La Loupe Lech Zürs Sommer No 12

“There is nothing
better than exercising
in nature
together with one’s
four-legged friend.”
“A hike with an
overnight stay in
a hut is something
very special for both
the dog and the
owner.”
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engl. / ‘Physical activity in sync with and in the
nature’ is Daniel Kreil’s philosophy – and that’s
the kind of experience the avalanche and search
dog handler from Vorarlberg’s mountain rescue
service wants to share with others. Thanks to
his company Arlguide nature lovers on the Arlberg
can enjoy biking and hiking tours that are
tailor-made for the participants. In his interview
with La Loupe the certified guide explains
what makes dog hikes so special and what the
most popular tours are.
L.L. Mr Kreil, you always have a strong partner by your
side: your dog Keanu, certified avalanche dog. Within the
framework of Arlguide you give participants the opportunity
to hike with their four-legged friends. Why is a hike with the
animal so much more intense? What preparations need to be
made?
D.K. It’s important to pick the right route, of course. When
doing so one must look at the right route for the dog and the
owner – level of difficulty, terrain, duration and steepness are
important factors. Aside from that one needs to pack plenty
of food and drink, particularly if there are no natural water
springs along the way one needs to pack water for the dog,
too. And the possibility of deer should be considered as well,
some dogs have a strung hunting instinct.
During the dog hike, we do small exercises and training
sessions that are adapted to the participants and their
animals. The hike is relaxing for the dog and that makes it
more perceptive, easier to handle and correct. The dogs’ social
behaviour also improves in the course of a hike together with
other dogs. They learn where their place in the pack is and
they may have to learn to submit – all this can provide the
owner with a lot of insight.
Generally speaking there is nothing more beautiful than
exercising out in the nature with one’s dog and celebrating
the summits you’ve climbed together, it creates a special kind
of connection with the animal.
L.L. Arlguide also offers mountain bike tours and race
bike tours. Do you have to bring your own equipment, like
your own bike? Which tour is particularly popular with the
guests?
D.K. Fortunately bike tours still are a bit of an insider tip
on the Arlberg. The beautifully quiet Zug valley is ideal for
mountain bike tours because it’s easy to reach and there are
no cars. Because of the individual planning we do for the Arlguide
tours, there really are no limits as far as duration and
level of difficulty are concerned.
Faschinajoch, Furkapass, the Silvretta road, Hahntennjoch
or maybe the less hilly Inn or Lech valley – the many race
bike tours around the Arlberg are known not just to race bike
aficionados. Bikes, no matter if mountain, race or e-bikes can
all be rented in Lech.
L.L. The views of the Alps are fantastic – but climbing a hill
on a bike can be quite challenging. Are there tours that can
be done with an e-bike? And what
do you think about this trend?
D.K. This new trend offers many
new possibilities, be it for less seasoned
bikers or for more ambitious
riders. Of course, one has to keep in
mind the possible dangers, too, e-bikes
are heavier than normal bikes.
Consequently, handling them can be
a challenge for unseasoned riders.
DANIEL KREIL'S
WORDRAP
In the mountains I feel…
free.
Bike or hike?
Both! It’s all in the mix.
During a hike you should always have…
food & drink.
L.L. Climbing summits in a small
group of people, guided by you
while enjoying the unique view.
Where do you lead the hikers and
why is it particularly beautiful to
share this experience with others?
D.K. Most of the tours crisscross
the Arlberg region, mainly Lech and Zürs. The one big
advantage of group hikes is the social atmosphere; aside from
that the guide teaches the shares many interesting aspects
about the region you would normally miss. Tours that
Keanu and I have…
a kind of non-verbal communication,
many special experiences and common
successes that we share.
Sport & Freizeit
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