Latest News
St Anton am Arlberg... a few more facts for you!
Date: 26/07/2010
Longest downhill run: Vallugagrat - Ulmer Hutte - St.Anton = 10.2km or 6.3miles
Total number of lifts in Arlberg ski area: 84
Transport capacity of the 84 lifts per hour: 123 014 persons
With the resort of St Anton lying at an altitude of 4290 feet(1300m) and St Christoph at 5905 feet(1800m) both offer the skiing enthusiast a top on health. Anyone breathing in the oxygen rich alpine air between 4290 feet and 9240 feet is deriving the full benefit of both a physical and general well-being. The reason for this is that the mountain air has a efficacious effect on your entire body, and in particular your lungs and cardiovascular system.
Happy and healthy days for all!!!
Corfu - Stunning summer villa for rent near St Stephano with Annabel as your private chef
Date: 30/06/2010
Perched high amongst the olive groves above St Stephano and Kassiopi is the beautiful House on the Hill. The house exudes calm and tranquillity, with unbeatable views across the Mediterranean and over the blue mountains to Albania. Originally an old bake house, it has been lovingly restored and renovated to a very high standard, with gorgeous trimmings from around the world - Morrocan tents and lanterns, rustic French linen and fabrics and a wonderful mix of natural materials.
Some of you may know, I was very fortunate to have cooked in The House on the Hill for 2 weeks last summer and I have been invited back this year by the owners as the chef in residence. It is an absolute joy for me, as amongst the 4 acre garden there are wonderful tomatoes, beans, aubergines, courgettes, green peppers and basil, which somehow break through the red hard soil and burst into colour and flavour in the hot summer sun. Lunches and dinners are Mediterranean in style, with lots of plates of fresh salads and grilled vegetables, whole fish, bbq's and apparently this year I am being taught how to use the family's wood burning pizza oven...which was the old baking oven.
There are still a few weeks in August available and now is the time to book this unique summer escape... Call either Jason or myself on 07954 357443 for further information and available weeks.
St Anton am Arlberg... a few facts for you!
Date: 23/06/2010
Valley Altitude: 1304m
Number of full time residents: 2680
Average Annual Snowfall: 7 meters
Host to the World Famous Ski Club Arlberg: In 1901, six enthusiastic locals skied from St Anton to St Christoph and ended up at the notorious "Hospiz". After plenty of Gluehwein and Schnapps they founded one of the first official Ski Clubs in the Alps. At present the SCA has over 7000 members from 46 nations.
Thank you for joining the Evolution...
Date: 13/05/2010
It was three years ago that both Annabel and I decided to form Alpine Evolution. Three wonderful years that have passed us by and three brilliant years that have been filled with good times, great memories and loads of laughter…
Looking back over the season that has been (2009/2010) and taking everything into account we find ourselves fortunate to have had such an amazing season. In part there was and hopefully always will be those epic days we all shared on the mountain together and for the other…our guests. Our guests, our friends who brought so much life to the Gertrud Gabl and added their own stories to the chapters of our time in St.Anton. Guests both old and new whose support and encouragement have added to the overall success of our season. To you all…a massive thank you, and we hope that you will continue to join us in the years to come.
We would also like to thank all of the respective Ski Agencies for a job well done and for all that they have done for us in the past and the present, we really appreciate all you hard your work.
Looking ahead we are both really excited about the future of Alpine Evolution. Our portfolio of chalets in St.Anton is set to grow as we are taking on a smaller six person chalet, “Der Alte Stadle”, to run alongside our flagship chalet, “The Gertrud Gabl” for the 2010/2011 winter season. We have decided to take our expansion slow and keep any new properties small as we do not want to loose sight of what our guests really need and what our company is really about. We are and always will be committed to providing all of our guests with a personal, honest and flexible service which we feel is an essential part of any ski holiday. We continue to build on our product and level of service and take to heart all of the suggestions that have been put forward to us by some of those who have stayed. We are always looking to offer something new and fresh in the luxury chalet industry.
We are at present busy building new webpages on to our site to incorporate the new chalet which we hope will be finalised by the beginning of June. Should any of you like to know of its availability and pricing before hand please feel free to contact us at any time. As for the Gertrud Gabl, availability and prices for the winter season ahead can also be found on our current website.
