My dual study program at Silvretta Montafon
First insights into event planning and more
I have been a dual student at Silvretta Montafon since December 2024 and have already been able to gain a lot of exciting experiences. It was a really exciting start and today I would like to tell you about my first few months - from the sports hotel to my first experiences in the event sector.
A few words about me and my studies:
My name is Luisa, I'm originally from Stuttgart and I'm studying “Outdoor and Tourism Management” at the Lake Constance Campus in Constance. The course combines theory and practice and is the ideal preparation for a career in the tourism and event industry. I particularly like the practice-oriented content, which allows me to apply my knowledge directly in the professional world.
I am currently in the first semester of my three-year course. I will be living and working here in the Montafon region until I complete my degree. This time will allow me to get to know the region intensively and gain valuable practical experience.
An exciting part of my studies are the three certificates that we can obtain. In October last year, we completed the high ropes course guide and rescuer, which enables us to work as guides in high ropes courses and act correctly in emergencies. In the next few semesters, we'll be taking the rafting guide and adventure educator courses, which I'm particularly looking forward to in order to learn more about strengthening teams and groups in nature.
My accommodation: The SiMo Hotel directly on the Zamangbahn
One great privilege made possible by Silvretta Montafon is that I live in the SiMo Hotel right next to the Zamangbahn in Schruns. For me, this means that I can get up the mountain in no time at all to go skiing, for example. It really is a luxury to live in this fantastic location and to be able to get to the mountains so quickly and easily.
First experiences at the Sporthotel Silvretta Montafon:
At the beginning of my studies, I had the opportunity to work at the Sporthotel Silvretta Montafon. The hotel is not only a great place to work, but also a perfect place to experience the region. I was able to learn a lot quickly in the event management team - especially when preparing seminars. I was responsible for creating schedules, communicating with the various departments and coordinating special requests from guests. It was exciting to see how the seminars and other events were prepared by the employees with a lot of passion and commitment.
My first experience in the event sector at Silvretta Montafon Holding:
I'm currently working in the events department at Silvretta Montafon Holding, providing support in the planning and implementation of events. It's incredibly varied! There are events on the slopes, such as races or ski events, but also cultural and social events such as the Valisera Night (a hut evening with a snow groomer show), where guests can get to know the region from a completely different perspective. Together with my boss Raimund, I set up the event area for events such as the après-ski singer Matty Valentino and the Schneebeben parties. I helped him set up and dismantle the stage and was also involved in the logistics of the events. I also helped at events such as the Freeride Testival, where the latest freeride skis and equipment were tested.
But there are also many other exciting events still to come, such as the concert by Kamrad and JOSH, the big event with DJ Ötzi, the Dirndl-Ski-Gaudi and many other highlights. For the DJ Ötzi event, I even get the chance to fly in a helicopter, as part of the stage has to be transported up the mountain - an experience I'm really looking forward to!
So far, I've learned a lot about how much planning and organization goes into an event. It's not enough just to set a date - it's about coordinating everything down to the smallest detail - from logistics and technology to guest support. I find it particularly exciting how the entire event team is always coming up with creative ideas to offer guests unforgettable experiences. The variety of events, from après-ski events to large events with international guests, is really impressive.
An unforgettable experience: out and about with the Pistenbully
An absolute highlight in the first few weeks was my ride on the Pistenbully. Driving through the snow-covered slopes with the Pistenbully was not only super exciting, but also gave me a whole new perspective on the technology of the ski resort. It was impressive to see how precisely and with how much effort the slopes are prepared for the guests every day. I was even able to take part in the Pistenbully show, which made the experience even more exciting. And, of course, it was simply a cool experience that I won't forget in a hurry!
Looking to the future:
I am still at the very beginning of my dual study program and am already looking forward to all the challenges and new impressions that are yet to come. Over the next three years, I will be working in various departments at Silvretta Montafon and gaining valuable experience in the process. I will spend several months in each department, which will allow me to get to know different perspectives and ways of working. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge and skills in the various departments.
