The expert says: Everything is easier with humour. A chat with multi-talented Martin Raffeiner

There are people who seem to be able to do everything. Our Martin is one of them. He is a caretaker, hiking guide, wine cellar expert, joke teller, sustainability officer and the best delivery note checker from here to Bolzano. At least. The Italian language has a wonderful word for multi-talented people like Martin: tuttofare ( = jack of all trades, all-rounder).

 

Let me tell you: I, the old farm, would look pretty old without our Martin. He keeps me in good shape and you guests on your toes. His Tuesday hikes are the highlight of the holiday for mountain enthusiasts and summit climbers. Martin is one of those people. As a member of the Alpine Club and a trail guide, he takes care of our beautiful mountains and makes sure you can hike them properly. His home fits in perfectly with this. He comes from even further up, grew up at the Pitairhof at the end of mountain road and spent half his childhood with our Benjamin. Not only because the two rascals are cousins, but also because they are about the same age.
 

As I recently stretched out my wooden shingles in the spring sunshine, it occurred to me to have a little chat with our Martin. I thought you might be interested to know who the people are who look after you so well up here. Who should I ask to talk next? Feel free to write to my farmhands at: info@oberraindlhof.com.
 

If you can't wait to get to know the Raffeiners, click here. 

Tell me, Martin, which corner of my house do you feel most at home in?
Actually, I feel at home everywhere. When the weather is nice, there's always work to do outside the house. When it rains, I like to check on things in the wine cellar. I'm very interested in wine and always look forward to a new delivery.

Would you like to tell us a little about your career?
After commercial college in Merano, I spent two seasons working as a lift attendant on the chairlift at the Schnalstal Glacier. From 2005 to 2007, I worked at the Miko company in Eppan at the cash desk and also did the invoicing. From 2007 to 2010, I moved to Merano to work in purchasing at Hotelpap. From 2011 to 2017, I was back at Miko, but this time as warehouse manager. When I heard a year later that Benjamin needed a caretaker for the old Oberraindlhof, I didn't hesitate for long and have been working here full-time since 2018.

Imagine this: a guest has only one day in the Schnalstal Valley – what should they definitely experience?
That's a difficult question, as we have so many beautiful places in the Schnalstal Valley. However, I would recommend the lake tour at the Vernagt reservoir, which takes a good two hours. Afterwards, stop for a bite to eat at the Finailhof. It's located above the lake and serves hungry hikers good local cuisine. And if the guest is still here in the evening, I would of course recommend the Oberraindlhof with its excellent wine selection.

What is your secret recipe for making guests smile?
Every Tuesday, I go on a hike with the guests and always have a joke or two up my sleeve. A sense of humour makes everything easier.

What was your funniest or favourite moment with your colleagues?
The end-of-season parties immediately spring to mind. We always have a great atmosphere at the hotel bar and sometimes we end up partying and dancing until 6 in the morning.

Which dish from our kitchen would you recommend to someone visiting for the first time?
The first thing that comes to mind is Schnalser noodles, a typical dish from the Schnals Valley that every guest should try. But the roast lamb from our own flock is also divine!

Do you have a favourite guest?
That's a trick question, isn't it? I'm always happy to see regular guests! And when they remember the hike we went on together last holiday, it really warms my heart!