In closing we would like to wish everyone a fantastic summer and look forward to seeing you all in the winter ski season ahead…go on…immerse yourself in our hospitality, immerse yourself in Alpine Evolution!
Rendl home run - covered in snow for Easter
Date: 05/04/2010
After a spate of warm weather two weeks ago, a cold front has moved in and covered the resort once more in a blanket of white. Last week the tempuratures plumeted and brought snow almost every night and blue skies during the day. The skiing was excellent, and the pistes in very good condition - especially on the top of Schindler. Today we have 15cm of fresh snow in the village and 40cm up top... Just as Jason thought he had finally put the chains away for the winter!
We still have some rooms left this week, so for anyone looking to get a weekend break in from the 8th - 11th April, give us a ring or send us an e mail...
The next step in the Evolution... "Der Alte Stadl" a cosy 6 person chalet for 2010/2011
Date: 18/02/2010
Annabel and Jason are proud to introduce our latest edition to Alpine Evolution. The following winter season, 2010/2011, will see a newly converted and luxurious 6 person chalet in our program. The chalet, known as the "Alte Stadl" (The Old Barn), was part of an old dairy farm which has recently been renovated to a very high standard. We have been looking for an addition to the established Chalet Gertrud Gabl for a while now, and this chalet certainly ticks all our boxes.
The chalet continues to follow a contemporary blend of old and new, with plenty of space to relax and put your feet up. The 3 bedrooms, all of which are en-suite, are a good size and will offer a very comfortable night\'s sleep. The open plan living and dining area, with a modern fire place, will allow our guests time to enjoy the comfort and fine cuisine that is very much a part of Alpine Evolution. The chalet is perfect for either a family or a small group of friends.
Please continue to follow our latest news for more information on the continuing Evolution. Bookings are now being taken and can be made direct. Either call us on 0043 664 4460966 or e mail info@alpine-evolution.com.
Go on... Immerse Yourself!
Guest Comment 31/01/2010 - 07/02/2010
Date: 09/02/2010
Back again to Chalet Gertrud Gabl, and once more a truly amazing holiday, you guys are without a doubt the best in the business - hope to see you again soon!
Mr Will Carnwath
Guest comments 20/12/09 - 27/12/09
Date: 11/01/2010
Thanks for giving us such a fantastic Christmas on the slopes. The food, the service and the chalet are all superb and your attention to detail is fantastic. We will spread the word about Alpine Evolution and sign us up for a copy of Annabel's cook book when it comes out!
Mr and Mrs T Allen
Happy New Year from St. Anton!
Date: 02/01/2010
Well another decade is upon us and 2010 has become a reality...
We would like to wish all of our families, friends and clients both old and new a very happy and prosperous New Year. May it be a year full of smiles, laughter and awesome snow for you all.
We look forward to seeing you all again very soon in the Arlberg...
P.S: Another day of fresh snow is upon us!!!
St.Anton winter in full swing!!!
Date: 29/12/2009
As the snow falls gently in the resort and everyone is preparing for the New Year, we thought it would be good to look back to the start of the season and share with you the events that have been.
A late start to the winter saw St.Anton able to complete the new Rendl Station. An inspiring lift system that can only add to the development of St.Anton as one of Europe's leading resorts. Its new position allows for all to move between the two main ski areas of St.Anton with ease and more importantly without the hassle of a short bus ride to and from the lift...yes that is right both of the main lift stations are within easy walking distance of each other. The design itself allows for comfort and efficiency with the new 8-seater cabins being able to transport 2000 people per hour to the 2030 metre top station. Your mere 8 minute journey to the top will be even more comfortable and not so chilly as all of the cabins have been fitted with heated seats. A new look top station with restaurants and bar are all part of the new Rendl experience and not forgetting too that they have increased the snow making capabilities by 200%. Rendl here I come!!!
Early December saw the Christmas market bring the pedestrian zone to life. As the smell of Christmas cookies and Gluwien filled the air both local and visitor alike braved the evening chill to mark the start of the holidays and another winter season. The highlight of the market had to be the parade of the "Krampusse" or Christmas devils which is a true spectacle to be seen...perhaps not for the faint hearted!
The famous "Mooserwirt" played host to the RTL production of this year's winter Apres-Ski hits compilation. Visitors were given a taste of what sounds are going to be filling the dance floors of all Apres-Ski venues this season and were not left disappointed as they were treated to a two day spectacle.
