Into the Mountains With Basti
There is no way around Basti. Not while hiking or snowshoe hiking, not on the way up to Rohrkopfhütte mountain lodge and, to be honest, not in any other outdoor activity either. Basti Remmler is a mountain guide. Not one of those ascetics, but one of the original Bavarian native breed, he says about himself with a laugh. "I've turned my hobby into my profession", Basti tells us and lists a few peaks he has climbed. In the Andes, in Africa, in the Alps, of course – just not the trendy mountains where you can't see nature anymore because of all the tourists. "My home territory is Tegelberg and the Tannheimer mountains with the Reutner Ridge Path", outdoor guide Basti says during a short tour towards Rohrkopfhütte. Actually, the next one of the three weekly tours isn't scheduled until tomorrow, but Basti prefers to be out in nature rather than staying at home. "I'll be out and about with the guests tomorrow for about six hours", he says. "Including a stop at Rohrkopfhütte for a beer and a snack". The fact that strangers become friends even before that is part of it. "I'm just not made for formal introductions", he says. "I'm just Basti." In winter, Basti teaches the guests of Das Rübezahl hotel how to hike on snowshoe in no time. "To me, this is the most elegant way to slowly move from place to place", Basti says. "On snowshoes you a lot closer to nature than when thundering down the mountain."
SUMMERTIME – STEPPER TIME
In summertime, Basti's carving skis and snowshoes get a break. Instead, he is taking the Streetstepper on the road, a fun mix of bicycle and stepper. You stand behind the handlebars, move like you are going up stairs and this energy propels you forward. "You will get the hang of it within five minutes", Basti says and he is right. The Streetstepper is a lot of fun and Basti has a lot of different tour suggestions for guests. Whoever wants to, may go at it hard in the Alps. And if you don't, you can take it easy in the foothills or head for Lake Forggen.
Those who prefer mountain biking are also in good hands with Basti – only when it comes to paragliding and water sports he is out. "To be honest: that scares me", he says. "I prefer to stay with both feet on the ground." Alongside the fun and enjoyment of nature, safety and health are just as important to Basti. As a certified mountain guide he is prepared for emergencies. Basti is always up to date about the weather in the mountains, in winter he knows about possible avalanche warnings and is happy to share his mountain experience with the guests. When it comes to snowshoe hiking, this translates into: "Walk like John Wayne! And just forget that you've got duck feet attached to your feet." But there is one thing he can't protect you from: sore muscles. "It's necessary", Basti says. "That way you'll remember me a lot longer!"