Alpine Lodge Josephus

Reached by a single-track driveway, the Alpine Lodge Josephus is located high up on a sunny slope in the Schnals Valley, amongst the Ötztal Alps. It’s an amazing location! Looking out of the window in the morning, as the sun slowly climbs over the peaks, you can feel the magic of the South Tyrolean mountains. The Schnals Valley seems untouched, as it was centuries ago, surrounded by 3,000-meter high peaks, and pristine, flourishing nature where you can just be. The owners have been residents here for generations. Together with the artist and designer Walter Thaler, they have carefully restored the former country house, which dates from 1912, and transformed it into a dream building with four vacation apartments. Historical elements are stylishly combined with contemporary design—tradition and modernity beautifully blended. The apartments are all quite different, each has its own South Tyrolean charm. Local materials such as Italian stone pine and larch wood, granite and loden create a comfortable and cosy atmosphere. Old furniture and rustic artefacts, such as long forgotten baking boards or blanket chests, have been lovingly restored and reinterpreted—all in the spirit of sustainability. In contrast to this are simple lighting effects, clean lines, and pared down essentials with a luxurious finish. Dip your feet in the cool mountain stream and unwind while watching deer and marveling at the soaring mountain peaks. In winter, they are covered in deep snow and skiing is possible on the Schnals Valley Glacier as early as October! In summer, the valley is a sunny paradise for mountain bikers, and you can also go horseback riding, paragliding or try your hand at archery. A dream of a mountain vacation!

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• All the apartments have an unspoilt view of the pristine green of the Schnals Valley.
• The outdoor seat by the kitchen garden in Domicilium I; here you’ll find a wide variety of regional herbs growing.
• Sitting on the comfortable windowsill in Domicilium III on the second floor and enjoying the fantastic view over the Schnals Valley.
• The artistic design of the open bathroom in the attic apartment; the beautiful, curved wall gives the place a special intimacy.
• The stairs, floors and walls use partly seasoned larch and stone pine woods from the former barn creating a unique fragrance!
• Refreshing Kneipp walks in the babbling mountain stream on the meadow
• Snowshoeing in the woods and on the alpine pastures
• The two large galleries offering space which can be used for different purposes: Peaceful hours of reading, convivial socialising or inspiring work meetings.
• Relaxing in the Finnish sauna after a mountain hike; professional massages are available on request.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Children are welcome: baby beds are available upon request.
• Ideal for a family winter vacation thanks to the manageable size of the ski area and the welcoming children’s ski school; also worth a mention, the three-kilometer toboggan run and the snowboarders’ fun park.
• Guests have free WLAN access in the lodge and on the sun terrace.
• The kitchens are modernly equipped with ceramic hob, fridge with freezer, coffee machine, water and espresso maker.
• A bread service and a basket with delicious South Tyrolean products can be arranged.
• For hundreds of years the shepherds of Val Venosta and their sheep have used the mountain pass here. The migration, full of unpredictable perils, is an ancient tradition. The safe return of the sheep is celebrated in September and is an impressive spectacle; the transhumance has achieved UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
• A free map of the archaeological trails is available at the archeoParc and at the tourist office.
• 35 kilometers of ski slopes for beginners and experts
• Three-thousand-meter peaks such as the Weißkugel or the Finailspitze can be climbed without extreme ascents; spring is the best time here for extended ski tours.
• There is a heated ski room to dry hiking boots and winter sports equipment.
• Bed linen and towels are changed as needed; daily cleaning can also be booked.
• Bookable for a minimum stay of four nights; the Alpine Lodge can also be rented exclusively as a private lodge for max. 14 people.

CIN: IT021091B5BCN7ACNM