December has also seen its fair share of fresh snow which always puts a smile on everyone's face. Continual light dustings and some heavier snow falls have given many the chance to grab some powder and just enjoy themselves. We were also very fortunate to have the snow falling as we ripped open our pressies under the Christmas tree and celebrated the 25th with a glass of Champagne in hand. With more snow forecast I am hoping that we will have an epic snow season ahead and endless powder days to put a smile on the dial.
And now all that is left are the New Year preparaitons...gluwien to be made, fireworks to be bought and Champagne put on ice ready for one and all to see in the new year...2010 look out!!!
The Times Chalet Chef 2010 FINALIST
Date: 17/11/2009
Alpine Evolution were extremely proud to have got through to the finals of the first ever 'Times Chalet Chef' competition. Over 50 chalet companies were nominated and over 500 votes made. On Monday Annabel headed down to Food at 52 in London to compete in a cook-off against the two other 'high end' short listed companies. We had to prepare a canapé (goats cheese and basil with cherry tomatoes on a pastry round), main course (marinated lamb chops with dauphinoise potatoes, kale and roasted baby carrots and a redcurrant and red wine sauce), children’s spaghetti bolognaise and a cake (apple, cranberry and cinnamon oatcakes) for under £30.
The day was hectic but fun, with 6 chalet chefs all cooking around one kitchen table, with our own chopping board and camping gas stove - sharing everything from oven space, potatoes, red wine and redcurrant jelly. It was also nice to see the other 5 finalists (including 3 'mass market' companies) were all single resort specialists. It was great to have a competition high-lighting the changing ethos of food in chalets these days, with fresh produce and a balanced diet at the forefront of peoples minds. Many thanks for those of you who nominated us, and you'll be able to see our beautiful trophy in the Gertrud Gabl when you come and stay!
Heavy early season snowfall turns St Anton white again
Date: 14/10/2009
Over the past two days, the beautiful colours of autumn have vanished and St Anton is white once more. We have had at least 20cm of snow in the village, with an estimate of 60cm of fresh snow up top. The temperatures have also plumeted, with an average daily record of minus 7 and the nights are as low as minus 15.
Although this snow will not last right through until the 27th November, which is when the lifts open, it does mean that the ground has begun to freeze. This means that any subsequent snowfalls should begin to make a base layer.
It's cold work though for all those on the buiding sites and the new Rendlbahn who are still working outside, getting everything finished before the official start of winter. The Rendlbahn has come on leaps and bounds, with the first gondolas up and running already. The mystery now is how the ski piste will bridge the road, but I am sure all will be revealed soon, and we'll let you know as soon as we find out ourselves...
The Gore-Tex Transalpine-Run passes through St Anton on their way from Lech to Galtur
Date: 07/09/2009
The annual Transalpine Marathon from Oberstdorf in Germany to Latsch in Italy passed through St Anton on Sunday. The race, which was invented 5 years ago, comprises of 241 teams of 2. It is spread over 8 days and was based on retracing Hannibal's footsteps accross the Alps. In total it is 240kms long and covers a vertical elevation gain of 14,000m as well as a 1 day sprint.
The Sunday leg (the 2nd day) was from Lech to St Anton and included 2 hard ascents as well as 2 fairly difficult descents. The 3rd leg is from St Anton, up Rendl and through the Moostal valley, to Galtur. The day will cover a cumulative vertical ascent of 2437m over 32.97kms.
It was a truely spectacular sight to see the competitors at the finish line, many still in good spirits and to try to comprehend the sublimity of this race. The pedestrian zone in St Anton was filled with massage tables, deck chairs and food stalls to aid the runners at the end of their tough day. Many were bathing in the street's fresh water fountains, attempting to cool off from the summer heat. For more information on this immense run, and to see results visit www.transalpine-run.com.
Say good bye to the yellow 70's Rendlbahn and hello to a new suped-up, high tech, direct from the centre of St Anton version
Date: 02/09/2009
The major development over the summer in St Anton this year has been the demolition and reconstruction of the Rendlbahn. The iconic yellow bubbles were taken off their cables as soon as the last of the pistes closed, and are now selling for €400 a pop if anyone is interested in a little souvenir. The last of the old pylons have now finally been removed, and the new ones have gone up in their place. For those of you familiar with St Anton, the new bahn will be very similar to the Nassereinbahn.
