About happiness, the Messner family and hospitality

What would we Messners do if there wasn’t a Masl? We don’t want to think about it. After all, this extraordinary hotel here in Valles has been our life’s focal point for four generations. The house itself is much, much older. Make yourself comfortable, we’ll tell you all about it.

In a hamlet in the Fundres Mountains…

We’re in the year 1680 when the Masl farmer in Valles was granted a license for a tavern. Up here in the remote Val di Valles, more than 1,350 metres above the distant sea, the mountains are within easy reach and the temptations of the big world are far, far away. So having its own inn is just what the small mountain village needs. Over the centuries, the economy has its ups and downs, sometimes business is slow. At one point, the Masl belonged to the church and then found its way to the Mayer family. In 1864, Messner Josef from Val di Funes asks for the hand of Maria, the innkeeper’s beautiful daughter. He's not only marrying her but also getting the inn. Since then, we have always been called “Messner”. But the Masl kept its name. We absolutely love thinking about the day after tomorrow, but some things should definitely stay the way they’ve always been.

What a stroke of luck! The host and the hotel share the same name.

Thomas has been given a lot by his parents. Like the essential enthusiasm for being a gracious host, for instance. Or commitment, a vital ingredient for a family enterprise like ours. The very name chosen by Alois and Marianna has set the stage for their son’s remarkable journey with the Masl. Literally! After all, Thomas isn't that far off to Tho-masl. You don’t believe us? Then keep reading. In a church register from Val d’Ultimo dated 1379, there is mention of a "Masl" as an early version of the name “Thomas”. But perhaps our Thomas was just lucky. In Vienna, having a “Masl” means being blessed with good luck or providence. “Masl” has its origins in the Hebrew word “mazal”, which means – you’ve guessed it – luck!

Thomas

Paula, Marianna and two Alois lay the foundation for the modern Masl

Luck alone is rarely enough. You’ve got to put in the hard work and make bold decisions. Like Alois and Paula Messner. In 1949, they welcomed their first “real” holiday guests. They came all the way from Milan and enjoyed full-board for just 900 lire and the latest thing in bathroom facilities just along the corridor. Fast forward twenty years, and a lot had changed. Winter holidays in South Tyrol became extremely popular. In the mid-1970s, Josef Alois Messner and his wonderful wife Marianna took charge of the Masl. They are the heart and soul of today’s Masl. If you’re interested, they’ll eagerly share tales of yore and maybe even let you into what they’re plotting to do next.

Marianna
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