enjoying the fabulous mountain scenery. Ski touring enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse weekend in a relaxed atmosphere. montafon.at/tourenfest-gargellen

MONTAFONER WINTERZAUBER

BONFIRE IN THE MONTAFON 16 to 18 February 2024

"SCHEIBENSCHLAGEN"

One of the oldest customs in the valley is the traditional bonfire. On the first Sunday after Carnival, an artfully stacked wooden tower up to 30 metres high is set alight at dusk. This custom is intended to drive away the “demons of winter” and to greet the increasing light.

A PIECE OF MONTAFON CULTURAL HISTORY

montafon.at/funken

In the Montafon village of Gortipohl, the tradition of “Scheibenschlagen”, or flinging flaming discs into the valley, is carried out on the “Funken” weekend. This tradition has been passed on from generation to generation and is still cherished today. The origins of this initially pagan ritual go back hundreds of years. Today, disc flinging is an integral component of social life in the area and has also been listed in the register of national UNESCO heritage since 2016.

TORCH BURNING Assembly The assembly of the bonfire requires a lot of work – an average of 700 to 800 hours of work. The “Funken” guilds fill the carefully layered wood pile with brushwood, straw and old Christmas trees. At the top of the bonfire is the Funkentanne (bonfire tree) with the Funkenhexe (bonfire witch).

Bonfire guard The bonfire guard ensures that the wooden construction is not lit prematurely by the boys from the neighbouring villages.

However, this traditional prank is more than just a trivial offence and is even liable to prosecution today.

Burning At nightfall, the bonfire is lit under the watchful eyes of the village inhabitants. If the bonfire falls before the witch explodes, it is generally considered to be a bad sign.

In such cases, the bonfire guild “buries” the witch on the following Sunday as part of a ceremony.

65

MONTAFON

FIS SNOWBOARD, FREESTYLE AND FREESKI

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2027 Thrilling routes, action-packed heats, daring jumps and close decisions: as the host of the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships 2027, the Montafon is setting a further important milestone in its decades-long history of winter sports.

Since the acceptance of the bid in spring 2022 by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, it’s settled: the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships 2027 are coming to the Montafon. Vorarlberg’s biggest winter sports event to date will be hosted by the ÖSV in cooperation with the Montafon Ski Club, the communities in the valley, the province of Vorarlberg, the Montafon Tourism Office and the Montafon cableways.

29 medals awarded over 13 days at five existing sports facilities distributed

across the whole of the Montafon: this is the ambitious goal of the event organisers.

An event of this size not only requires a tremendous amount of preparation, but also serves to set an example – and the organisers in the Montafon are well aware of this.

Accordingly, they have made it their mission to place a special focus on sustainability in the design of the World Cup – starting with the sports competitions, for which no new sports facilities were created, to the side events, all the way to the inclusion of regional producers and green mobility.

Designing the World Cup with a special focus on sustainability is of great importance for the Montafon.

LET THE FUN BEGIN! FIS WORLD CHAMPS 2027

MONTAFON 2027 Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski Montafon, Austria

Lokal hero Alessandro Hämmerle snowboard cross While the course has already been set for the top sporting event, for the winter sports athletes from the Montafon, it’s also time to prepare for the World Cup “at home”. Someone who knows what a victory in front of a home audience feels like is local champion Alessandro “Izzi” Hämmerle. Born in Gaschurn, the Montafon native has rung up three consecutive wins over the past few years in the discipline of snowboard cross at the Montafon World Cup. On top of this is his superb Olympic victory in Beijing in 2022 – successes that bode well for the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships 2027.

His brother Luca Hämmerle, also a snowboard cross racer, and numerous other young up-and-coming sports talents from the Montafon athlete family will be waiting in blocks of the coveted World Cup starting positions in the Montafon.

