#4: Eugen Scalet - The MooserWirt - World’s Best Aprés Ski Party Destination in the European Alps
Austria has the best aprés ski culture. And the MooserWirt in St. Anton, Tirol is probably the most legendary aprés ski bar in the Alps. It is beloved by those in the know, from normal vacationers, to celebrities, to professional skiers. Since the 1980s, Eugen Scalet and his wife, Anna Maria, have distinguished themselves as true trailblazers.
Are you looking for the best aprés ski party during your ski holiday? Set within one of the largest and most beautiful ski resorts on the planet, the MooserWirt has you covered.
YouTube version of Episode 4: Eugen Scalet and the MooserWirt
Eugen Scalet
and the MooserWirt: Probably the Baddest Aprés Ski Party 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
