LOCAL DISCOVERY

Oh it’s sinful what goes on up there… it’s hard to resist! There’s not room enough on the long, wooden tables to hold all the homemade delights at 4,200 ft.

Whether it's Tyrolean fried potatoes…a hearty alpine specialty served with meat and fried egg on top. Or perhaps a light platter of local cheese and cured meats. Maybe your sweet tooth prefers a giant buttery dumpling filled with plum jam? A hearty dose of mountain scenery comes automatically with your order at no extra charge…

There is one dish that locals say only men know how to make – it's called Melchermuas, a delicate creation of milk, butter and flour whipped like a soufflé and fried like a pancake, dusted with powdered sugar, served with a side of cranberry relish. This simple yet elegant meal is what farmers of yesteryear ate every day. Hans Egger knows how to make this pan-friend soufflé, a tradition handed down to him by his mother when he was a lad. He still makes it today upon special request. You need two different pans which Hans lovingly refers to as his Holy Relics. One soufflé equals 3,000 calories! It may seem a lot by today's standards, but don't forget how hard farmers once labored without machinery. Those who were physically active all day relied on rich foods with lots of energy.

Those who alight at the farm will discover a tranquil oasis providing delicious Tyrolean food and refreshing drink. After the hike up, you earned every bite. Austrians will tell you that flavors simply taste better at altitude. The same goes for our special red Schnapps made from the native Stone Pine tree. Made locally, it's a medicinal treat and a must-try when you hike in our Alps.

The excursion here is well-suited for families with children and grandparents. The rustic hut was built in 1703, and in winter this is a popular destination for toboggan riding. You can even rent sleds free of charge. What makes a visit to this mountain farm most special is daily live music in summer when the owner strikes up nostalgic tunes on his old accordion. As the saying goes, behind every great man is a great woman. Hans has Helene and she most assuredly can whip up a great Melchermuas too! On Sundays, the party kicks into high gear with local folk music groups. This valley is so wildly romantic it tugs at your heart strings. You won’t want to leave.