Here to stay

It was originally supposed to be just a winter internship that Annelotte Harberink, a native of the Netherlands, had to complete in Fieberbrunn, Tyrol, as part of her training. But it turned into a love for life.

Born and raised in the Netherlands, Annelotte Harberink first stood on skis at the age of four – a passion that has stayed with her ever since. Even during her time at tourism school, she knew: "I'll do my internship in Austria – and in winter." She wasn't familiar with Fieberbrunn as a ski resort back then, but it became a lifelong love. During her training as a ski instructor at the local ski school, she not only found her professional fulfillment but also met her future husband, Michel.

Things didn't exactly start looking sizzling at their first meeting. "The first time we saw each other, we went skiing with the other ski instructors to get to know the area. Back then, I had no idea that Michel and Fieberbrunn could be my future. But during après-ski, a colleague said to me, 'He'd be perfect for you, wouldn't he?' And when we arranged our first date outside of work, sparks flew," Annelotte says with a smile.

It wasn't long before she called her parents and bluntly announced, "Mom, Dad, I'm going to finish school, but then I'm moving to Fieberbrunn, lock, stock, and barrel."

No sooner said than done. And so it came to pass that at 19, Annelotte completely relocated her life from the Netherlands to Tyrol, rented an apartment, worked summer jobs, and spent winters at the ski school, always certain with Michel: "This is perfect, this is how it should be, this is how it can stay."

For several years now, she has had a year-round position at the "S4 Fieberbrunn" ski school, where, in addition to teaching skiing, she is also responsible for marketing. She loves working with people. A purely office job without customer contact? Unthinkable! "I can only truly enjoy myself when I'm surrounded by people," she says. The direct feedback from her guests, the opportunity to share her enthusiasm, and solving problems are all part of it for her. She doesn't see complaints as a burden, but as a challenge: "I always look for a solution so that everyone is happy again."

Annelotte has found her place. Her job gives her the variety she needs, and in Fieberbrunn she's discovered a sense of home. After eleven years together and two years of marriage, the next adventure is just around the corner: Anne-Lotte and Michel are expecting a baby. "It was a spontaneous decision, but we're ready," she says.

For the future, she hopes to remain part of the S4 team – even if she won't be back to full-time work right after the birth. "The S4 ski school is like a little family," she says. Giving a few ski lessons, helping out in the office – that would be ideal. And who knows?

Maybe the family will grow even more someday. But first, the great adventure of motherhood awaits – and she's incredibly excited about it. So all that remains to be said is: All the best to you and your little one, dear Annelotte!
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