A House Rooted in Alpine History
Long before the Arlberg became synonymous with skiing, Stuben was a tiny mountain village surrounded by peaks that challenged and inspired the brave few who explored them.
The Mondschein, which in english literally translates to “Moon shine” meaning “moonlight”, opened its doors in 1739 as a rest stop for travelers crossing the Arlberg Pass. Over time, it evolved into something far greater: a meeting place for explorers, athletes, and innovators drawn by the same magnetic pull of snow and freedom.
The essence of the Mondschein has never been about luxury in the traditional sense but it’s about atmosphere, authenticity, and connection. Wooden beams that creak with history, stone walls that have heard countless ski stories, and an unspoken camaraderie that binds guests and locals together.
Travis Ganong – Racing with Arlberg Energy
Few understand the balance of focus and flow like Travis Ganong, World Cup downhill skier and proud member of the U.S. Ski Team. Between races in Europe, Travis often calls the Mondschein his alpine base.
“The Mondschein is pure Arlberg energy — this place feels like home before race day,” he says, describing the mix of calm and vitality that fuels his training.
In a sport where milliseconds matter, atmosphere plays a surprisingly big role. The relaxed, local character of Stuben allows Travis to recharge mentally while remaining close to world-class training terrain in nearby St. Anton and Zürs.
It’s not unusual to see him chatting with guests over coffee in the morning or heading out for an early run under the pink glow of the alpine sunrise. Well, he is not just an athlete, he’s part of the family.
Travis’s connection to the Mondschein embodies what makes this place special: it’s where performance meets peace, where adrenaline and authenticity live side by side.
Glen Plake – The Freeride Pioneer with a Mohawk and a Mission
When Glen Plake walks into a room, you notice. The iconic mohawk, the booming laughter, the endless curiosity projecting the walking embodiment of ski culture.
But beyond the colorful persona, Glen represents something deeper: the soul of freeride skiing and the rebellious heart of the Arlberg.
For decades, he’s explored the world’s most challenging mountains, yet the Arlberg and the Mondschein area remain touchstones for him. This is where tradition and adventure intertwine, where the pioneers of old and the explorers of today share the same mountain air.
Glen often speaks of Mondschein Hotel with reverence. “This place has roots,” he once said. “You feel connected to everyone who came before you — from Hannes Schneider to the next kid on a snowboard.”
That’s exactly what the Mondschein nurtures: a sense of continuity in a changing sport. Freeride may be bold and unpredictable, but its heart beats with the same rhythm that’s pulsed through these mountains for centuries.
When Glen stays at the Mondschein, he brings that creative spark and leaves behind new stories for the next generation to discover.
Nadine Wallner – The Fearless Heart of the Arlberg
If the Arlberg had a face, it might well be Nadine Wallner’s determined, radiant, and grounded personality. Born and raised in the region, Nadine rose from local talent to two-time Freeride World Champion, inspiring countless women in the sport.
Her connection to the Mondschein runs deep. It’s not just proximity; it’s shared spirit. “The Mondschein has always been a creative space,” Nadine says. “It’s where ideas start; film projects, art collaborations, or just those late-night talks that spark something new.”
The Mondschein often hosts gatherings of filmmakers, athletes, and artists working on mountain culture projects, and Nadine is a frequent collaborator. Whether she’s discussing avalanche safety, women in freeride, or local environmental initiatives, she brings insight and integrity.
In many ways, Nadine personifies the modern Arlberg woman; fearless on the slopes, deeply connected to her roots, and open to new ideas. Her story mirrors that of the Mondschein itself: a timeless local soul with a forward-looking vision.
Peter Kuba and K2 – Innovation in the Cellar
Every year, the stone-walled cellar of the Mondschein hums with creativity. The K2 innovation retreat, led by Peter Kuba, Vice President of the legendary ski brand, transforms the hotel into a mountain think tank.
“The Mondschein is approved by K2 — this is where we gather once a year, hide in the dark cellars, and brainstorm our new lines,” Peter laughs.
It’s a unique blend of business and inspiration. Far from corporate boardrooms, the K2 team sketches, tests, and debates surrounded by the alpine silence and the scent of pine wood.
The retreat symbolizes Mondschein’s core values where heritage meets innovation. It’s no coincidence that a brand like K2, with its rebellious, creative DNA, finds its spiritual home in a place that celebrates both past and progress.
For the team, the Mondschein isn’t just accommodation, it’s a catalyst for forging innovative ideas. The walls themselves seem to whisper ideas, and many product lines that later hit the world market have their origins in these cellars.
