Gustav Thöni’s home at King Ortles’ feet
The Hotel Bella Vista is located in a little and gracious village called Trafoi, on the northern ramp of the Stelvio Pass, surrounded by the highest and most beautiful mountains of South Tyrol: Ortles, Gran Zebrù and Madaccio rise their peaks into the sky by far over 3000 m.
Even quite famous people like Sigmund Freud, Stefan Zweig, Giuseppe Verdi, members of the royal family of Habsburg and artists spent their holidays in Trafoi during the Belle Époque, enjoying the “bella vista”, the stunning view and landscape. Nonetheless the Hotel Bella Vista is best known because of Gustav Thöni: the legendary Italian ski racer who transformed his house of birth in a cosy and beautiful hotel, ideal for stressed and tired people looking for some quiet and relaxing holidays.
Today the historic hotel stands out in its beautiful alpine style with a mix of modern and traditional elements which create an unique and delightful atmosphere. The new lounge at the entrance is the heart of the hotel: an open fire place creates a welcoming ambiance ideal for reading the books of the hotel library, having some drinks or even to challenge your parents and friends playing “Rumpler”… you’ll find the suitable activity for you. Every once a while a member of the Thöni family stops by to have a chat, caring heartily about their guests. Sometimes even Gustav itself enjoys telling some anecdotes about his career as an alpine ski racer, guiding fascinated fans through the ski-gallery which contains all the milestones of Gustav’s life on skiers: old pictures, articles, medals, cups… this marvelous collection of memorabilia helps to retrace the old and unforgettable days when Gustav’s success was fascinating millions of fans and making ski-history.
Time seems to stand still in Trafoi, so you get the feeling to smell the same brisk air as Gustav did when he grew up surrounded by those impressive mountains. The Hotel Bella Vista is a family friendly hotel: children are very welcome to really let themselves go on the playground or to practice skiing just 100 m in front of the hotel while their parents enjoy well-deserved time off. The hotel expert childcare looks after your kids all day long six days a week and even dinner is more child-friendly! Kiddy-dinner is served about 6 o’clock in the traditional dining room while parents dine later in the recently build dining room… for some romantic moments in togetherness. The new dining room combines typical South Tyrolean delicacies with a spectacular view on the glaciers and mountains of the Stelvio National Park. You get the same view from the sun-terrace and the new and spacious rooms. Whether summer or not, let the sun shine in!
You get even more sun in the ski area of Trafoi nearby. An old ski-lift takes passionate skiers, snowboarders and hikers far away from mass tourism revealing an untouched nature with snowy peaks and glittery snow packed landscape. Skiing becomes even a more memorable experience when Gustav Thöni is in the lead: two times a week Gustav organizes a ski-day for all enthusiasts who want to get some tips and tricks from the champion himself. The Hotel Bella Vista offers even snowshoe hikes and excursions for those people who want a smooth day but still want to get outdoors. You might even take part in the night snowshoe hike guided by Gustav’s son-in-law Stephan: equipped with headlamps and some adventure spirit you’ll hike into the dark night and… you should better try and see by yourself what happens!
The 360° view of the surrounding peaks is even more spectacular in summer. The Forcola refuge at the top of the ski-lift is starting point of many hiking tours. The hotel Bella Vista is specialized in hiking and is member of the Europa Wanderhotels. Gustav Thöni, his daughters Petra and Susanne and his son-in-law Stephan are qualified guides and will show you the most beautiful peaks and spots in Trafoi and the Val Venosta. For that purpose the Thöni-family has created a special map with lots of excursions and proposals for any level of difficulty to match everyone’s wish. If you’d like to discover the Val Venosta with your family by bike just ask Ingrid, Gustav’s wife: she won’t take you on a boring tour on asphalt… there’s so much more to see!
The Hotel Bella Vista and Trafoi are considered to be energetic spots. A particular spot is the sanctuary Tre Fontane Sacre (three holy fountains) not far from Trafoi: the water pouring from those fountains has some benefic properties. Believe it or not but the Hotel Bella Vista is good for body and soul… it’s the place where the magic happens!
Gallery
