A story rooted in hospitality

I come from Lech, a small village in Austrian Alps. Since 1393, for more than 500 years, my ancestors farmed the land I grew up on.

By the early 20th century, however, Alpine farming had become so difficult that my great-great-grandfather Wilhelm could no longer support his family. In 1929, at 1,500 metres, he made a bold decision: he transformed the stable at the back of our house into simple guest rooms.

That choice, combined with the care and dedication of the generations that followed, led to what is now the 5-star superior Hotel Almhof Schneider, where I was fortunate to grow up.

Being raised in this environment, and watching my parents - architects and a hoteliers - continually evolve the family business, shaped my understanding of what makes an exceptional stay. To this day, one of my greatest satisfactions is seeing guests leave happy, and eager to return.

While Lech is a singular destination, our hotel operates only during the winter months. I have always wanted to create memorable experiences beyond one season, and beyond my hometown.

That ambition led me to found Rafter: a collection of carefully selected holiday homes across Europe, combined with a level of service and local expertise designed to make every stay truly remarkable, guided by everything I have learned at Almhof Schneider.