Almzeit: Any time Alpine Hut Time
Sölden (Austria) recognizes “the sign of the times” and with the ALMZEIT hiking trail theme creates a unique summer highlight in the Ötztal valley for the whole family.
Before the craftsmen jumped into action to produce attractions such as play equipment, cooperation partner Input and Sunkid wondered how the stations on the trail could be best designed in terms of content. Fitting themes emerged, with names like “nature time,” "play time,” "music time” or “water time.” For hikers, visible signs of ALMZEIT SÖLDEN are for example an oversized contrabass, an outdoor bowling set, "climbing antlers," three large climbing crystals or a mountain shoe weighing 1763 lb (800 kg).
Next to the large scale information panels at the Gaislachkogl lift middle station stands an ALMZEIT logo made up of three-meter-high letters. In addition, it is equipped with a slide, climbing structures and loungers. A motor skills trail on the other side of the middle station, the so-called runtime, awaits with twelve exciting stations at which kids and adults can test their abilities.
The project was supported by the 14 participating Alpine hut hosts, the local committee of the Ötztal valley tourism association, as well as the Sölden mountain lifts. “The Almzeit should not just be a one-time event, but rather a project which will develop over several years. If our huts and lodges produce an attractive offer in summer, the hotels and boarding houses in the valley will also benefit,” says Carmen Fender, Marketing Manager of Ötztal Tourism.
2013-08
Time for more physical well-being
At the Gaislachkogl lift middle station stands a motor skills training course consisting of twelve stations for kids and adults. The course leads through balance beams, floating rings, balancing nets up to an observation deck as the final destination. You practice motor ability in a fun way, while developing an intense feeling of physical well-being at the same time.
Loungers and benches in the Almzeit Design
You will also find the opportunity to relax along the way. You will find quite a few ergonomic wood relax loungers and elegant benches in Almzeit Design along the path between the huts and lodges. Time to relax and have a proper rest.
An overview of the attractions
Forest time
Nomen est omen at Almdorf Waldesruh. Apart from the “sound” of the forest. And – sorry, Mr. Cuckoo! - what can be more characteristic than the tapping of a woodpecker? That could come though from one of three wooden feathered friends with which junior bird watchers can simulate the tapping of a beak. Not bad, Mr. Woodpecker!
Hunting time
The new "Ötzi 3000" archery trail is an accuracy-oriented recreational offering for the entire family. You will be just as accurately amazed at the culinary offer and musical entertainment program at Bubi's Alpine Hut. And kids will whiz as quick as an arrow to the giant wooden antlers with a climbing net stretched between their ends.
Nature time
The name Sonneck (sunny corner) is no coincidence – the Alpengasthof is truly a box seat with a view of nature. Here the big and small discoverers enjoy friendly hospitality and gain insight into the wild and romantic natural landscape of the Ötztal valley mountain range. Regarding kith & kin: During an game of outdoor bowling, the goal is to score a strike before your kin does!
Observation time
Did eagle on the mountain peak over there just wink? And what is that colorful animal down there in the valley? Oh, it’s a hiker. The beautiful views are so close – thanks to the XXL telescope at the Heidealm Hut. Even without the “eye-catchers,” the view in the distance is overwhelming and on the sun terrace quite tasteful in addition.
History time
A time with no history is a faceless time. But not at the Edelweißhütte hut. There you have a history lesson with old photographs. How was it then, how did people live here a long time ago? You can hear how they spoke back then, since the Ötztal dialect is an extremely lively world heritage. The food? Just as good and authentic as then!
Animal time
With nature at eye level: At the Gaislach Alm Alpengasthof, visitors of all generations have lots of animal fun. Not only with the original “Swingfish” attraction, but also in and around our hut with pony rides, a petting zoo and trout pond. The innkeepers serve treats from the kitchen while your eyes feast on the mountain panorama.
Precious stone time
Truly precious, as its name suggests: The Silbertal Almferienclub accommodates the Tyrol’s largest mineral museum. Because minerals are better contemplated with the eyes only, yet kids like to touch things, there are three really big climbing crystals in a variety of forms and colors outside. And there is so much more to discover …
Potato time
Have you ever eaten in a roast potato hut? Actually, they are called Erdäpfel (earth apples) in Ötztal. Whatever, main thing is they taste good. Because the innkeepers from the Goldegg Alm hut make amazing stuff from the tuber, they have a suitable monument which you can play on. Kids can climb the springy potato, teeter and swing on it.
Music time
Alpine huts & music go together like bacon & bread. For centuries, people have been singing and playing in the mountains - rustic, crazy, powerful. What if at the truly playable contrabass sized XL near the Löple Alm hut you meet three Chinese? Quite possible, since music is a language spoken by people all over the world.
Lounging time
Just the thing for couch potatoes: Conviviality, good food, wonderful views and all that quickly accessible with Gaislachkogl lift. Lounge time in the Almstube is a mountain experience not only in nice weather for house cats big and small, but even when the sun takes the day off - at home, behind the clouds in its own lounge.
Marenden time
Established Alpine hut inn, plenty of music and home cooking with character: At the Gampe Thaya, you have the “Marenden,” the classic small Tyrolean meal, certainly authentic and “good.” Guaranteed there is no cheese like the oversized piece of Emmentaler which can be played on with plenty of skill and endurance across generations.
Play time
Food, mountains & view, in short: Sonnblick: Here you have time to play, rest and repose, something to suit any taste. A panorama playground with petting zoo will cast its spell over young hikers. As Mom and Dad lay in hammocks all around, they can watch their kids relaxed as they play.
Summit time
Way on top is Summit time. The view is breathtaking. It was worth the effort. Now it’s time for something good from the Rotkogel hut menu, head in the sun and off come the hiking shoes. And over there a giant took off his? No, the thing in an immeasurable shoe size is play equipment for young mountaineers.
Water time
It’s about the elements at the Hühnersteig'n: While parents enjoy Tyrolean specialties or step into Kneipp waters, kids spray fountains into the air with really big, hand-pump operated water pistols. There’s also plenty of excitement while shooting at a giant target. Who is better, Dad or son, Mom or daughter?
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