THE FOURTH GENERATION: YOUR HOSTS ALEXANDER UND DANIEL FRITZ
We are Gargellner. We are Montafoner. And we are citizens of the world.
We are at home in the city and equally so in the mountains. We are open to new ideas, but rooted in local traditions. We are worldly wise, but love our home. We like timeless design but appreciate a cosy atmosphere. We are laid back and tolerant. We are sincere and attentive. We are experienced, but still learn something new each day. As brothers we are hoteliers by choice and passion, and that is something people cannot fail to notice.
A POTTED HISTORY OF GARGELLEN
Once upon a time – Gargellen was first officially mentioned in the year 1411, although long before that merchants had been travelling over the old trading trails with heavily loaded mules. Many decades later, smugglers would creep across the mountain passes under cover of fog and darkness to bring coffee, tobacco, and sugar to Gargellen.
From seasonal pastures to mountain village – In earlier times Gargellen was the site of seasonal pastures where alpine farmers lived only during the summer months. It wasn’t until 1880 that it became a permanent settlement, with the village being inhabited all year round. In later years Gargellen became popular as an Alpine spa resort where people came in summer to benefit from the clear cool air. Its distinguished guests include Peggy Guggenheim, Ernest Hemingway and Sigmund Freud.
From 1920 – Winter sports – The first ski tourers arrived in Gargellen, and soon individual ski courses were held. However, the biggest change of all was brought about in 1953 by the construction of the access road and the first cable car to the Schafberg three years later.
1933 – How it all began – It was asthma that brought the young electrician Eduard Bachmann to the mountain spa resort of Gargellen, and it was there that he met and fell in love with Reinhilde. Together they built a simple wooden house with 25 beds: the Bachmann guest house. Twenty years later, the first major extension was made.
1973 – The great change – Together with her husband Hermann who, with his brother, had built the first ski lift in Gargellen, daughter Mathilde took over the parental business. The original wooden house was pulled down and a modern 4-star hotel was built. This was a real turning point in the hotel’s history.
1989 – Helmut and Margot Fritz – Helmut and Margot Fritz are passionate about the hotel, which is their heritage and life’s work. As nature lovers, they used to take guests on guided walks in the mountains. They extended the hotel with entrepreneurial insight and craftsmanship, and were quick to anticipate sustainable energy solutions. Thus the hotel was able to expand without losing its original roots.
Today – Daniel and Alexander – Once upon a time, two brothers set out into the world, returning with a fresh perspective. As the fourth generation of the same family, they now continue to run the Bachmann Sports Hotel with great ambition and sincere hospitality. They have introduced a sense of timeless design and are motivated by a wish to preserve the hotel’s authenticity. They look to the future with courage, unity, and a clear vision for the future.
What is truly valuable may still remain – but only change brings it to life. True permanence comes from the courage to continually adapt.
WHERE TRADITION COMES TO LIFE
Gargellen – where life tells a story
A picturesque mountain village now occupies the area where in former times simple mountain farmers worked the summer pastures. As the the highest village in the Montafon Gargellen boasts an excellent snow record in winter. In summer the mountains beckon with fragrant alpine meadows, historic trails and scenic peaks.
And yet it is its quiet side, etched into the furrows of the land and the gestures of the people, that make Gargellen unique. Our tradition is about preserving the old, but joyfully welcoming the new. And as the valley narrows, the view widens. Everyone here knows everyone else, and genuine hospitality is practised on a daily basis, so that our guests too are included in the village tapestry. Gargellen is not a showy place, but works quietly, creating its own unassuming atmosphere from within.
ECOLOGY AND THE VALUE OF LIFE
Our hotel in harmony with nature
Preserving what is good in life does not mean standing still: it means moving forward with intent. For us sustainability is indispensable: we are not just surrounded by the natural world – we are part of it. Our house is heated by a modern hot water pump. In the rooms, we avoid disposable cosmetics and refill selected care products into high-quality bottles. Water-saving technology and practical recycling are as essential as sourcing from local partners and suppliers wherever possible.
These seemingly small but crucial differences result in a holiday which is positive and sustainable: because nature is the most valuable gift we can bequeath to future generations.
