Side Events

The best thing about cooking is that it brings people together. So any opportunity to create a stir in the kitchen should be seized. All of which is possible at Verner’s in a relaxed living-room atmosphere and at four different cooking classes.

The ice-skating rink in Bludenz is one option that turns up when an alternative to the classic day of skiing is being sought. There is also a spectacular ice run there where visitors can test their skills on a Vutschko (bobsleigh) at speeds of up to 100 kph.

Some call it Kässpätzle, others Käsknöpfle: the main thing is lots of melted cheese. Whatever the weather, this attracts connoisseurs to one of the Alpine huts and restaurants where the secret national dish is served.

Known as the ‘King of Grill’, Vorarlberg’s master of barbecues Tom Heinzle has long since made a name for himself on the international cooking scene. He has put an end to the myth that barbecuing is an activity only for the summer.

At Waldschule Bodensee, event participants can come to face-to-face with proper adventure. Deep within the forest near Bregenz lies the Waldhaus, which can play host to the most nature-based and grounded meetings possible. Between conversations or work tasks, take a step into the greenery for deep breaths of fresh air, a “forest workout”, a gentle stroll, or customised activities. There are basically no limits to the possibilities here

Five hours of exploring boundaries: that’s an impressive mountain experience with team-building aspects. There is a challenge for everyone and more can be achieved together than by yourself. 

Give your tired feet some fresh air and experience the joy of walking barefoot through meadows and forests. This is not only therapy for your otherwise confined feet, it’s also medicine for the soul and your entire physical body.

Anyone who has ever wondered how to learn ski jumping without falling can now try it out for themselves. Following a thorough introduction by expert trainers, you take to the ski jump and face your fears. Your first jumps are on a small, mobile K4 ski jump. Then you can try out a few jumps on the ramp of the HS22 ski jump.

If in doubt, the viability of a team can be ultimately tested by means of the communal building of a boat on the water. Combining skill and teamwork, the floating boards can either advance into a successful project – or the whole team comes a cropper. 

Hochjoch Totale – that is the name of the sunrise special on the Alpila ridge with a ski run covering 1,700 metres. At this time of day, the piste is as virginal as the day itself, watching the sun rise above the ridge is breathtakingly beautiful, and breakfast awaits you in the chapel restaurant at the end of the run. 

For some, dashing through the woods at a speed of 130km an hour is just a speed kick at an altitude of 160 metres. For others, it is the craving for their own wings that you get for the duration of the flight at least. 

Recreation from exciting workshops is best achieved in the great outdoors – simple and good are the two words that characterise this accompanying programme. Herbert Edlinger’s pleasure walks focus on regional agriculture, nature and its products as well as local cheese and the production of specialities. 

The Sennerei Hinteregg was established in 1938 and has always been an insider tip where delicious cheese specialities are concerned. Florian Lang is the alpine dairyman who’s today responsible for transforming pasture milk sourced from 11 farms into Vorarlberg alpine cheese. Guided tours of the dairy reveal to visitors how fresh pasture milk is turned into cheese.

The gin stills are ready and waiting for participants to distil their own gin from high-quality ingredients and to discover the secrets of the art of distilling under the guidance of experts.

Once upon a time, you had to travel to the far north to take a dog-pulled sleigh ride, to experience up close the life of a musher in the wilderness. These days, however, a lovely team of dogs awaits guests in the Kleinwalsertal and in the Brandnertal.