Alpine Barbecue Experience: Slow-Cooked Mountain Rib-Eye and Kaiserschmarrn with a View

If you dream of a meal that tastes like the mountains themselves, the Alpine Barbecue Experience delivers. Set at the foot of Sassolungo (Langkofel) in the heart of the UNESCO Dolomites, this summertime highlight pairs a traditional hike with an open-air lunch featuring slow-cooked mountain rib-eye steak and a warm plate of Kaiserschmarrn—with a view that lingers long after dessert. Expect a toast with Arunda sparkling wine, selected South Tyrolean wines, and a finale served with fine South Tyrolean grappa.

What is the Alpine Barbecue Experience?

The Alpine Barbecue Experience is a seasonal, open-air culinary event curated for guests of the Classic Hotel am Stetteneck in Ortisei. It combines a guided hike through Val Gardena’s mountain world with a relaxed barbecue lunch in a spectacular alpine setting.

• Traditional hike led by a certified hiking guide (free for guests)
• Alpine barbecue on the mountain (against payment)
• Scenic setting at the foot of Sassolungo/Langkofel
• Local products and South Tyrolean wine culture

In the height of summer, the route unfolds on well-maintained trails and culminates in a convivial mountain lunch. The result is part nature immersion, part regional tasting menu—crafted to celebrate South Tyrol’s distinctive Alpine-Mediterranean flavors.

Quick overview (for easy planning)

The Menu: Alpine-Mediterranean flavors you’ll remember

A sparkling welcome

You’ll begin with a glass of Arunda sparkling wine, a refined South Tyrolean classic, served alongside local specialties. This opening course sets the tone: crisp, elegant, and distinctly regional.

Slow-cooked mountain rib-eye steak

The star of the grill is the rib-eye from the mountain ox, slow-cooked (sous-vide) for exceptional tenderness, then finished for that unmistakable sear and aroma. At high altitude, precise cooking methods help lock in juices and highlight natural marbling—an approach that turns a hearty alpine cut into something surprisingly delicate.

• Why it works: gentle, low-temperature cooking keeps the steak succulent
• What you’ll taste: rich, savory depth balanced by the clean mountain air

Selected South Tyrolean wines

South Tyrol’s wine culture thrives on mountain freshness and sun-kissed terraces. Expect thoughtfully chosen bottles that complement both the rib-eye’s richness and the alpine setting. Local varieties are known for vibrant fruit, elegant structure, and remarkable food-friendliness—perfect for a leisurely lunch on the mountain.

Kaiserschmarrn with a view (and grappa)

The finale is the kind of dessert you travel for: Kaiserschmarrn, the beloved shredded pancake, served with a selection of fine South Tyrolean grappa. It’s arguably the best Kaiserschmarrn in the Alps—comforting yet celebratory, and even more memorable under the Dolomite skyline.

Why this experience belongs on your Val Gardena itinerary

Val Gardena is a dream for hikers and food lovers alike. Ortisei, the valley’s main town, sits at 1,236 m and connects directly to famed areas like Alpe di Siusi, Seceda, and Rasciesa by cable car. The Alpine Barbecue Experience places you in the very landscape that defines the region: meadows rolling into mighty rock faces, panoramic light shifting over the Sassolungo massif.

• Sense of place: dine in the open air, surrounded by Dolomite giants
• Regional identity: local products, South Tyrolean wines, and traditional recipes
• Effortless access: well-maintained trails and cable cars make the mountains easy to reach
• Seamless stay: based in the historic center of Ortisei, the Classic Hotel am Stetteneck is just minutes from lifts leading to Alpe di Siusi, Seceda (Sellaronda), and Rasciesa

Sustainable by design

This event is crafted as a Green Event with thoughtful touches that prioritize quality and the environment.

• Real napkins, glasses, and plates—no disposables
• Fresh, seasonal, and regional products wherever possible
• Activities organized exclusively in Val Gardena to avoid unnecessary traffic and support the local economy
• A culinary philosophy rooted in South Tyrolean traditions, from renowned wines to regional staples like “Schüttelbrot” and Speck
• Dinner orders are taken in advance at the hotel to reduce food waste; free fresh water is available at every table

The Classic Hotel am Stetteneck holds the Sustainability Label South Tyrol Level 3, underscoring a long-term commitment to ecological and social responsibility.

How to join

• Available to hotel guests as a summer highlight (barbecue participation is against payment)
• Join free guided hikes with the hotel’s certified hiking guide
• Extend your alpine plans with Val Gardena Active: sunrise and sunset tours, guided hikes with the Catores Alpine School, cooking classes, and more (free of charge or at a special price)

If you’re planning a longer stay, pair the barbecue day with our Hiking in the Dolomites offer, or add cycling adventures through our Bike Special in cooperation with the MOUNTAINBIKE SCHOOL Ortisei.

Practical takeaways for an unforgettable day

• Dress for the mountain: layers, sturdy footwear, and a light windproof shell
• Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
• Pack light: bring a small backpack—guests can borrow backpacks, trekking poles, and hiking maps free of charge
• Hydration and comfort: carry water and a reusable bottle; take short breaks to enjoy the views and acclimatize
• Dietary needs: let us know in advance—our kitchen also offers vegetarian options, refined fish dishes, and special gluten-free or lactose-free dishes; we’re always available for special diets
• Make it a week to remember: factor in free public transportation in South Tyrol during your stay to explore the valley with ease

FAQs about the Alpine Barbecue Experience

Where does the Alpine Barbecue take place?

At the foot of Sassolungo (Langkofel) in the heart of the Dolomites near Ortisei—an alpine setting made for slow food and sweeping views.

What’s on the menu?

A welcome toast with Arunda sparkling wine and local specialties; slow-cooked mountain rib-eye steak; selected South Tyrolean wines; and Kaiserschmarrn served with fine South Tyrolean grappa.

How do I take part?

The Alpine Barbecue is a paid summer highlight for guests of the Classic Hotel am Stetteneck. Join our free guided hike and add the barbecue lunch to your day. Contact us to include it in your plans.

Do you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes. In addition to Tyrolean and Mediterranean classics, the kitchen offers vegetarian options, refined fish dishes, and special gluten-free or lactose-free dishes. Please share your needs in advance.

What else can I do in Val Gardena in summer?

Take part in Val Gardena Active activities (many free or at a special price), discover panoramic MTB trails with our Bike Special, or ride the cable cars to Alpe di Siusi, Seceda, and Rasciesa for endless hiking.

Insider connections: more to taste and try

• Culinary touchpoints: in the evening, enjoy menus by chef Mirko featuring local specialties and classic Italian recipes. Don’t miss the homemade apple strudel—beloved across the valley.
• Beyond the grill: the hotel’s wellness area, with a bright, sunlit indoor pool, sauna, herbal steam bath, and infrared cabin, is perfect after a day outdoors.
• Year-round appeal: winter brings a different kind of magic—access to Sellaronda via Seceda, cross-country trails on Alpe di Siusi, and guided snowshoe hikes for non-skiers.

Conclusion: A lunch you can only have here

The Alpine Barbecue Experience blends what makes Val Gardena special: a guided walk through extraordinary landscapes, regional food and wine, and an open-air table set before the Dolomites. From the first sip of Arunda sparkling wine to the last forkful of Kaiserschmarrn with South Tyrolean grappa, it’s a rare meal that truly tastes like its place.

Ready to make it part of your trip? Book your stay at the Classic Hotel am Stetteneck in Ortisei and ask to add the Alpine Barbecue Experience to your summer plans.