Who was Luis Trenker?
A name, a mountain world, and a little story that accompanies you in our bathrooms every morning.
Perhaps you have already noticed it: after a day on the slopes or a hike in the Ötztal Alps, you will find a small bottle with a special name in the bathroom of your apartment: Luis Trenker.
A name that evokes mountains. South Tyrol, traditional loden cloth, and a time when the Alps were explored with ropes, skis, and sturdy footwear.
But who exactly was Luis Trenker?
Behind the name was an extraordinary personality – mountain guide, architect, Olympic athlete, actor, director, and author. Above all, however, he was a passionate mountaineer. And that is precisely why his story fits so well with a stay at Chalet Obergurgl – Luxury Apartments.
A Life Between Mountains and Film
Luis Trenker was born in 1892 in Ortisei, Val Gardena. The Dolomites were his home – and as a young man, he worked as a mountain guide and ski instructor.
After studying architecture, he initially moved to Bolzano. But before long, film became part of his life as well. What began as alpine consulting for director Arnold Fanck developed into a second career.
Trenker appeared in front of the camera, directed films, wrote screenplays, and produced his own movies. Films such as Mountains on Fire, The Prodigal Son, and The Mountain Calls made him famous far beyond the Alps.
For Trenker, the mountains were never merely a backdrop. He knew them from personal experience – and that is precisely what gave his stories their distinctive authenticity.
- I don't agree with these rules. What can we do?
We know that not everybody will be happy with this decision. But we are convinced that there are more solutions than problems. We will certainly find one together.
- You certainly won't leave me out in the cold once I am there. I will just travel without any proof of vaccination or recovery to see what happens.
It might be unpopular, but we insist on having proof of vaccination or recovery. If need really be, we will leave you out in the cold. All other guests and all members of staff have presented their proof, too. We are not willing to risk another shutdown of our property because of 'isolated cases'.
Safety first is our guiding principle. And this is what we build on.
The “Wärmekammerl” – Wellness Before Wellness Was a Thing
One anecdote from Trenker’s life is particularly fitting for our hotel: after long days in the mountains, he is said to have warmed himself in his self-designed “Wärmekammerl” – his very own warming cabin, long before wellness became an integral part of a mountain holiday.
Apparently, Trenker already knew back then: after a long day in the mountains, taking time to recover is simply part of the experience.
And this is where the story becomes particularly special.
Our Luis Trenker “Wärmekammerl”
We, too, have a very special piece of Luis Trenker history: our infrared cabin is the limited Luis Trenker Edition 2.0 by Physiotherm.
Look closely and you will immediately notice the lovingly crafted details: on the outside, an old ski serves as the door handle; inside, you will find a characteristic element from Luis Trenker’s world – a handle made from his belt.
This transforms a modern infrared cabin into a small tribute to the man who made the mountains the centre of his life.
After a day on the slopes or in the mountains, soothing infrared warmth awaits. Perhaps followed by a visit to the Finnish sauna, the steam bath, or the heated indoor pool – and finally, back to your own apartment.
Experience the mountains. Enjoy the warmth. Feel at home.
Luis Trenker in the Bathroom
And the connection does not end with our infrared cabin.
The Luis Trenker personal care products are also part of our overall alpine experience. Together with the Bolzano-based Atelier Prima, a dedicated hotel cosmetics line was created, featuring hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, and body lotion.
Alpine herbs meet fresh, fruity notes – perfectly suited to a place where the mountain world begins right outside your door.
The Festkoglbahn cable car is just 150 metres from our chalet. A day outdoors, crisp mountain air, snow, and the Ötztal Alps’ three-thousand-metre peaks. Afterwards, warmth, tranquillity, and time for yourself.
Perhaps Luis Trenker would have understood this combination perfectly.
Because a perfect day in the mountains does not necessarily end at the summit.
It ends where you can truly arrive and feel at home again.
