Community Projects in the Mountains

Despite its proximity to the busy Brenner Pass, the Valsertal Valley – a side valley branching off the larger Wipptal Valley – is a haven of peace and quiet far from the crowds of tourists. However, a decrease in mountain farming activity in recent decades means that the valley's idyllic landscape of mountain meadows, pastures and forests is today under threat. Therefore, the associaiton "Schule der Alm" was founded a few years ago with the aim of helping local farmers keep the landscape in the valley under control and looking as beautiful as it always has. During the summer months a team of volunteers help locals with the important task of harvesting grass for hay while learning all about life in the mountains.

The volunteer platform "Team Karwendel" organises several projects per year for people keen to help out with important tasks in the beautiful Karwendel Nature Park. Jobs include tending to pastures and meadows, cleaning natural ponds, repairing fences in the Großer Ahornboden and Kleiner Ahornboden with their centuries-old sycamore trees, as well as cutting back mountain pine shrubs. Each projects lasts several days. Volunteers receive free food and accommodation in a hut.

During the summer months there are a number of environmental projects going on throughout Tirol run by the Austrian Alpine Club and its youth branch. Volunteers are invited to spend around a week planting trees and repairing trails as well as helping farmers with taks like mowing meadows and clearing pastures of stones. Food and accommodation are provided free of charge. Different age requirements apply.

During peak periods in summer there is often so much to do on mountain farms in Tirol that farmers and their families need extra support. This is where the volunteer projects run by the Maschinenring organisation come into play. Every year they pair up farms in North Tirol and East Tirol with volunteers keen to help out. Jobs include making hay, mucking out the stables, helping with tasks in the farmhouse and childcare activities. Food and accommodation are provided free of charge.

The idyllic Gschnitztal Valley to the south of Innsbruck invites guests to help with one of the most important tasks in the mountains while at the same time learning about the history and culture of the Stubai Alps. Under the guidance of local farmers, volunteers taking part in the project "Tirol ganz echt" head into the high pastures for two days to clear the meadows of shrubs and dwarf pines without damaging the roots. This annual process, known as "Schwenden", is an important element in maintaining Tirol's natural landscape. At lunchtime there is a break with a hearty meal. Sessions can be booked with or without accommodation in Gschnitz or Trins.