Making the impossible a reality
The growth and development of the Carezza ski and hiking area is inextricably linked with the efforts of the Eisath family. Monika and Georg as well as their children Florian, Michael, and Magdalena are closely bound with the Eggental Valley, and they are committed to shaping this magnificent resort area and increasing its appeal to visitors.
"We live here in an incredibly beautiful place," says Monika Auer Eisath as she stands in the Hotel Moseralm and gazes wistfully out the panorama windows to admire the impressive massif of the incomparable "Rosengarten". This is where she grew up after her father returned from Russian captivity in 1948, in the wake of World War II. He married in Welschnofen / Nova Levante and began operating the Moseralm – then only a small hut and bar – together with his wife. Back then, no one could have conceived what would become of this little business, more than 70 years later. In the meantime, the Moseralm offers a high standard of comfort. It now represents the heart of the Carezza ski area – and the history of the hotel and of the aerial lifts is a fascinating one indeed: It is the story of the Eisath (Auer) family. The story of Monika, her husband Georg, and their children Florian, Michael, and Magdalena - all of them have been successful ski racing professionals who are now continuing the work of their parents.
The Eisath family deserves much of the credit for the fact that the Carezza ski area was able to awake from its fairytale slumber in the year 2008. And yet, for a long time, they resided on the other side of the Eggental Valley – in Obereggen. After Monika and Georg married in 1984 and established an inn there in 1990, it became the family's middle-point. "I performed my work and my wife ran the inn," Georg relates. Eventually, maybe he felt like he needed a change. That's because Georg had always wanted to modify things in the pursuit of his dream. Back in 1985, he quit his job in order to develop and construct snow cannons. "Even back then, we often had warm winters here in South Tyrol," says Georg. He explains that it had always been difficult to guarantee snow throughout the season on the south side of the Alps. And that's why he first worked on prototypes in his garage. He adapted hay-dryers and nozzles to generate snow. Only then, five years later, did he join forces with Walter Rieder and Erich Gummerer to found the TechnoAlpin company. Of course, in the beginning, no one ever dreamed that this garage workshop would quickly grow to become a world market leader in the field of snow cannons. But at an early stage, Georg already understood what technical snow generation would mean for the tourism industry and for the entire region. "They thought I was crazy for quitting my secure job," he reminisces. But Georg Eisath is sure: Without the snow cannons, "there wouldn't be any ski sector in the Alps today."
And it's the ski industry that now totally engrosses the time and efforts of the Eisath family. In 2002, they decided to return to the Moser Alm. "Actually, we were pretty close to having to shutter our business," Monika admits when reviewing the past events. But their great attachment to this very special place - combined with the desire to build something - meant that she and Georg just couldn't accept giving up. The overwhelming natural splendor of this resort area where the "rich and beautiful" once came to stay couldn't be denied. "As a ski area, it was dead," Georg Eisath observes. But he could sense that this area had vast possibilities.
„People thought I was crazy for quitting my secure job“
"I developed a master plan and was committed to carrying it out." That's how Georg characterizes that phase back in 2008, when he decided to sell his interest in TechnoAlpin and to invest everything in establishing the aerial lifts and snow cannons. In doing this, he laid the cornerstone of what was later to become "Carezza" - the successful ski and hiking resort area that we see today. This eventually led to the construction of the Pra-di-Tori chairlift and the Hubertus aerial tram at the Karer Pass / Passo di Costalunga - something which Florian and his two younger siblings Michael and Magdalena couldn't have imagined. "At that time, we all had only sports on our minds," is their unanimous observation.
But today, these "kids" are vital components of the Eisath business model. After Georg gradually modernized the ski area, installed the latest snow generation equipment, and (in 2013) constructed the Welschnofen gondola-type lift and, just a little while later, he and his wife Monika decided in 2018 to hand things over to their children. Since then, Magdalena and Michael have been running the Hotel Moseralm while Florian has been in charge of the lift company.
"We are continuing in the footsteps of our parents," says Florian - not without a note of pride: "In our family, there was always a special spirit combining a close attachment to our homeland, but also the determination to achieve the best." It was this spirit that was necessary to make Carezza what it is today - something that a lot of people on the sidelines had speculated was impossible.
Under his leadership, great strides were taken with the inauguration of the new aerial tram from the Frommer Alm to the Kölner Hut and the completion of the connection line to Tiers. Nonetheless, he and his siblings fully understand that there are still many challenges to be met. "But this is a tremendous opportunity for us here," Florian is convinced. But mass tourism, giant hotel complexes, and faceless villages? Not at the Karer Pass! "We strive for quality, not quantity," he says in conclusion.
To do this, he and his siblings are willing to do the work. And that means consistently developing Carezza as a year-around holiday destination. A place where visitors can experience Mother Nature in all Her facets - without needing an automobile. Of course, that also means expanding summertime offerings. Hiking is increasing in popularity, as is electro-biking. And skiing directly beneath the glorious "Rose Garden" will never lose its appeal. Georg Eisath has indicated the right direction: "Because we can produce snow efficiently, we can boost quality without costs getting out of control," he explains. "Our philosophy is to invest, but at the same time use our resources sparingly." He has thus prepared the groundwork for the future, "and other ski areas are following our lead and benefiting from our practices," says Georg with satisfaction.
But nowadays, he and Monika can afford to take it a little easier. They are pleased with how their children have accepted the burden of responsibility. "When they ask an intelligent question, they can expect to get an intelligent answer," he says with a chuckle, while Monika adds: "We are still here to back them up and provide support. We are always here if they need us, but we're no longer responsible for day-to-day matters." The tremendous degree of trust that exists between them all is a continual source of strength and reassurance. It's quite likely that this strong and trusting relationship has been the backbone of the great success that they have achieved.
"We don't regard what we do as a job. It isn't 'work' in the traditional sense of the word. Rather, it's part of our lives," says Magdalena. Of course, a lot of the family discussions concern business matters. And it they understand that there are still obstacles to be surmounted and problems to be solved. But at the end of the day, they are left with the feeling of having accomplished something of importance. Namely: To make it possible for locals and visitors in the Eggental Valley to enjoy a superlative experience.
„We don't regard what we do as a job. It isn't 'work' in the traditional sense of the word. Rather, it's part of our lives“
"We are in the fortunate position of living and working in complete accordance with our business principles: To enjoy the mountains to the fullest extent - while also giving them the necessary respect," Michael adds. The work that he and his family perform serves primarily to "enhance the appreciation of the area." And for the future, too, he is certain: "We have all the required tools to continue developing this area and to demonstrate what modern tourism really means."
Of course, the Eisaths don't hesitate to acknowledge that they also have to earn money. But we readily agree that it isn't the profit motive that's driving their efforts. This becomes more than obvious when Monika gazes out the panorama windows of the Moser Alm to view the magnificent "Rosengarten" and explains: "To be able to work amidst this beautiful environment and help shape it is both a joy and a challenge. But we wouldn't trade it for anything."
