ABOUT

About Austrian Alps Active

Meet Your Personal Guides

Austrian Alps Active was founded, is run and hosted by Patrick and Maree, an Austrian-Australian couple. Everything they do is supported by their family and local community in Grosses Walsertal which culminates to create a personal, seamless and authentic experience for all of their guests.

Greetings

We love sharing the beauty, traditions and stories of our region and its people. And whether it’s by foot, bike, meditation or any of the activities we do on tour, our guests gain insight, connections and an authentic experience of a special place.

We do everything to ensure that each of our guests has an amazing and carefree holiday, and hope that we have the opportunity to do this for you soon.”

Patrick & Maree

'Austrian Alps Active' Founders & Hosts

Our Story

Patrick was born and raised in the tiny village of Fontanella in the Grosses Walsertal valley, and remains very closely connected to both his family and the community.

After meeting Maree, his Aussie sweetheart, in 2003 they spent two years living and working in the village. During this time Maree developed a deep appreciation and connection with both the region and the local community.

In 2005 the couple moved back to Australia to start a family, but the spirit of the Alps remained with them. In 2010, they planned to take their new baby home to meet Patrick’s family, and thought to also use the opportunity of their trip to invite a group of walkers over to show them around and give them a very personal experience of their beloved Grosses Walsertal. The offer of such a trip was snapped up and booked out within days, and the life of Austrian Alps Active had begun.

Patrick and Maree and their now two children still live in Australia, but have journeyed back to the Grosses Walsertal each year to host groups of new and returning active holiday makers.

Most guests come from Australia, but as word has spread of the tours, travellers from many other countries including New Zealand, Malaysia, England and the United States have also come to experience the authentic Austrian Alps with Patrick and Maree.

What Our Guests Say About Us...

"Patrick and Maree, you went the extra mile in so many ways on our walking adventure with you. A humble and grateful thank you."

Yvonne R., Sydney NSW

"You were such warm and approachable guides. I loved your humour, the way you were calm and relaxed when dealing with unexpected program changes, and how you were both full of energy and enthusiasm. Congratulations and thank you."

Jillian S. Dubai, UAE.

Our Local and Experienced Team

Our team (except for Maree - the token Aussie-Austrian) are all locals from Grosses Walsertal. They are bilingual in English and German, are certified guides and are first aid trained. In addition, they are all personally connected to Patrick and Maree – being friends or family, and have had their own travel experiences to Australia, and some also to New Zealand.

All of our team appreciate the differences and special features between their homeland and those of our guests. And they are all fun, knowledgeable and accommodating hosts.

You can certainly be assured that you are in good and caring hands during your stay!

Patrick

Founder, Host & Guide

Patrick was born and bred in Grosses Walsertal. He moved to Australia in 2003 to follow his heart, but his soul remains 100% Austrian. For m ost of the year Patrick is the 'Guru of Nordic Walking' in the Asia-Pacific region - facilitating training workshops and pioneering the activity, however the highlight of his year is being back 'home' in the Alps to be on tour with guests. Patrick is renowned for his passion, fun, knowledge, care and effort to ensure all guests have an amazing experience.

Maree

Founder, Host & Guide

Maree is an Aussie girl who fell in love with both Patrick and his homeland of Grosses Walsertal. She studied Sports Science, has held many professional roles in corporate health and training, and worked with Patrick to build up their Nordic Walking business, however it is the creation and running of 'Austrian Alps Active' that is her dream come true.

Maree delights in being with people, taking journeys with them, and seeing them ‘come back to life’ during their stay.

Elisabeth

'Queen' of Walser Culture

Elisabeth is the unofficial (but internationally recognised) historian and cultural keeper of Grosses Walsertal - who also happens to be Patrick’s mother. She was born and has lived in the valley her whole life. Since retiring as a teacher and principal, she has worked continuously on cultural projects such as the Berg-Tee project, the Walser Herbst Festival, the Heimat Museum and the general sharing and preservation of the Walser culture. Her stories, wisdoms and dedication are inspiring to all who meet her.

Hanno

Host & Guide

Hanno is the younger brother of Patrick, and despite having a busy career as an international expert in rammed earth construction and natural materials architecture, Hanno is deeply rooted to his home valley of Grosses Walsertal. His love of nature in combination with his experience in facilitating workshops and in natural healing come together to provide guests with unique insights into the ways of the area and the people who work and live there.