Hosts & History – Hotel Sonnalp

Beginning.

Born in Ega and raised at an inn, he initially dedicated himself to agriculture. At that time, you hardly had a chance of surviving without your own farm. The young people emigrated, there were too few job opportunities at home, the valley became more and more deserted. Georg also turned his back on home, but not completely – he tried to find his fortune on the other side of the Latemar. In the 1960s, he ran a guesthouse and a hotel in Pozza di Fassa. There he gained his first experiences as a host, a passion began to grow. And with it a vision.

It was time for something to change.

Dreams of the future.

Obereggen needed a breath of fresh air. How, if not with a ski resort?
Five supporters become eleven.  Numerous talks and discussions followed, doubts arose – but giving up was not an option. Finally, any remaining scepticism was cleared: Obereggen’s location is ideal for a ski resort. Close to Bolzano, pistes in every directions and the possibility of a connection to the nearby Pampeago and Predazzo ski areas. After many hurdles both big and small, the time finally came. Together with eleven friends, Georg Weissensteiner founded the Obereggen lift company and the ski area of the same name.

Optimism.

The Oberholz lift was officially opened in 1973, followed by four more in 1975 – and with that another goal was achieved: the connection to the Pampeago ski area. The joy is great, but the weather did not play along: several winters with little snow followed and high debts started to raise concerns. Even though the early days are hard, they provided valuable experiences that you get through together. In 1980 Georg Weissensteiner took on a new project: he became managing director of the newly opened Sporthotel in Obereggen. His passion for hospitality never ceased to grow, and in 1997, he fulfilled his long-cherished dream: above the Obereggen valley station, he opened the family-owned Hotel Sonnalp together with his wife Hanni Weissensteiner.

Generation change.

David moved to Oxford to study, Sabine went to Florence and then abroad for a while – but both returned to the enchanting valley they call home. Step by step, they have been taking over the hotel. But that does not mean that Hanni and Georg Weissensteiner are giving up the boss’s job altogether. As a family and as hosts alike, they pull together and support each other. Everyone brings loyalty, trust and passion for their job. Just like the employees at Sonnalp – one for all, all for one, that’s the motto. A formula for happiness that works in every respect.

Discover.

Our favourite places, your new adventures. With our insider tips you will get to know “our” Obereggen from a whole new side.