MoaALM MOUNTAIN RETREAT
What I brought home from a month in the Austrian mountains, winter of 2022.
Over the winter of 2022, I spent a month in the high pastures of Osttirol, the Tyrolean mountains of Austria. I stayed at the Moa Alm retreat, producing photography and film for the team and helping out around the house. I got to spend 4 weeks stretching, swimming, snowshoeing, ski touring and trying some of the best plant based food I’ve ever had. Focusing solely on one project, having a routine of activity and synchronising food with both intuitive hunger and the seasons all led to a hugely energised body and mind. I took part and enjoyed every element of their remote mountain life, from sorting recycling and cutting vegetables, to hiking with mountain guides and rodeling down slopes. I returned home feeling stronger, motivated and curious about how I could draw on some of the things I’d been practicing into my daily life. Turns out, it’s easier than I thought.
The pastures around this high altitude home are used for alpine grazing during the summer months, but currently blanketed in white, have a totally different purpose. Through the deep snow, I was taking on the terrain with snowshoes and poles, an activity that was new to me before I arrived at MoaAlm. At 1800m high in the Hohe Tauern National Park, the base lends itself naturally to snowshoe adventures – with a consistent panoramic view of the East Tirol Alps. High mists and pink clouds, the landscapes were ever changing and always interesting, particularly since we were based just below the highest mountain of Austria, The Grossglockner.
My days often began with a stretch, led by the lovely Sophie - a yoga teacher originally from Berlin. Sophie also became my ‘dipping’ buddy, we made regular trips down to the river for a quick swim over lunch. Throughout the day, around my hours of work, I would walk and snowshoe with the intention of spotting the wildlife also habiting the area; I got a bit obsessed with the Bearded Vultures nesting at the top of the surrounding mountains.
I was lucky during my stay to have good weather - it was fairly mild, ranging from -16°C to around 1°C. Weather at altitude is important, it affects everything from going for a walk to the ability to connect with the neighbouring town. I was always able to visit places that during some years would have been inaccessible due to avalanche risk. In those spaces, quiet and solo, I saw the chamois, black squirrels and birds.
My winter walks and quick dips provided me with space to reflect on where I was. Submerging in cold water or surrounded by the summits, I felt hugely grateful for the opportunity to be in the mountains with MoaAlm. I spent my Christmas and New Year in a fascinating place with others who dedicate their lives to being in beautiful places, something I’m very passionate about.
On return, I am inspired. When I rise in the morning, I continue to feel an energy to share positive stories of people being active - however that is interpreted. I continue to involve more movement in my day, even if these stretches are minute, and I’m more creative with my breakfast - a meal I’ve always overlooked. It’s fascinating what an impact four weeks in a different environment can have on your daily rhythm. Just considering these minuscule amendments, I feel there’s many ways my life could be healthier that I’m not even aware of yet.
A short compilation video of moments captured during my stay -
