A history of real hospitality, rooted in Val Gardena

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A history of real hospitality, rooted in Val Gardena

We share our home with the world

For three generations, the Prinoth family in Val Gardena, in the heart of the Dolomites, has upheld the values of hospitality. It all began with a simple yet heartfelt gesture: a passion for hosting. More than 50 years have passed since then, but the spirit remains. It has grown and matured with each new generation.

The Prinoth family has a home in the heart of the Dolomites and a mission: to share the beauty and character of Val Gardena with the world in an authentic way. Over the years, three generations have succeeded one another, blending talent, passion and a clear vision for the future. Some have shaped the spirit of hospitality, others have forged new paths and others still have shaped the future with their vision.

Alpstay is a concrete expression of freedom and the legacy of a family that has turned hospitality into an art form.

Family Prinoth: strong roots, a vision

The craftsman and the woodcarving art

Hartmann and his wife Annemarie at young years at Monte Pana

It all began with a scooter, some artistic wood carvings and a desire to share his talent and the heritage of his homeland with others. Hartmann Prinoth, a woodcarver from Val Gardena, set out to showcase his work across Italy. Every journey brought new customers, new friends and plenty of stories. Gradually, his home became a meeting place and ultimately a place of hospitality.

Chalet Hartmann still bears his signature today, reflected in the central design element of wood and the warm, homely atmosphere.

The dream of modern hospitality

Ezio at age 5 participating in his first race on the Palmer slope in Ortisei

Ezio Prinoth had a clear vision even as a teenager: to create places where hospitality evolves without losing its heart. He realised this dream at the age of 18, taking over the management of Chalet Hartmann and Hotel Acadia. But he did not stop there.

Driven by his innovative spirit, he opened the first Smart Hotel in South Tyrol in 2011. A new concept of freedom and comfort, in which the guest becomes the protagonist.

His signature is evident in the Self Check-In Desk, the Honesty Bar and the Smart Hub, and all the innovative rooms that now define up Alpstay.

Hospitality becomes an art

One and a half years old Gevin in 1998

Gevin Prinoth has been passionate about the hospitality industry since childhood, developing his skills through learning, observing, listening and embracing the courage to reinvent. After gaining various experiences in Val Gardena and around the world, he returned to his homeland with a fresh vision. This is how Bistrot B24 at Hotel Acadia was born: a place where hospitality meets art and style.

Every detail of Bistrot B24 and the Champagne Bar reflects his passion for aesthetics and culinary creativity, from the choice of ingredients to the furnishings. Here, a culture of hospitality blends harmoniously with tradition and modernity.

Hospitality meets design

One year old Martin in 2000

Martin Prinoth, even as a child, observed daily events with curiosity. Having completed his degree in architecture, he now brings fresh vigour to the design of the Alpstay houses. He has a talent for rethinking spaces with flair and clarity.

His signature is evident in the most recent renovations, which feature a contemporary vision that harmonises modern forms, functionality and alpine tradition.

The Chalet Hartmann during its construction in 1965.

Ezio with his grandparents, Luis and Barbara, in 1962.

Summer 1935: Hartmann spent his days on the alpine pastures during the hay harvest as a little boy. The Sassolungo can be seen behind him from Passo Sella.

The photo above shows the birthplace of Ezio’s grandmother and great-grandmother, Gevin and Martin, in Selva di Val Gardena.

Before entering the hospitality business, the Prinoth family were sculptors. Here they are working on woodcarvings, a traditional craft of the Val Gardena valley which today forms an important part of its historical and cultural heritage.

Hartmann’s his first experiences on skis. His passion for the mountains began in childhood.

The interior of Chalet Hartmann in 1965. The style was simple and modern, with wood as the dominant element, just as it is today.

Ezio on Seceda in 1964, when only locals and a few tourists visited the area. Today, it is one of the world’s most renowned destinations.

Hartmann and his wife Annemarie in their younger years at Monte Pana.

In 1966, Ezio took part in his first race on the Palmer slope in Ortisei, where many children still learn to ski today.

Luigi, Ezio’s grandfather, on his motorbike in 1947. The picture reflects the style and spirit of those times.

1968: Behind Ezio, you can see the luxury cars of the first guests at Chalet Hartmann - friends he had met during his travels.

1963: Ezio, just one year old, holding a bottle of wine. No, he wasn’t drinking yet, but the scene remains unforgettable.

1966: Just before the start of the winter season at Villa Prinoth, now known as the Hotel Acadia.

In 1945, the Smart Hotel Saslong was a 25-bed guesthouse, run by the Kerschbaumer family.

Gevin and Martin at the ages of 5 and 2. The two brothers grew up surrounded by hotels, mountains and family life.

1998: Gevin, one and a half years old, wearing the traditional South Tyrolean costume.

Martin, one year old, in 2000.

Ezio with his sons Gevin and Martin in 2000.

Gevin in 1998 with a wooden horse, which is now part of the Bistrot B24 interior at Hotel Acadia.

Today, Alpstay is the new face of Hartmann Hotels, a family heritage that has existed for years: a selection of hotels designed to make every guest feel free, inspired and welcome. Every house and every detail is an expression of our identity and passion, striking a balance between tradition and innovation, natural elegance and modern comfort.

Hospitality is not just what we do, it is who we are. We will continue to uphold the values that guide us: freedom, authenticity and quality.