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04
Jan 2025
—
11
Jan 2025

Faces of Ötzal

We show you the Ötztal locals up close, genuine and authentic. They tell you about their lives and their history, their experiences and passions. In each episode we take you on a journey to our "faces of Ötztal", who are deeply rooted in the mountains but still go their own, individual way. From Günther from Niederthai, who loves to create new works of art with hammer and anvil in his forge, or Anna from Gurgl, who came to Obergurgl from South Tyrol many decades ago and has always entertained her guests every evening and has many anecdotes to tell.

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Episode 1: Günther Falkner - The best blacksmith of Niederthai

Günther is a blacksmith from Niederthai. He describes himself as the "best blacksmith in Niederthai". Even though he is the only one, he creates impressive works of art on his anvil every day. Every week, the charismatic Ötztal native shows guests around his forge and inspires them with his craftsmanship (and himself). Find out what his profession means to him, what home means to him and whether he could imagine living anywhere else but in Ötztal in the first episode of "Faces of Ötztal".

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Episode 2: Anna Santer - the good soul of Obergurgl

Anna (better known as "Nannele") came from South Tyrol to Obergurgl, Austria's highest church village, in the 1960s. Anna made her home in Gurgl with the Hotel Enzian, the smallest 4-star hotel in the village at the time. To this day, the good soul still delights her guests every evening anew - with her direct and warm manner. In episode 2 of "Faces of Ötztal" you can find out what Anna hides in the pear jar, what fertility in old age is all about and how she copes with the generational change.

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Episode 3: Helmut Mair

The schnapps distiller from Sautens

"If the language center gets worse, you should go home".
Helmut Mair is right about that - because the multiple award-winning schnapps distiller from Sautens knows all about this Tyrolean cultural asset.
In the third episode of "Faces of Ötztal", he reveals what he needs to distil good schnapps, how the high-proof spirit promotes community and what he loves about the Ötztal.

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Episode 4: Ferdinand Plattner - The mill builder from Piburg

Ferdinand has probably chosen one of the most beautiful places to live and work in Ötztal. The master carpenter and millwright is only a few meters away from our natural jewel Lake Piburg. This is also the place where Ferdinand goes to unwind and recharge his batteries. In episode 4 of “Faces of Ötztal” he tells us how the master carpenter came to mill building, what fascinates him about it and why he is grateful to live in Ötztal.

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Episode 5: Stefanie Schönfeld

The interior enthusiast from Oetz

When you enter the marli home, you might think you're in a hip neighborhood in Berlin. It smells of fresh coffee and you immediately lose yourself in cool interior products - a concept store with which Stefanie has created a real eye-catcher in Oetz.
In episode 5 of "Faces of Ötztal", you can find out what Stefanie attaches particular importance to and how she always finds inspiration for new ideas.
 

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Episode 6: Marie-Therese Riml - The sports cannon from Sölden

Watch out, now it's getting sporty!
Because when Putzi, whose real name is Marie-Therese, has set herself a goal, she knows no mercy.
She gets her calves burning and wears every drop of sweat with pride.
For Putzi, the Ötztal is a huge playground where she can burn off energy, clear her head and surpass herself. She proved this in 2023, for example, when she took part in the Ötztal Cycle Marathon.
In episode 6 of "Faces of Ötztal" you can find out what she likes so much about Ötztal and which is her favorite training route for cycling.
 

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Episode 7: Hannes Schmid - The organic farmer from Umhausen

Hannes Schmid describes himself as a passionate farmer. For him, producing his own grain and using it to produce food is the greatest good in farming. What he also appreciates about his animals and how he spends his time when he is not on the farm, you can find out in episode 7 of “Faces of Ötztal”.

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Episode 8: Vanessa Riml, SL: The power woman from Längenfeld

Some people make you wonder whether their day has more than 24 hours. This also applies to Vanessa Riml from Längenfeld.
She is the managing director of a metal company, a member of the mountain rescue service, is involved in several clubs and climbs in her free time. Summed up in one word: A real power woman!
In episode 8 of Faces of Ötztal we give you an insight into her multifaceted life.

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