ANGELA STROLZ

A simple life

In the quiet alpine village of Schoppernau, where the rhythm of life still follows the rise of the mountains and the change of the seasons, Angela Strolz has built a life rooted in the simplicity, purpose, and the outdoors. A lifelong skier, climber, and mountaineer, she embodies sunrises on the Arlberg Massif to spontaneous adventures with friends, her days are defined by nature, craftmanship, and a deep appreciation for the places and people tat keep her grounded. We asked her to share the rituals, lessons, and landscapes that continue to inspire her life in the mountains.

Can you tell us about your hometown Schoppernau, and what that keeps you there?
I’m from Schoppernau, a small village of about 900 people in the heart of the Austrian Alps, right at the foot of the Arlberg Massif. It’s where I grew up, and it’s the place I now choose to call my base. I’ve travelled to many parts of the world, but it always feels good to come back home. Schoppernau is the perfect place for me, not just because it’s surrounded by nature and offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities like skiing and climbing, but also because it gives me a sense of balance and calm. Life in Schoppernau moves at a different pace — slower, simpler, more grounded. When I’m there, it often feels as if everything in the world is still in order. People know each other, the mountains stand quietly as they always have, and the rhythm of life follows the changing seasons. That sense of stability and simplicity is something I deeply value, especially after spending time out in the fast, noisy world beyond.

Austria has such a rich tradition of craftsmanship. Do you see connections between that and the way you approach your life or work?
Definitely. I think Austria’s craftsmanship is all about patience, attention to detail, and creating something meaningful. I try to bring that into my life and work too. Whether it’s skiing, a project, or planning an adventure, I love focusing on the process and doing things with care. Seeing how dedication can turn something ordinary into something extraordinary is really inspiring to me.

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How does your environment influence your sense of style or aesthetics?
Growing up in the mountains shaped how I think about style and aesthetics. I prefer clothes that are natural, functional, and timeless — pieces that last for years, not just for the next trend. That’s why I connect so much with Amundsen, the clothing is practical, durable, and works just as well in the mountains as it does in everyday life. Being surrounded by nature has made me value simplicity, quality, and durability. Pieces you can rely on season after season.

What’s one lesson the mountains have taught you that you carry into everyday life?
One important lesson the mountains have taught me is to stay focused and fully present in the moment. Whether I’m climbing or skiing, I have to concentrate completely on what’s right in front of me. When I’m climbing, for example, I focus entirely on my next handhold or foothold, there’s no room for distractions or doubt. In contrast, everyday life is often full of noise, endless to-dos, and a mind that jumps from one thought to another. That’s why I try to carry the same mindset I practice in the mountains into daily life: slowing down, concentrating on what I’m doing, and appreciating each moment instead of constantly worrying about what comes next. That said, I sometimes forget, and it takes effort to bring that same focus and presence into everyday routines.

What are some small rituals that define your everyday life — morning coffee, a walk, time outdoors?
Small rituals are really important to me. Every morning I like to have my coffee outside and take a moment to enjoy the mountains, one of the great things about living here is that I can see them right from home. Even just a short walk or a few minutes outside helps me reset and start the day grounded.

Can you tell us a little bit about your earliest experiences in the mountains? Did you know from an early age that you wanted it to be a part of your life longterm?

My last mountain trip was to the Vals Valley in Switzerland, where we did a climbing tour with good friends. The route was definitely a bit above my level, so I was really proud that I managed to climb it. Autumn is the perfect time for climbing, the temperatures are ideal, and the light in the mountains is just beautiful. I actually grew up in the mountains, and skiing and being outside were just part of everyday life. Because it was so normal for me, I kind of took it for granted and even lost interest for a while. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I really found my love for the mountains again. Spending time in places far from the mountains made me realize how much I missed them, and now I appreciate the beauty, the freedom, and just being out in nature so much more. Honestly, I can’t imagine my life without them anymore. That’s also why I’m now involved with the mountain rescue team in our hometown — it allows me to give back to the mountains and the community by teaching young people mountaineering skills and helping those in emergency situations, combining my love for the mountains with a sense of responsibility and purpose.

What’s your most memorable day outdoors, one you often think back to?
That’s a tough one. When I think about it, so many moments come to mind that it’s hard to pick just one. For me, it’s really about the experiences I share with friends in the mountains, feeling all the emotions together: joy, fear, pride. Or those moments when you think you can’t do it, push past your limits, and feel an incredible sense of accomplishment afterwards. So it’s hard to single out one day that stands above the rest. Looking back on this year, one of the most memorable experiences was my trip to Svalbard. During our Ski & Sail adventure, we reached very remote places, standing on skis in areas where (maybe) no one had skied before. The untouched snow, the vast landscapes, and the wildlife made it an incredible experience that I won’t forget.

What kind of adventure gives you the most joy, the spontaneous kind, or the carefully planned expedition?
I usually get the most joy from spontaneous adventures. When something has been planned for a long time, there are always certain expectations, and if they aren’t fully met, I can feel a bit disappointed. That said, I also enjoy planning especially in the mountains, where some activities really do require careful preparation. So it’s a bit of a balance, but I’d say the moments that are unexpected and unplanned usually bring me the most excitement and fun.

What does an ideal Day in the Life look like for Angela Strolz?
An ideal day for me starts early, out in the mountains, when everything is still quiet and calm. I love that moment when the first rays of sunlight touch the peaks and the world slowly wakes up. It doesn’t matter if it’s summer or winter, being out there, breathing the fresh air, and feeling that sense of freedom is what makes me happiest. For me, a perfect day is one spent in the mountains from start to finish, ideally sharing those moments with good friends and ending it tired but completely content.