Das Alpenmosaik Montafon

THE EVENT LOCATIONS Medal Plaza

St. Anton im Montafon

Vandans

Moguls

Race Office TD Meeting

SCHRUNS

GOLM

Big Air Ski

Media Center

Bartholomäberg Silbertal

GRASJOCH

TSCHAGGUNS

Snowboard Cross

Big Air Snowboard

Snowboard Cross / Team

St. Gallenkirch

Ski Aerials

Gortipohl Gargellen

Alpine Snowboard - PSL

SCHAFBERG

Alpine Snowboard - PGS

Ski Cross

Slopestyle Ski Slopestyle Snowboard

Gaschurn Partenen

Silvretta-Bielerhöhe 68

Halfpipe Ski Halfpipe Snowboard

KÜHTAI TIROL

THE DISCIPLINES SNOWBOARDING

FREESTYLE & FREESKI

The disciplines in snowboarding couldn’t be any more varied. While the halfpipe is all about difficulty, style and creativity, the snowboard alpine parallel competition and snowboard cross require speed and strong nerves.

In the Snowboard FIS World Cup, six disciplines are held in the form of snowboard cross, parallel giant slalom, parallel slalom, slopestyle, big air and halfpipe. The snowboard freestyle disciplines (see above) are also carried out as part of the World Snowboard Tour.

The disciplines of the freestyle & freeski division are very similar to those of snowboarding - but added to these are two acrobatic disciplines.

Aerials – also known as part of what used to be ski acrobatics – involves athletes jumping up to 15 metres almost vertically into the air and performing three flips with up to five twists. Moguls is a discipline in which a slope set up with moguls has to be conquered in a downhill run. Here, it’s about speed, elegance and dynamism.

GET READY GET WILD

69

DEIN TICKET FÜR UNVERGESSLICHE BERGERLEBNISSE

montafonbrandnertal.at

ERLEBEN

IN ANTICIPATION OF SUMMER 2024

70

adventure spaces Rätikon

Verwall Valley

theme trails

Silvretta

info points

SILVRETTA

HIKING IN THE ALPENMOSAIK MONTAFON With the Verwall, the Silvretta and the Rätikon, three mountain ranges with different origin stories and different characters all come together here in the Montafon. They beautifully frame the centrepiece that is the valley and create a unique Alpine diversity that is reflected in the flora, fauna and cultural landscape of the Montafon. The Alpenmosaik Montafon takes you on more than 30 themed trails and four adventure areas through this unique scenic and cultural diversity and allows you to discover the numerous special features of the Alpine valley in detail. alpenmosaik-montafon.at

GANTAKOPF LOOP TRAIL (SILVRETTA) ..rewards you with a fabulous summit experience with a vast view of the surrounding mountain landscape of Verwall, Silvretta and Rätikon. On this tour, you move between forests and open meadow areas with several fantastic views to the valley below and the Garfrescha Maisäß alpine pasture village. For a relaxed stop for refreshments, the Alpe Nova is a great choice and will spoil you with regional delicacies such as the Montafon “Sura Kees” from its very own Alpine dairy.

GARGELLNER FENSTER TRAIL (VALLEY)

VALLEY

...offers a multi-faceted view of the historical spots of this border region and awakens memories of longforgotten times. This trail takes you to stunning viewpoints, across alpine meadows and of course also to the famous geological formation of the Gargellner Fenster. Take plenty of time for this trail and practise mindfulness as you go, and you’ll find that windows to yourself and your inner world open up too.

RÄTIKON

GOLM LAKE TRAIL (RÄTIKON) ...impresses thanks to its proximity to the picturesque giant Rätikon limestone mountains of Sulzfluh, Drei Türme, Drusenfluh and Zimba. But what gives the tour its name are the plentiful little mountain lakes dotted along the pretty route that invite you to stop and admire the view. The varied mountain trail is especially beautiful when the alpine roses are in bloom.

VERWALL

SETTLEMENT HISTORY TRAIL (VERWALL) ...runs above the community of Bartholomäberg, which is also known as the “cradle of the Montafon”. To this day, traces of a centuries-old history of settlement and mining can be found here. The trail leads across the original miners’ route to the exhibition mine and shows what made the Montafon so attractive for the people here.