A House That Connects Generations
The shared sense of belonging unites these individuals from Travis Ganong’s precision to Glen Plake’s passion, from Nadine Wallner’s authenticity to Peter Kuba’s creativity. The Mondschein is where stories overlap. You might find a freeride filmmaker editing next to a ski legend sipping espresso, while a family from California shares breakfast with locals discussing snow conditions on the Albona.
Each person adds another layer to the Mondschein’s living history. It’s not curated but it’s organic, evolving naturally from the connections formed between those who truly love the mountains.
There’s a quiet understanding among the guests: the mountains give, but they also demand respect. And the Mondschein, with its balance of tradition and openness, becomes the common ground where those values thrive.
More Than a Stay – A State of Mind
To stay at the Mondschein is to experience the essence of Arlberg. It’s found in the morning light on fresh snow, the laughter echoing from the bar after a long day, and the feeling that you’ve joined a long line of mountain dreamers who came before you.
The Mondschein has become a cultural touchstone and not just a hotel, but a living story that continues to evolve. Each generation adds its own chapter, and every guest, whether athlete or adventurer, becomes part of the narrative.
It’s a reminder that while technology and trends may change, the spirit of the Arlberg remains timeless: wild, welcoming, and full of wonder.
So when world-class athletes call the Mondschein home, it’s not because of its convenience or comfort alone but it’s because it resonates with their inner compass. It’s where passion, history, and humanity meet under one alpine roof.
A Toast to the Legends – Past, Present, and Future
As evening settles over Stuben and the moon rises over the peaks, the Mondschein lives up to its name. Its windows glow with warmth, its tables fill with laughter, and outside, the snow glistens in silver light.
Perhaps Glen Plake is telling a story about a wild descent, Nadine is sketching ideas for her next film, or Travis is quietly visualizing his next race.
Each moment adds to the legacy. Each voice becomes part of a song that’s been playing here for nearly three centuries, which is a song about mountains, courage, friendship, and the magic of the Arlberg.
At the Mondschein, that song never ends. It simply welcomes new verses.
FAQs
- What makes Hotel Mondschein in Stuben am Arlberg so special?
Hotel Mondschein is more than just a place to stay — it’s a historic alpine house that has hosted explorers, ski legends, and innovators since 1739. It embodies the true spirit of the Arlberg: authentic, adventurous, and deeply human. - Who are some of the famous athletes associated with the Mondschein?
Notable guests include Travis Ganong of the U.S. Ski Team, freeride icon Glen Plake, two-time Freeride World Champion Nadine Wallner, and Peter Kuba of the ski brand K2. Each shares a special connection with the hotel and its creative alpine atmosphere. - What does Travis Ganong say about staying at the Mondschein?
Travis Ganong describes the Mondschein as “pure Arlberg energy — this place feels like home before race day.” He appreciates the relaxed, local vibe that helps him focus before competitions. - Why is Glen Plake connected to the Arlberg and the Mondschein?
Glen Plake, one of skiing’s most recognizable figures, finds in the Mondschein the same mix of tradition and rebellion that defines freeride culture. He sees Stuben as a bridge between the pioneers of skiing and today’s mountain adventurers. - How is Nadine Wallner involved with the Mondschein?
As a native of the Arlberg region, Nadine Wallner often collaborates with the Mondschein on creative film and ski projects. Her fearless yet grounded spirit reflects the authentic mountain culture that the hotel celebrates. - What is the K2 Innovation Retreat held at the Mondschein?
Led by Peter Kuba, Vice President of K2, the brand’s annual innovation retreat takes place in the Mondschein’s historic cellar. It’s where designers and athletes brainstorm new ideas for skis and gear in a truly alpine creative environment. - What does the “Spirit of Arlberg” mean?
The “Spirit of Arlberg” refers to the unique blend of tradition, community, and exploration found in this region. It’s about respecting nature, embracing challenges, and sharing the mountain lifestyle with others — values that define both the Arlberg and the Mondschein. - How does Hotel Mondschein reflect Arlberg’s skiing heritage?
The Mondschein has been part of skiing history since the days of Hannes Schneider, the father of modern alpine skiing. From early instructors to modern freeriders, generations of ski pioneers have passed through its doors. - Can guests meet these athletes or see them at the Mondschein?
Yes, occasionally. During training seasons or special events like the K2 retreat or film projects, guests might meet or even share a meal with athletes like Travis Ganong or Nadine Wallner — a unique part of the Mondschein experience. - How can I experience the same Arlberg spirit during my stay?
Join guided ski days, visit the nearby Albona slopes, enjoy local cuisine, or simply share stories by the fire with fellow guests. The true Arlberg spirit lives in connection — something the Mondschein offers naturally, every day.
