The Alps: Timeless and Changing - People

Alpiner Johannes Pleschberger continues his journey through the Alps in meeting some of the incredible people who live and work in the mountains. Alpine people speak a range of different languages, have various traditions and faiths - but they’ve got lots in common. With some of the highest life expectancies in the world, healthy alpiners enjoy heart-pumping activities in the mountain air all year round. 

We meet Slovenian Tomo Sarf who’s still running up mountains in his sixties.  Some of the best cheeses in Europe are made in the alps including Emmentaler, Raclette and Gruyere – but you may not have tried Trnič, a delicious Slovenian cheese made by shepherds as a token of love for their sweethearts. 

The people of the alps also enjoy fantastic festivals. If you thought Halloween was scary - you haven’t met Krampus. He’s a half-goat, half-demon who scares naughty children into behaving better the day before St Niklaus’ two weeks before Christmas.. Alpiners dress up in incredible painted masks, clang the loudest cow bells and cause mayhem in their towns and villages once a year.