Born in 1973 in Ortisei and working as a mountain guide since 2002, the Dolomites have lost none of their fascination for Manfred Stuffer, even after decades. For him, they are a living work of art whose colors and moods are constantly changing. He shares this enthusiasm not only with his guests, but since 2005 also with a wider audience: as a passionate videographer, he produces the show "Gipfelerlebnisse" for te local televison – though he emphasizes that filming is just a hobby, while his heart truly belongs to his work as a mountain guide.
Manfred's alpine career was shaped by an intense period of "Sturm und Drang". In the 90s, he mastered some of the most difficult sport climbing routes before dedicating himself to free solo climbing. Without a rope, without a camera, and without an audience, he sought the pure symbiosis between climber and rock on the big walls – a private experience of "controlled fear" which, as he says today, one must know when to walk away from in good time.
Today, he derives his greatest satisfaction from guiding guests through his homeland. His credo is as simple as it is captivating: "When I lead my guests onto my beloved mountains, I am happy. And since happiness is contagious, I have an easy job."
Manfred’s favorite tours:
Unquestionably the Dolomites, and occasionally "chill climbing" on the Greek island of Kalymnos.
Personal highlights:
Manfred’s motto:
Life is a mountain
