Personalities from the region

Hostesses in harmony with nature

Michaela & Angelika Schuster

The Hochrautalm is not your typical mountain hut. Here, homemade lemonades replace cola, inspiring messages like "Don’t forget to smile" take the place of prohibition signs, and instead of rush and stress, a soothing tranquility fills the air. For the past 20 years, sisters Michaela and Angelika Schuster have been running their family’s mountain hut with a strong commitment to sustainability. This has been their vision from the very beginning, and they continue to pursue it with unwavering dedication. For them, sustainability is not just a trendy term – it’s a way of life.

As I sit with them in their cozy hut, surrounded by delicate dried flowers, soft furs, and the inviting aroma of freshly baked bread, I feel a deep sense of contentment. This is a place where you instantly feel at ease. Here, nature is at the heart of everything – and people are an essential part of it. Every decision Michaela and Angelika make is guided by the principle of living in harmony with nature. And you can feel it from the very first moment.

Sustainability as a way of life

"For us, sustainability means living with nature, not against it," says Michaela. "If we don’t take care of it, we all pay the price in the end." This mindset runs deep in their family. Their grandmother ran a village inn, cooking passionately on a large wood stove with whatever ingredients were available locally. This philosophy was passed down to their mother and, eventually, to Michaela and Angelika. "Our mother not only cooked well, but she also took great care in presenting the food beautifully. So for us, it was only natural to do the same here at the hut," says Angelika.

"Everyone can contribute to a more mindful use of resources." At Hochraut Alm, sustainability is more than just an idea – it’s written on the menu. The third goal of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals – GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING – is a guiding principle for Michaela and Angelika. "We don’t just want to serve good food; we want to inspire our guests to be more mindful of the world around them," Michaela explains. "Whether through our homemade products or the simple, sustainable way of life we cultivate here in the mountains."

A mindful approach to mountain cuisine

Many ingredients come directly from their farm or are gathered in the wild. Others are carefully sourced from trusted local producers. "We want our guests to understand how important it is to know what they eat and where it comes from," says Michaela. Mindful cooking means more than just selecting ingredients – it involves short supply chains, proper storage, preservation techniques, and creative ways to avoid food waste.

Looking at the menu, I see dishes like dumplings with alpine herbs, wholegrain spelt spätzle, or fresh cheese with homemade pickled zucchini – simple yet high-quality meals. Or, as Angelika puts it: "The best of the little we have."

A place that touches the soul

As we talk, Michaela shares the story of a guest who, during a serious illness, found strength in the dream of returning to Hochraut Alm. "The thought of this place helped him through his therapy," she says. Stories like this fuel Michaela and Angelika’s passion for what they do.

Before heading back down to the valley, I make one last stop at the restroom. "YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL" is written in bold letters on the wall. I smile. It’s been a while since someone told me that. This message, along with the golden autumn landscape of the Dolomites and Kronplatz, reminds me of the words I saw when I arrived: "Don’t forget to smile." And I am sure that my smile will still be with me long after this day at the Hochraut Alm, where Michaela and Angelika live their dream and share it with all of us.

One dough, three desserts

Michi's favourite recipe: yeast dough

Breakfast yeast dough

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