History

A short family history

The Kreuzberg pass (ital. Passo Monte Croce) is an old high-mountain pass between South Tyrol and Veneto. First discovered by the Romans, the alpine pass was an important medieval trade route between North and South and played a decisive role in shaping the culture and history of the Hochpustertal or Alta Pusteria.

Till 1919 the Kreuzberg pass marked the border between Austria and Italy and was a staging ground for military conflicts during the two world wars. In 1956 the Happacher brothers, Michael and Hansi, acquired the former Kreuzbergpass guesthouse in Sexten - Sesto and wrote the first chapter of the hotel’s over 50-year success story.

Hard work, pioneering spirit, 2 new annex buildings and continuous quality improvement have turned the former guesthouse over the years into a modern 4-star accommodation which stands out for its unique architecture and location in the middle of the South Tyrolean mountains – in other words, a real epitome of local hospitality.

1956	1990	2006
1957	1993	2007
1964	1995
1972	1998
1978	2000
1983	2001

• Move
• Close

1956
The inn is purchased by Michael and Hansi Happacher, who had previously run the Rifugio Comici at the foot of Cima Dodici. Thanks to a number of first climbs achieved in earlier years, Michael Happacher had been one of the most famous mountain guides in the Upper Adige region.

• Move
• Close

1957
The first ski lift is constructed in the Upper Pusteria valley, right next to the Hotel, facing the steep rocky sides of Croda Rossa and Cima Undici. Today this slope is approved by FIS (Italian Skiing Federation) for slalom races.

• Move
• Close

1964
Fire! Thanks to the voluntary help of neighbours, the restaurant, ski lift and ski school are quickly restored.

• Move
• Close

1972
Helga and Ricky Aichner get married and gradually take over the management of the family enterprise.

• Move
• Close

1978
Purchase of the Popera Inn, which is also located on the Pass, followed by the acquisition of a third building. Renovations and expansions over a number of years lead to the establishment of two annexes, “Verena“ and “Christina“.

• Move
• Close

1983
The state route that used to separate the hotel from the ski slopes to the north of the building is moved.

• Move
• Close

1990
Construction of covered swimming pool, fitness centre and suites in the Verena annexe

• Move
• Close

1993
Building of the St. Michael's Chapel as thanks, that Much has survived the fall at Friuli.

• Move
• Close

1995
The Golf Driving Range is established.

• Move
• Close

1998
Construction of Plaza between the Hotel and the lawn/ski slope

• Move
• Close

2000
“After 2 years of dust and masonry debris everywhere, we’ve made it!“ The main building has been enlarged and improved; new guest rooms and suites have been added, the ”Orangerie“ and “Stube” rooms have been constructed, as well as the “Zwergenreich“ restaurant with à la carte menu and the wine cellar, the new kitchen and lobby, a children’s playroom and more.

• Move
• Close

2001
Great party to celebrate the inauguration of the new Passo Monte Croce Hotel

• Move
• Close

2006
50 years of the Kreuzberg (booklet front cover)

• Move
• Close

2007
The ski slope infront of the house has been widend and constructed a new snowing system.

• Move
• Close

2008
Posa della croce sulla cima della montagna di casa.

• Move
• Close

2009
Largo al colore! Le stanze dell’edificio principale vengono rinnovate accuratamente.

• Move
• Close

2010
Costruzione Châlet Sauna in larice all’aperto, con stanza relax e cabina massaggio.

• Move
• Close

2011
Much Happacher compie la sua ultima scalata († 25.08.11)