“The fascinating thing about the Valluga peak is that it is the highest point in our resort. It is pretty tough – not everyone can ski down there. You need a head for heights and, in order to even ride the gondola to the top, you have to be accompanied by a qualified ski or mountain guide. The guide is responsible for the group and has to tell us how many people they are taking up onto the mountain. At the top there are two options: Valluga North and Valluga West. Valluga North is for experts only – there are some very exposed sections followed by a long, wide slope. Last year I was lucky enough on two occasions to carve the first tracks down the Valluga North after fresh snowfall. That’s a pretty cool experience.

If you grow up being outdoors a lot and doing sport then it is something you need in life, including in your job. I couldn’t imagine working in an office. Even on my days off I like to go skiing. If the conditions are good then I just have to be outdoors. To be honest, I get butterflies in my stomach just when I imagine where I could be skiing at that moment in time.”

Patrick Bätz, Ski guide

Born and raised in St. Anton, Patrick Bätz initially wanted to be a ski racer and later a professional golfer. Despite working hard to achieve both goals, a slipped disc put an end to those ambitions – but didn’t stop the 26 year-old becoming a fully qualified ski guide and off-piste guide with the Skischule Arlberg, a job Patrick loves.