Hotel Ulli – Interview with Lukas Muller

With a perfect position at the foot of the slopes and near to the ski school, the friendly ski-in/ski-out Hotel Ulli is a fabulous property that is a client favourite in the Powder Byrne portfolio. Here we caught up with new General Manager Lukas Muller, grandson of the hotel’s original founders.

Lukas Muller

1. What is your position, how long have you been with Hotel Ulli and what were you doing before?

I have taken over the management of Hotel Ulli from the winter season 2021/22, I am the grandson of the hotel founders Ulli and Helmut and so a family tradition continues. After several years of working in various leading hotels in Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Spain, I am pleased to be the third generation to run our family hotel.

2. Tell us about the changes you’ve made to the hotel over the past year?

We have made good use of the Covid-19 lockdowns and have fully renovated a third of our rooms. Furthermore, a new whisky/cigar lounge was built, and our bar and lounge have had a facelift.

3. What makes Zürs so special as a resort to you?

Zürs is a small but beautiful resort and is a winter wonderland. As one of the highest ski destinations in the Alps, plenty of snow is guaranteed. Located in the heart of the famous Arlberg, the biggest ski area of Austria, Zürs offers pure winter fun with countless downhill possibilities, both on- and off-piste. Furthermore, it has a rich history in Alpine ski culture, dating back to the turn of the 20th century.

4. Where is your favourite spot on the mountain or in the resort (other than your hotel of course!)?

I love to step out first thing in the morning, take the lift up to Hexenboden whish is right next to our hotel, and draw the first lines in the fresh powder. Then I like to go to lunch at the BBQ station of the old mountain station Trittkopf. This is something very special for me, because my grandpa Helmut built this lift 40 years ago.

5. What makes Hotel Ulli unique in your eyes?

Hotel Ulli is an alpine retreat for discerning guests who are looking for class instead of mass. Situated directly on the ski slope, it offers the perfect starting point for all winter sports enthusiasts. In addition, there is a first-class cuisine with Austrian specialties and selected dishes from around the world. The family flair is noticeable throughout the whole hotel and connects guests from all over the world.

6. Tell us a little about your philosophy around the hotel?

Hotel Ulli is a feel-good place for a winter vacation without stress and worries. The Zürs ski school is located only a few meters from the hotel, so children can also return to the hotel during their lunch break. The special children’s menu in the evening followed by a movie night and popcorn leaves nothing to be desired. I try to continue the hotel in the spirit of my grandparents as a family hotel, of course with some new ideas from my experiences and work at other hotels all over the world.

7. What’s your favourite dish/es on the menu?

Definitely Kaiserschmarrn - a typical Austrian dish that cannot be missed after a ski day. Kaiserschmarrn is a lightly sweetened pancake served as a dessert or as a light lunch.

8. What are you most looking forward to in the 2021/2022 season?

After a year without guests in the Arlberg, I am very much looking forward to a reunion with many friends and guests of the Hotel Ulli.

9. Where else in the world do you and your family like to travel to? Do you have a favourite holiday destination?

My stays in different hotels have also led me all over the world but I would say a highlight is Argentina, South America. I have great memories of big barbecues there with family and friends, so I would say it is one of my personal favourite destinations.

You can enjoy a stay at the beautiful Hotel Ulli in Zurs at any point throughout the season with the support and services of Powder Byrne's Client Concierge team to plan and prepare every aspect of your holiday. Contact us for more information and to receive a personalised quotation.