The Vermala Wirt and its history
from snack bar – to restaurant – to event location
1969
Construction of the Brunella snack bar
After the completion of the road from Grandau to Garfrescha, the “Brunella” snack bar was built in 1969 by the Rudigier and Tschofen families. At Christmas 1969, the self-service restaurant opened at the same time as the new Garfrescha 2-seater chair lift and the curve lift/drag lift (today’s Grandau lift). At that time, there were already a few Maisäß huts where long-term guests stayed – and with the construction of the Garfrescha lift, the number of guests and hosts increased year by year.
1972
Sale to the lift company & new leaseholder
In 1972, the Brunella guesthouse was taken over by the then lift company Silvretta Nova. Shortly afterwards, the mountain railway leased the popular guesthouse to the Begle couple, who ran the Brunella with great dedication and hard work for more than two decades.
Under their management, the Brunellawirt developed into a lively meeting place for skiers and locals. Many long-standing guests of the older generation still associate warm and humorous memories with the Brunella of that time.
1990
Closure of the Brunella
In 1990, the Begle couple retired and enjoyed their well-deserved rest. From then on, the guesthouse was no longer in operation and was used, among other things, as a hay storage facility for local wildlife feeding.
1994
Lightning strike
After a lightning strike in 1994, the roof and the storage area caught fire. Fortunately, quick action prevented anything worse from happening.
2003
Renovation & opening of the Brunellawirt – