The mountains are their home,
climbing their passion.
A portrait of the alpine guides
Alfons and Stefan Fassnauer from Ridnaun.
"Mountains have always magically fascinated me," explains Alfons Fassnauer. As a young boy, he already started climbing and exploring his surroundings; then he worked as a shepherd for his father's goats in the mountains for 4 years. Eventually, he joyned the Alpenverein and Alpine Rescue as an active member - not long before he made up his mind to become an alpine guide. His determination led him to success: since 1987 he claims the title of "International Mountain Guide." By now he knows the Alps from Montblanc to Watzmann like the back of his hand. His portfolio includes more than 30 different four-thousand-meter summits; he can no longer say how many times he has guided his clients to the summit. "Definitely very often," the 62-year old smiles. As an accountant in his regular job, climbing and mountain guiding has also been a very welcome counterbalance to the sedentary and sometimes stressful office work. Being able to share his passion for the mountains with his wife and three children has been an additional motivation for him.
When the mountain fever strikes
He properly passed on the "mountain virus" to his eldest son: Stefan followed in his father's footsteps at an early age, with his first ski tours at the age of five and his first alpine climbing tours at the age of twelve. At 20 years old, Stefan made the decision to pursue the formation as a mountain guide. He has now been taking courses and passing exams for two years - and like his father, he has also succeeded. From 2024 onwards, he will be able to guide his clients up the italian mountains, and starting in 2025 - if all works out well - worldwide.