Drink with a living ski legend in his trophy room

Karl Schranz is a living ski legend - 2x World Cup champion (1969-70), Austrian sporting icon, and the man controversially banned from the 1972 Olympics. His hotel's bar displays his World Cup globes, alongside photos with Audrey Hepburn, Jean-Claude Killy, and Queen Elizabeth II. Schranz himself often mingles with guests. His wife and daughters run the hotel; the fireplace crackles; the wine is Austrian.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Stand Before the World Cup Globes History · Free

   Main bar of Hotel Karl Schranz, village center. Karl Schranz's two World Cup overall globes (1969, 1970) sit in a massive display case surrounded by medals, trophies, and photographs of Audrey Hepburn, Queen Elizabeth II, Jean-Claude Killy. These aren't museum reproductions—these are his actual globes. Enter the hotel bar, approach the display respectfully, read the plaques. This is where a living legend keeps his life's work.

   Backup: If the bar is closed, the lobby has additional memorabilia and photos.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Order Wine by the Fireplace Wine · Price: moderate

   The fireplace area of the hotel bar—stake your claim early in the evening. Ask for a Blaufränkisch from Burgenland, the local red that pairs with alpine cuisine. Tell the bartender you came to see Schranz memorabilia and they'll share stories. The fireplace creates genuine Tyrolean atmosphere while you're surrounded by the trophies of Austria's greatest skier.

   Backup: If fireplace seats are taken, the bar stools near the trophy case offer the best view of the globes.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Meet the Legend (If Fate Allows) History · Free · Optional

   Karl Schranz, now in his 80s, often walks through the bar around 5-7pm where guests gather. His wife Evelyn and daughters Anna, Christiane, and Kathi manage the hotel and may facilitate introductions. Be present around 5:30pm but don't chase—let it happen naturally. If he appears, show respect first, buy a round for nearby guests in his honor. If conversation develops, ask about the Hahnenkamm, not the 1972 Olympics. Even if Schranz doesn't appear, the staff share stories freely about his favorite wine and racing memories.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• Schranz often appears in the bar around 5-6pm in winter

• The trophy case with his World Cup globes is the centerpiece - pay respects

• Ask staff about the 1972 Olympics controversy - they know the real story