The village of 100 souls that produced the father of modern skiing

Stuben am Arlberg has 100 permanent residents and one of skiing's greatest stories. Hannes Schneider was born here in 1890, son of a farmer. He invented the stem turn, founded Austria's first ski school, starred in 15 films with Leni Riefenstahl, was arrested by Nazis in 1938, and escaped on the Queen Mary to a hero's welcome in New Hampshire. His bronze monument stands in the village, and Hotel Mondschein's 17th-century wine cellar awaits.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Pay Respects at Schneider's Bronze Monument History · Free

   Hannes Schneider (1890-1955) was born in this village of 100 souls to a farmer who kept the Arlberg Pass open in winter, invented the stem turn, founded Austria's first ski school (1921), starred in "Der weisse Rausch" with Leni Riefenstahl (1931), was arrested by Nazis (1938), and escaped on the Queen Mary to a hero's welcome in New Hampshire. The bronze statue by artist Udo Rabensteiner erected in 2012 stands in the village center of Stuben am Arlberg near the church. Ski or drive to Stuben, stand at the monument, read the plaque, and consider that this village of 100 people produced the man who made skiing accessible to millions.

   Backup: If conditions are poor, the monument area is accessible by cleared path from the road.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Descend Into a 17th-Century Wine Cellar Wine · Price: high

   Hotel Mondschein was established in 1739, but the foundations and wine cellar date to the 17th century — the vaulted candlelit cellar holds one of the Alps' most impressive large-format Bordeaux collections. Chef Joshua Leise offers an 8-course tasting menu with cellar pairings in this historic setting where the 1739 tiled stove in the Alte Gaststube still works. Book the wine cellar experience at Hotel Mondschein, Stuben village center (+43 5582 761), or simply reserve dinner and ask for a cellar tour through the historic "Alte Gaststube" dining room entrance.

   Backup: If the formal experience is unavailable, champagne receptions in the cellar run most evenings.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Toast Schneider at His Namesake Bar Wine · Price: low · Optional

   The Après Post Hotel has stood here for 500+ years, making it one of the Arlberg's oldest inns, and the Hannes Schneider Bar (separate entrance from hotel, main street of Stuben) serves Austrian wines with views of Schneider's monument across the street. After the cellar experience, walk 30 meters to the bar, order Grüner Veltliner, and look out the window at the statue of Stuben's famous son who revolutionized skiing for the world.

   Backup: If the bar is closed or full, the hotel's south-facing sun terrace serves the same wine list with mountain views.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• Hotel Mondschein (1739) has a 17th-century candlelit cellar with large-format Bordeaux

• Exceptional snow conditions - weather comes from west down Klöstertal Valley

• The Hannes Schneider Bar at Après Post Hotel is named in his honor