HOTEL ALTE SCHMIEDE: Sebastian Hiltpolt

Living in the Olympiaregion Seefeld: How long have you already been living here or what brought you here? What makes the Olympiaregion so special for you / your family?

I was born here and grew up in the Olympiaregion. For me, what makes my home so special is a combination of the international clientele and the unique geographical location with its stunning natural surroundings.

Each of our partner-hotels for WSC-athletes in the area is unique: How would you describe the philosophy which brought you to this point and which distinguishes you from other hotels?

We are very proud of our development from an old Seefeld forge and agricultural concern to a small bed & breakfast, up to a four-star hotel, now in the fourth generation of the family. “Authenticity – Honesty – Hospitality”.  The family take personal care of our guests because our goal is their satisfaction!

Are there any personal memories of the last FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in 1985 that you / your family could share with us? Did this event change or create new ambitions for Nordic ski sport?

Actually, I wasn’t even born when the last FIS Nordic World Ski Championships took place in 1985! I have heard lots of stories and details from family however, so I feel a certain familiarity with the event and have always been fascinated by the special atmosphere and mood it created at the time. And Seefeld experienced a real boost afterwards. I can honestly say that I discovered my own on-going personal enthusiasm for Nordic sports thanks to other such events, for example the “Nordic Combined Triple”, and the wonderful trail-system which is so beautifully integrated into the landscape of the Olympiaregion.

What are you looking forward to while hosting the top WSC 2019 athletes in your hotel?

My family and I are so proud to be a partner-athletes-hotel and a part of this fantastic event. We are looking forward to a wonderful atmosphere and memorable moments for our guests!

Do you have a vision or a personal wish for 2019?

Our wish is for an outstanding and fair FIS Nordic World Ski Championships here in the fantastic Winter ‘hot spot’ of Seefeld. I hope that the whole plateau will live the motto “hand in hand” to grow even stronger together and to further shape the whole region.