British ski champion Konrad Bartelski on his favourite ski resort St Anton which holds a close place in his heart. Champion Konrad still holds the record for achieving Britain's best ever finish in a World Cup race after he took second place on Val Gardena's infamous Saslong piste in 1981. Even though the Italian resort is still close to his heart, Konrad would always head to the Austrian resort of St Anton for a perfect day on the slopes. Here he talks with Clare Meaney, journalist at Skier and Snowboarder Magazine just for us about his love of St Anton, skiing and the camaraderie and also the time out the mountains give him.
My Perfect Day
is one where the snow has fallen overnight, covering the mountains as thick and as soft as a fluffy down duvet, while the mist is still hovering around in the village. And with a small group of like minded friends, we head out in the footsteps of a trusted and knowledgeable mountain guide through the slopes of St Anton.
Of all the ski resorts, why have you chosen St Anton?
If there was only one ski resort I could ski in the world, I would have to choose St Anton, because it is such a multi-faceted diamond, with so many hidden gems that one can only find with the guidance of those who have spent most of their lives there. It is a place where, even when it hasn't snowed in months, it is still possible to find a hidden stash of untouched snow.
Which is your favourite run in St Anton and why?
My favourite run is the new one that somehow each year I always seem to find. Another route or another hidden valley to explore. Because to get the best out of skiing in the Arlberg, I choose to ski with those who have the magical keys to the "Secret Garden."
What kind of place do you stay in?
I love the history and charm of the Reselehof in Nasserein, or there are the wonderfully relaxing facilities of the Mountain Spa Residences, although over the Arlberg Pass in Stüben, the Chesa-Lavadina is such an oasis from the insanity of the digital age, where I can immerse myself in the tranquility of the mountainous landscape.
Do you have the kind of breakfast that will get you ready for the day?
Nothing better than a couple of slices of the delicious Austrian bread with a couple of poached eggs, fresh juice and a strong espresso. The Austrians are master bakers and there are so many wonderful varieties to choose from.
Does St Anton have somewhere special for lunch?
So many different and good places to choose from, et the "gemütlicheit" (Austrian word without a literal translation) of the Hospiz Alm in St Christoph, never fails to impress.
Where would you go for apres ski?
St Anton is never short of nightlife, yet nothing beats a few beers and live music in the Underground. Personally après ski here with good friends is the best way to end a day playing in the White Room.
You’re renowned for your incredible photography. Has it always been your passion?
Since I was a kid I have always sought to capture a unique or vibrant moment and the more I look around, the more I seem to find. I just love surprising myself how we are privileged to live on such a remarkably stunning planet; just a shame seeing the contempt so many have for the place that gives them life.
Is there a particular kind of person who would buy your photography?
That is a tough question to answer because everyone sees things differently, yet the common thread I hear from my customers is that in my images they can feel there is a true sense of the evocative and seductive nature of the winter landscape.
Is there a run in St Anton that you would recommend to beginners?
I wouldn't say St Anton itself is the best place for beginners, I would always recommend beginners choose to take their first days on the slopes of a small quiet village, where they can better settle into the huge pleasure of being in the mountains.
What advice would you give to our ladies when they first start to ski?
I would always advise doing a ski school with like minded people so you can all share the fun and excitement at your own speed and with your own space. Skiing should not be about completion or a race down the mountain, you can have a huge smile on your face standing still at the top of a mountain and just looking around. The best skiers are the ones with the biggest smiles.