VIA FERRATA AND E-MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURS IN THE MONTAFON A total of 24 via ferratas await you in the Montafon – from beginner-friendly to challenging – all of which promise a panoramic adventure. You can find further information and tips on the individual via ferratas in our via ferrata brochure.

Tip : Scaling the Zimba is a one-of-a-kind climbing experience for well-versed rock acrobats.

With an extensive network of cycling and e-mountain bike trails covering a total of 260 kilometres, the Montafon has the right tour for every kind of cyclist. Numerous guided e-mountain bike tours as part of the BergePLUS programme round out the diverse offer.

Tip : A speedy descent down the flow trails of the Silvretta Montafon provides an adventurous diversion.

LEGAL NOTICE Montafon Tourismus GmbH: 6780 Schruns, Vorarlberg, Österreich, T. +43 50 6686, info@montafon.at, montafon.at, Editorial team: Laura Tschofen (design, typesetting) / Laura Fitsch und Hannah Fritsche (content), Font: Freightsans, Freightdisplay, Trade Gothic, Jacket: FSC mix credit Offset, 300g/qm, Body: FSC mix credit Offset, 110g/qm, Print run: 20.000 copies (D) / 1.000 copies (EN), Printing: Vorarlberger Verlagsanstalt GmbH, Dornbirn – printed climate-neutrally in Vorarlberg, Austrian ecolabel, Picture credits: Montafon Tourismus GmbH: Christian Hirschmann, Valentina Furtner, Olga Brecht, Philipp Schilcher, Chien-Jen Wang, Manuela Domig, Marie-Christin Rudigier, Stefan Kothner, PackYourThingsAndTravel, Andreas Haller, Andreas Künk, matak studios – Markus Gmeiner & Karin Faltejsek, Montafon TV, Silvretta Montafon: Daniel Zangerl, Michael Marte, Andi Frank, Peakmedia - Dominik Zwerger, Golm Silvretta Lünersee Tourismus, Gargellner Bergbahnen: Alexander Fuchs, Vorarlberger Landestrachtenverband: Patrick Säly, Georg Alfare, Montafonerbahn AG, Illustration: Andreas Posselt, ÖBB, Panoramakarte: Silvretta Montafon, Imago Images: SiMotel Zamang - Rhomberg Gruppe, Posthotel Taube

Falco Luneau

"Muntafu"

A catchy tune from Montafon

Intention Music has a very special and powerful effect: it is capable of keeping memories and the emotions associated with them alive over the years, and of bringing people together. After all, it’s considered a universal language that everyone understands

Falco Luneau

A catchy tune from Montafon

"Muntafu"

Intention Music has a very special and powerful effect: it is capable of keeping memories and the emotions associated with them alive over the years, and of bringing people together. After all, it’s considered a universal language that everyone understands Musicians "Muntafu" song Vocals - Falco Luneau und Sandra Kraft Guitar - Jürgen Ganahl Bass - Ralph Hollenstein Styrian harmonica - Robert Krenn Trombone - Harald Bschorr

Background With “Muntafu” by Falco Luneau, a song has been created that embodies the values of the Montafon locals as well as what makes this southern Alpine valley so special. “From the outset, our goal was for this song to bring people together, to awaken a sense of home and to strengthen cohesion in the community,” Falco explains. “Everyone should find themselves in the song and be able to identify with it.” To live up to this aspiration, the singer intensively studied the region and its core values beforehand.

For the production and recording, he very deliberately chose to exclusively bring on musicians from the valley.

A catchy tune from Montafon

montafon.at/musik

A catchy tune from Montafon

Falco Luneau

Background With “Muntafu” by Falco Luneau, a song has been created that embodies the values of the Montafon locals as well as what makes this southern Alpine valley so special. “From the outset, our goal was for this song to bring people together, to awaken a sense of home and to strengthen cohesion in the community,” Falco explains. “Everyone should find themselves in the song and be able to identify with it.” To live up to this aspiration, the singer intensively studied the region and its core values beforehand.

