Skiing here in the Schnalstal Valley is fabulous, no question about it. But not everyone likes it. And not everyone can do it. And some people simply have had enough of the two boards under their feet after three days. But let me tell you: the Schnalstal Valley is a real winter wonderland for non-skiers. Let me tell you something: in my first 400 years, no one here could ski anyway. The people of Schnals walked everywhere. In summer and winter. With snowshoes when necessary. Or with sleds. No one complained, and sometimes it was even a real joy to race against the snowy wind.
Now everyone is talking about the “gentle winter” as if it had just been invented. I have to smile at that. For us, winter has always been “quiet and still.” Because people had no other choice. Being gentle was part of everyday life here, a way of life, if you will. Becoming still in winter was something like a law of nature. And like so many other things, that hasn't changed to this day.
This is how the people of Schlosser enjoy the mild winter today
Take Martin, for example. He leads a snowshoe hike every week, and when he sets off, you are in the best of hands. Martin is a trained hiking guide, sits on the board of the South Tyrol Alpine Club, Schnals section, and is a trail sponsor. His favorite tour leads from Kurzras via the Lagauntal valley to the Bergl Alm. The nature there is so untouched and peaceful that the tears of joy freeze on your apple-red cheeks. Of course, it's also wonderful to hike through the snowy landscape of Schnals on your own: dress warmly, borrow some “Grödeln” from the farmers and stroll leisurely to the next village and back again.
A visit to the glacier cave is icy and wonderfully beautiful: I've been told that it looks different every year: the eternal ice shimmers in a thousand shades of blue, green, and everything in between. Mountain guide Robert Ciatti will take you under his wing and show you this natural wonder.
Then there's curling. The declared goal of my farmhands: they want to bring the challenge cup back to the Oberraindlhof. Will you help them? Time on the natural ice rink in the sports zone in Unser Frau is a convivial affair full of fun and nostalgia. Accompanied by lively music, hot mulled wine, and competing against other guests from the hotels in the valley, they play curling.
And finally, my personal recommendation for a gentle, quiet winter vacation day in the Schnalstal Valley. I know that this will be difficult for some people. But nature shows us how it's done, and the old Schnalstalers were masters at it: come to rest, put your feet up, and do absolutely nothing for a few moments. And if that's too much for you, you can always go to the sauna or devour Lenz Koppelstätter's new Schnalstal crime novel over a cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream. Would that be to your liking?
Silent winter greetings, your Oberraindlhof.