The idea behind the overhaul was not only to modernise the gondola and therefore allow more people up the mountain, but also to eliminate the short bus journey or 'pulley' system and various travelators. They have reworked the west side of St Anton and replaced the West bus terminal with the new Rendl station. You will now be able to ski straight down from the Mooswerwirt, past Galzig and across to the Rendlbahn and away you go.
The piste is also set to be diverted so that is finishes near the bottom of the station. We will be keeping you updated with more photos and news on the progress - only 3 more months to go before its open!
Guest Comment 12 - 19th April 2009
Date: 01/05/2009
It's been a fantastic holiday, partly the skiing but mostly the great service you guys have given. We've been thoroughly spoilt. The food was great, Annabel - you are really talented. Jason - you looked after us so well, great advice on the mountain hotspots and introducing us to Kaiserschmarn. Thank you for everything.
Mr J and Mrs S Hewson
Guest comments 1st - 8th February 2009
Date: 10/03/2009
Everything was perfect; you looked after all our needs and numerous requests, always with a smile. Food delicious - Jason your willingness to pick us up whenever we called was so marvelous. You made our week so memorable and enjoyable! You are a class act!
Mr J and Mrs A Moss
Guest comments 28th December - 4th January 2009
Date: 09/01/2009
Huge Thank you's once again for your wonderful hospitality. Nothing is ever too much trouble for you - what a unique team you are!! New Years Eve was fantastic, what happy memories we will take home with us. Incredible cuisine once again, thank you Annabel. Beautifully clean rooms, reliable and ALWAYS smiling ferrying from Jason. I could go on and on. The fact that we are back in March speaks for itself.
Mrs L George (UK)
Why skiing pre-Christmas in St Anton is amazing...
Date: 02/12/2008
Private chef for hire... contact Annabel on 07954 357 443
Date: 02/06/2008
During the summer months the Alpine Evolution team are starting new adventures of their own as well as responding to enquiries, keeping you up to date with the happenings of St Anton and Chalet Gertrud Gabl and preparing for the next season ahead.
Jason is going back to South Africa for 2 months to help his father build a camp for children in the Ixopo area. He's heading in for winter (again) but is really excited about the challenge which will entail building accommodation, tending to the vegetable patch, breaking in horses (a new experience) and damming rivers.
Annabel is returning to the Uk to work as a private caterer. These jobs will include cooking for winter guests in their holiday home in France and outside catering events. If you need a chef for any occassion during the summer - for private dinner parties, holiday catering, picnics, preserves, shoots or anything to do with catering please call her on 07954 357 443 or email info@alpine-evolution.com.
Moonlight hike on Christmas Eve
Date: 25/12/2007
As Christmas Eve turned into Christmas Day dawned we were lucky enough to have a perfect full moon and take the opportunity to hike up the piste from St Christoph to Galzig to celebrate Christmas Day at the top, under the stars with 360 degree views of the Arlberg mountains.
Never before has the moonlight hike been so beautiful, with no one else there (except 2 Canadians who were very jealous of our camping stove and gluwein as they huddled over a Jaegermeister and beer) and it was especially wonderful to be hiking up on Christmas Eve and get to the top just after midnight.
At 1.15am we were pretty thankful to get back to a warm and cosy chalet, tired, frozen yet exhilerated and feeling very much alive!
Introducing Chalet Gertrud Gabl
Date: 06/12/2007
For those of you who have been patiently waiting for photos of Chalet Gertud Gabl, we are so pleased to finally show them to you. The chalet looks gorgeous, and the views are just magnificent. Especially on a day like this!
Have a look at our gallery page for some more...
A brief enlightenment on the splendour of snow
Date: 29/09/2007
This is an extract from an article 'Deep Thoughts about the Deep' by Leslie Anthony in Powder Magazine September 2007. To me it somehow puts in to words the majestical awe of snow and the power it has to transform the world into an endless winter playground...