For the production and recording, he very deliberately chose to exclusively bring on musicians from the valley.

"Muntafu"

Background With “Muntafu” by Falco Luneau, a song has been created that embodies the values of the Montafon locals as well as what makes this southern Alpine valley so special. “From the outset, our goal was for this song to bring people together, to awaken a sense of home and to strengthen cohesion in the community,” Falco explains. “Everyone should find themselves in the song and be able to identify with it.” To live up to this aspiration, the singer intensively studied the region and its core values beforehand.

For the production and recording, he very deliberately chose to exclusively bring on musicians from the valley.

"Muntafu"

Falco Luneau

Intention Music has a very special and powerful effect: it is capable of keeping memories and the emotions associated with them alive over the years, and of bringing people together. After all, it’s considered a universal language that everyone understands

montafon.at/musik

Vocals - Falco Luneau und Sandra Kraft Guitar - Jürgen Ganahl Bass - Ralph Hollenstein Styrian harmonica - Robert Krenn Trombone - Harald Bschorr

Musicians "Muntafu" song

Intention Music has a very special and powerful effect: it is capable of keeping memories and the emotions associated with them alive over the years, and of bringing people together. After all, it’s considered a universal language that everyone understands Background With “Muntafu” by Falco Luneau, a song has been created that embodies the values of the Montafon locals as well as what makes this southern Alpine valley so special. “From the outset, our goal was for this song to bring people together, to awaken a sense of home and to strengthen cohesion in the community,” Falco explains. “Everyone should find themselves in the song and be able to identify with it.” To live up to this aspiration, the singer intensively studied the region and its core values beforehand.

For the production and recording, he very deliberately chose to exclusively bring on musicians from the valley.

Musicians "Muntafu" song

Vocals - Falco Luneau und Sandra Kraft Guitar - Jürgen Ganahl Bass - Ralph Hollenstein Styrian harmonica - Robert Krenn Trombone - Harald Bschorr

montafon.at/musik

Musicians "Muntafu" song

Vocals - Falco Luneau und Sandra Kraft Guitar - Jürgen Ganahl Bass - Ralph Hollenstein Styrian harmonica - Robert Krenn Trombone - Harald Bschorr

montafon.at/musik

Kristberg

"muntafu, mi Dahem bischt Du"

Wannaköpf

"muntafu, mi Dahem bischt Du"

Zimba

"muntafu, mi Dahem bischt Du"

St. Gallenkirch

"muntafu, mi Dahem bischt Du"

The Montafon – a valley between mountains, shaped by glaciers and rising towards the far end. A unique valley with its own peculiarities and characteristics. But how does it actually feel to live in this southernmost corner of Vorarlberg? What awaits those interested in the nooks and crannies of our homeland? Among rugged peaks, you’ll experience lively village life, cultural-historical attractions and authentic customs. Even intangible things like hospitality and joie de vivre have found their home in the Montafon.

A valley that is more than the sum of its parts. A valley for everybody. A whole.

In what are now two episodes of the Montafon podcast “Real mountains. Real experiences.”, Jens meets real Montafon natives and gets an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes for you. Giving you a chance to get to know the Montafon and what makes it special.

Have we piqued your curiosity? Then listen in right now – wherever podcasts are available! montafon.at/Podcast

Season

1

9 episodes Start of the summer season / Montafon in transition / Montafon alpine summer / An alpine valley full of traditions / Start of the winter season / Safety on the mountain / Skiing in the Montafon / Montafon as a home of choice / Sustainable Montafon

Season

2

9 episodes On the run in the Montafon / The fascination of everlasting ice – glacier hiking in the Silvretta / Evening ski excursion in Gargellen / Nature-compatible mountain sports in the Montafon / Ice climbing on the SilvrettaBielerhöhe / The traditional Alpine pasture landscape in the Montafon / "Sonnwendfeuer in the Montafon" / The Alpenmosaik Montafon / What's a Montafon mountain ranger? > further episodes being planned