In the Zillertal

Kraft, Lamparter, Hayböck: season finale on the slopes

Martha Schultz (3rd from left) invites the JumpandReach Spirit Community to her Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach ski resort every year - pictured with Michael Hayböck, Sophia Kircher, Stefan Kraft and Patrick Murnig (from left).(Bild: Jasmin Steiner)

The JumpandReach family brought the season to a close on Tuesday with a special day of skiing in the Tyrolean Zillertal. The "Krone" was among the select guests invited to the event.

"It's now a tradition for me to welcome you to the Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach ski resort at the end of the season," beamed host Martha Schultz, "the country needs top athletes, we need heroes - and you are undoubtedly that."

Martha Schultz (3rd from left) invites the JumpandReach Spirit Community to her Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach ski resort every year - pictured with Michael Hayböck, Sophia Kircher, Stefan Kraft and Patrick Murnig (from left).(Bild: Jasmin Steiner)

"Everyone present is a friend"
Patrick Murnig, initiator of the JumpandReach family and strategic coach, added: "Every year, we invite a select group to this special spirit season finale. All those present are good friends who share the same values of passion, courage, respect and trust."

A group photo was a must.(Bild: JumpandReach)

"Attention, selfie!" - Johannes Lamparter has it all!(Bild: Jasmin Steiner)

Josef Sigmund (left) really wanted a selfie with former professional skier Günther Mader.(Bild: Jasmin Steiner)

A loyal companion for 20 (!) years now
One example par excellence is former professional skier Günther Mader, who has won victories in all disciplines. "In 2004, I asked Günther if he would like to be a mentor at JumpandReach. Because I knew I could always rely on him," Murnig revealed. And he was right, because Mader is still part of the team 20 (!) years after his commitment and was also out on the slopes on Tuesday. Sophia Kircher (ÖVP), Vice-President of the Provincial Parliament, has not been part of the team for quite as long, but with at least as much commitment.

They are just like on TV - totally down to earth.

Richard Damberger ersteigerte den Skitag.

Experience bought at auction for 2222 euros
Richard Damberger from the Waldviertel in Lower Austria, on the other hand, danced a little out of line. This special season finale was new territory for him, and he bought it at auction as part of Licht ins Dunkel - for exactly 2222 euros. "I only knew Stefan Kraft, Johannes Lamparter and Michael Hayböck from television and wanted to know if they were as down-to-earth in real life. Since today I know that they really are and that is very impressive," enthused Damberger, owner of the Waldviertler Genusskuchl in Horn.

Lunch at the Wedelhütte.(Bild: Jasmin Steiner)

Lamparter embodies the right spirit.(Bild: Jasmin Steiner)

A cool change of pace was provided.(Bild: Jasmin Steiner)

Richard Damberger felt Kraft and Hayböck in between.(Bild: Jasmin Steiner)

The weather - after days of gusts of wind, there was almost no wind and the sun even made an appearance from time to time - allowed the crew to cover numerous kilometers of slopes. In between, there was plenty of time for chats, selfies, autographs and refreshments at the Albergo and the Wedelhütte.

"We feel really good"
Do Kraft, Lamparter and Hayböck also enjoy a day of skiing like this? "Of course. Because the right people are there, everything is perfectly organized, uncomplicated and stress-free. We feel really comfortable. A season finale couldn't be better," agreed the trio, who will soon be heading off on vacation.