Alex Heis

Alex's neighbour - Patrick Heis - brought disc golf to Samnaun in 2020, having discovered the sport in Germany. Patrick got himself some Frisbees and threw them across his car park. That looked fun for Alex. So Alex went out and the two of them tried to hit a trailer with the Frisbees. It took just four months from the idea of a disc golf course in Samnaun in May to its realisation in August. Alex doesn't see disc golf as a sport, but rather as a hobby: It's recreation and exercise in one. It's fun, every round is different. You learn through experience. Disc golf can be played alone, but it's more fun in a group.

«I've played two aces on our course so far,» says Alex with a mischievous smile. The great thing about disc golf is that it can be played in almost any weather: It doesn't matter whether it's cold or warm, even in the drizzle it's no problem. Alex plays around three times a week, together with the two hoteliers Hanspeter Zegg and Patrick Heis. All three have bought their own disc golf backpacks in recent years. The rucksack contains around 20 different discs with different flight characteristics.

The flight characteristics of each disc are described in four numbers, with the first number indicating the speed, the second the glide, i.e. how long a disc stays in the air. The third and fourth numbers indicate the turning ability of the disc in the first («turn») and last («fade») flight phases.

Disc golfers often need the same two or three discs. Alex has no ambitions to play in tournaments. At the Swisstour in Samnaun in August 2023, the Samnaun disc golfers played in the Doubles Open, which was in a different league. Alex is looking forward to the expansion of the Samnaun course with the new pro layout and longer distances.

You don't like to play every basket equally: Alex prefers to shoot the frisbee with his backhand. He doesn't like courses that are better suited to the forehand.

The course is well described with information boards and is also suitable for beginners. Alex often recommends disc golf to his guests who are new to the sport. He then gives a brief introduction to the technique and rules. The feedback is always positive and the guests enjoy the game.

The sport was developed in the USA in the 1970s and came to Europe; numerous courses have been created in Scandinavia in particular. The great thing about disc golf is that everyone from children to senior citizens can play, even without any previous experience. The combination of exercise with friends in the great outdoors and fun right from the start makes disc golf an enjoyable experience for everyone. Disc golf focuses on values such as fairness, respect for nature, courtesy and mutual support. The equipment doesn't cost much either: basic equipment with a few discs is available for around CHF 30.

The Panorama Samnaun flat has been one of the most popular accommodation options in Switzerland for years. The Heis family are passionate hosts, from check-in to the breakfast buffet to check-out. A certain amount of tact is required when dealing with guests: while some guests enjoy chatting to the hosts, others prefer to be left alone, and you can tell quite quickly. The hotel was built in 1980 and has been modernised in recent years. The family wants to keep the business at this size so that they can do a lot themselves.

The winter offer is still top in Samnaun, Alex sees hardly any potential for improvement there. Summer is constantly being upgraded with new offers such as the three disc golf courses and new bike trails. Guests appreciate the peace and quiet and nature in summer.

Photography is similar to disc golf: You are out in nature and can forget everything else. Photography requires patience, luck and a bit of skill. Alex is often out and about taking photos with Elvis Prinz. They talk to each other and share their ideas for the best photo spots. They mostly take pictures of animals, but also landscapes. One of Alex's most memorable experiences was when a bull roared near him during the rutting of the stags.

He experienced another moment of happiness together with his wife Astrid: they were travelling together towards Kobl above Pfunds. The bearded vulture flew past around 10 metres away at their height. The size of the bird was very impressive. It circled around them several times: the bearded vulture is curious and not as shy as a golden eagle. Last year, Alex hardly had any time to take photos due to the hotel renovation. He now hopes to have more time again.

One of Alex's favourite places in the Samnaun Valley in summer is Piz Grappa Grischa, high above Samnaun, to the west of Piz Ot. You can get there quickly by bike up to the Bergli, then the last stretch on foot over the west ridge. There is always wildlife to watch: Chamois, ibex, falcons and, with a bit of luck, golden eagles or vultures.

Text: Bernhard Aeschbacher, Photos: Dominik Täuber.

One of Alex's favourite places in the Samnaun Valley in summer is Piz Grappa Grischa, high above Samnaun, to the west of Piz Ot. You can get there quickly by bike up to the Bergli, then the last stretch on foot over the west ridge. There is always wildlife to watch: Chamois, ibex, falcons and, with a bit of luck, golden eagles or vultures.

Text: Bernhard Aeschbacher, Photos: Dominik Täuber und Alex Heis.