The Rugged Beauty of the Schnalstal Valley

Simon Messner is a mountaineer and, more recently, also added mountain farming to his repertoire, having taken over two farms at the entrance to the Schnalstal Valley in north-western South Tyrol. The film is as much a portrait of the impressive mountain landscapes of the Schnalstal Valley as it is an insight into Simon’s favourite climbing routes as well as his new life, which has enabled him to discover his homeland in new and unexpected ways. After conquering many of the most challenging alpine routes and making documentary films in and about the mountains together with his father Reinhold, he is now looking forward to learning, gathering experience and gaining practical insights into craftsmanship and tradition, such as through exchanges with the equally young Schnalstal Valley farmer Eva Götsch. But the Schnalstal Valley still has one or two climbing challenges in store for Simon.