The journey is his reward

As a mountain hiking guide and bike guide, Dominik Engl shows his guests the nature of the Tyrolean mountains. Because for him the journey is the reward, tranquillity and contemplation are paramount and he likes to show everyone that the "natural" beauty begins right outside the hotel door.

As a born-and-bred Tyrolean mountain child, Dominik Engl was already skiing at the age of two and a half, loved extended hiking and climbing tours and was out and about in nature pretty much every free second he had. Looking back, he says: "I never felt I had to move away to conquer the big wide world. The Brixental Valley in the Kitzbühel Alps combined everything I needed to live." This attitude has not changed to this day. As a mountain hiking guide, bike guide and ski instructor, he shows the guests who make their way here his world, which inspires him anew every day. "Many only visit us for a few days a year, can only enjoy the Tyrolean natural landscape for a brief moment, so it's up to me to give them unforgettable experiences." Spending time outdoors fills Dominik with tranquillity. "It allows me to ground myself again, minimise stress, work through professional or private problems or forget about them for a while. When I stand on a mountain summit, the body clock feels like it's turning a little slower, which contributes to a general sense of serenity."

Enriched with a distinctive helpers' syndrome, Dominik was drawn to the mountain rescue service at the age of 16. He has never regretted this decision for a second, despite formative experiences. "Of course, on some missions you see things that are stressful, that are difficult to deal with, that life simply doesn't prepare you for. The strong camaraderie - which prevails among us - is incredibly important." For him it is clear: "Mountaineering at a high level is generally a balancing act. Through minimising risk and through experience, you try to control it as best you can, but something can always happen. The residual risk is higher than on a walk in the village.

Climbing is a mental equilibrium activity for Dominik: "Every grip, every step has to be well thought out, there is no room to think about other things and by climbing I get to places where not everyone can get to." He himself prefers to climb Alpine classics, such as traversing the Glocknerwand. His local mountain, however, is the Große Rettenstein in the Kitzbühel Alps. "With its 2,366 metres above sea level, it is incredibly diverse, not the highest, but in my eyes the most striking within the mountain range. It also offers a fantastic panoramic view. The path up to the summit leads across picturesque Alpine pastures, light-filled forests and rugged cliffs, it simply has it all."

Probably like every passionate mountaineer, Dominik also has a big list of summit goals on his To-Do list. "I don't think there is an Alpinist who can say that he has already seen everything, as with every goal conquered, the horizon gets broader. Often, though, it's not just about the summit, but generally about the journey itself." Because there is simply so much more to see in Tyrol's nature if you just keep your eyes open.

#Kitzbüheler Alpen | #LebenswegeTirol