#4: Eugen Scalet - The MooserWirt - World’s Best Aprés Ski Party Destination in the European Alps
Eugen Scalet, along with his wife, Anna Maria, revolutionized traditional Austrian aprés ski. This story begins in the late 1980s, when the Scalets opened their slope-side sheep barn to thirsty skiers. Today, the MooserWirt in St. Anton, Tirol is ground zero for one of the world's greatest parties.
Our conversation is wide-ranging. We discuss the MooserWirt's humble beginnings, DJ Gerhard's magical music formula that keeps the crowd thumping every day, the obligation to serve Wienerschnitzel even to fine diners (because it’s Austria), and the demands of carrying 50kg (110lbs) trays of beer and shots to thirsty skiers.
The MooserWirt's tagline is "Wahrscheinlich die schlechteste Skihütte am Arlberg". Translations are often tough. Technically, it's "Possibly the worst ski hut in the Arlberg” mountain region]. Colloquially, it is the most "bad-ass" ski party you'll ever experience.
If you like happy people and good vibes. If you like singing and dancing to rock and pop anthems in ski boots. If you don’t mind skiing or riding down the last 300 meters of slopes in the dark (after 4 hours of partying) towards the twinkling lights of a beautiful Tyrollean village. Then this place is meant for you.
LINKS
Interview with:
Eugen Scalet - (Interview with La Loupe)
Useful Links:
The MooserWirt
Mooser Hotel (****s)
Senn Hütte aprés ski
DJ Gerhard
Bries :: sweetbreads. Article by Anthony Bourdain: Eating the Best of the Rest, NYT, June 11, 2003
Kaiserschmarren (The Emperor's Pancake)
Adi Werner - Hospitz Hotel St. Christoph
Chateau Cheval Blanc
Tegernseer (Eugen's favorite beer, from the Tegernsee Monastery in Bavaria)
Gin in Germany: NYT Article
Monkey 47 (German Gin)
GinStr (honored as the world's best gin for G&T)
Nageln (Austrian nail drinking game)
Waiters at Mooserwirt - 110lbs trays of beer and shots: Here and Here
The Eisbär (Polar Bear) song
CNN Article: COVID has shuttered ski season in the alps - with one exception
Music:
SHOW NOTES
[05:10] What is the Mooserwirt?
[06:16] What is Austrian aprés ski?
[09:55] Testing the ideal time to end the party - closing when it’s full at 20:00
[12:00] Getting home in the dark
[18:00] Transitioning from farming to partying
[25:00] DJ Gerhard - from live band to party deity
[29:20] Legendary apres ski hits - the magic rotation
[33:03] A party for everyone
[36:36] Luxury - keeping quality high
[41:50] The Mooserwirt Hotel concept
[46:30] Austrian food and wine
[52:50] A wine lover
[1:01:00] Serving trays of 50 beers at a time - an outstanding staff
[1:10:50] A love of travel
[1:14:00] Continuing the legacy with the next generation
[1:15:10] You can’t do this in the United States
The Eat Drink Fun Podcast
The Eat Drink Fun(™) Podcast is hosted by Kris Miller, a Certified Sommelier, attorney, consultant, entrepreneur, and peripatetic nomad. Listen to interviews with top performers in the drinks, hospitality, and tourism industries, and learn about the best food, beverage and travel experiences in Europe and around the world. Planning a fun trip abroad? Want to get smart on the current wine or cocktail trends? Or just looking for a mental vacation from the crazy? Look no further.
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