"Few things compare to walking through falling snow, except perhaps skiing through it. Something about tumbling flakes draws you out, teases the Id into consciousness. You're aware of a hovering desire to do something, derive engagement from the gathering medium, to be part of this transformation. At the same time this new and subtle beauty seems to steer your attention from mundane concerns and make fast the moment. A paradox in which tracings of the surrounding world are suddenly more apparent only because they've disappeared, replaced by an entirely new iconography: the intricate patterns of footfalls; flakes fluttering and swirling around corners;corniced constructs of driven snow; mounds bowing over gnarled branches;... drooping hats adorning posts; the cold, fresh, unfathomable smell; pervasive quiet worn like a shroud on a land where every angle is curved, every curve flattened, and every flatness mute."
The Farmer's festival
Date: 15/09/2007
Last Saturday was the day the animals came down from the rich summer pastures, to be tucked up cosy and warm for the winter. With all the cold weather recently the parade wasnt as large as it sometimes is, as many of the sheep and cattle had come down early. The day is really a celebration for the animals of St Anton, and the most productive cattle are adorned with the largest bells and decorative head-dresses.
Summer in St Anton
Date: 09/07/2007
People often ask us, “…what is there to do in St Anton in the summer??” assuming that the town shuts down once the last of the snow has melted away.... here are a just few options:
The summer season is from the last week in June through to mid September. The best months to visit are June and July as the wild flowers are in all their glory. From far away, the fields appear velvety green and it is not until you get close up that you are able see the incredible array of colours.
There are dozens of marked walking trails, ranging from the Sonnenweg which is a lovely meander through the forest where wild fruit is abundant, to more intense routes such as Leutkirche and Darmstatter. On most walks in the Arlberg area, you stumble across an Alm or two, which are open for coffee, cake, plates of fresh speck or Alm cheese. A number of walks follow rivers as they snake through the valleys, and they are a good spot to fill up on pure mountain drinking water.
Lech is also a gorgeous place to walk in the summer, and an area which we are only just beginning to discover for ourselves. The hills are gentle, and you can walk from village to village, past lakes and beautiful dairies, simply taking in the tranquillity of the mountains.
Mountain biking is a fun, fast and rewarding way to see the area. There are numerous tracks, around lakes, through the woods and plenty of downhills (as well as the uphills – naturally!) to feed the adrenaline junkies. The biking scene is becoming more popular here, and they now allow you to take your bike up Rendl gondola. The ultimate challenge in the summer, is the 42km bike marathon which starts in town, then up to Putzenalpe, Gampen, Verwall, Sattlekopf, Rendl and finishes by the swimming pool. There are plenty of places in St Anton to rent bikes.
If you are into rock climbing, there are some bolted routes in Schnann, an easy bike ride from St Anton. They are situated at the mouth of a gorge and vary from 5a to 8c (French grading). It’s a good place to learn.
Lazing by a swimming pool is also a great way to spend a day in the mountains. The views are to die for, and you can dose off listening to the dingling of cow bells and the whistles of Marmottes. There are outdoor pools in St Anton, Lech, Klosterle and Stuben.
Summer, I think, is one of the most spectacular times of year to be in the mountains. Doing sport, in fresh mountain air, surrounded by stunning scenery, can only add to the feel good factor. And it’s great to discover valleys, lakes, rivers and forests you would never imagine were there in the winter.
This season's jam production is under way...
Date: 14/06/2007
With all the warm weather and afternoon showers we are having at the moment, there is plenty of fresh fruit. Here in Tyrol in the summer, there are strawberries, rhubarb, elderflower, wild chives (in Happy Valley), wild raspberries and blueberries (secret location!) and chanterelles. In South Tyrol there is mile after mile of Golden Delicious orchards and cherry trees by the road side.
The Alpine Evolution team have been hard at work making jams such as Strawberry, Strawberry and Vanilla, Rhubarb and Ginger and Apple, Cherry and Elderflower. In chalet Gertrud Gabl, these will be served alongside fresh bread and croissants to kick start your day! They are equally delicious spooned over a bowl of Homemade muesli and natural yoghurt...
Alpine Evolution goes live!
Date: 21/05/2007
Welcome to our website... This has been an incredible work in progress and we really hope that you enjoy mousing through the text and images to get a feel of what Alpine Evolution is all about... We are an independant chalet comapny working solely in St Anton, in an envrionment we feel passionate about, to provide people with what we believe will be a fantastic chalet holiday.
Date: 14/04/2007
The official launch party of Alpine Evolution at the top of Valluga 2!