From Alpine Roots to Mountain Trails

The Journey Begins

I was born in Austria in 1985, growing up in the foothills of the Alps. Ironically, as a chubby kid, I wasn't much of a hiker. I would look up at those towering mountains and couldn't understand why anyone would voluntarily climb them. Little did I know those same peaks I once avoided would later become my greatest passion. As a Millennial, my early interests leaned more toward technology—from playing Snake on my first Nokia to navigating the early internet, which became both my passion and career path.

From Austria to Hollywood (Almost)

In my mid-twenties, frustrated with the direction of my life, I made a bold decision: at 24, I flew to Los Angeles with just $100 in my pocket and dreams of becoming an actor. While my Hollywood career never materialized, those three months transformed my mindset completely. When my tourist visa expired, I returned to Austria with a new perspective and a burning desire to make America my home.

The Path to San Francisco

As a high school dropout with big dreams, I needed a plan. I secured a web development position with Salesforce in Ireland, strategically chosen for their US offices and transfer possibilities. Within two years, I earned my L1 visa and relocated to San Francisco—my gateway to the American dream.

Mountains Within and Without

In San Francisco, I faced my personal mountains. Weighing 300 pounds and battling inner demons, I committed to transformation. Through relentless dedication, I lost 100 pounds in six months. Yet physical change alone didn't bring the fulfillment I sought. My exploration turned inward through meditation, podcasts, and mentoring—seeking answers to the questions that had followed me since childhood.

The Call of the Trail

On a 26-mile urban hike around San Francisco, dehydrated and delirious on Bobcat Trail in the Marin Headlands, I had an epiphany. If I wanted to truly discover myself, I needed a greater challenge. The Pacific Crest Trail called to me—2,650 miles of mountain wilderness where I could finally confront the depths of my own mind.

With my newly acquired Green Card, I took a four-month sabbatical, gave away most of my possessions, and began walking from Seattle. Those months on the trail taught me more about stillness and thought management than years of city living ever could.

Healing Through Nature

After the PCT, my journey of self-discovery continued through plant medicine in the Amazon, where I experienced profound healing that felt like "hundreds of hours of talk therapy rolled up in a 5-hour session." This experience strengthened my commitment to helping others find their own paths to wellness.

The Next Summit

Today, I'm building this Austrian Hiking Challenge to share my passion for mountains with others. My journey has come full circle—from the Austrian foothills where I once avoided climbing to embracing the very challenges I once questioned.

Having retired a couple of years ago and completed three months of intensive training as a Curandero in the Amazon, I'm now preparing for my greatest physical challenge yet: the Austrian Hiking Challenge. This year, I'll be tackling more than 2,500 km with almost 150,000 meters of elevation gain—all in one season. The boy who once looked up at the mountains in bewilderment is now planning to conquer them all.

"Gracias a mi Familia" and to everyone who has shaped this journey. The trail continues, and I invite you to join me for the next climb.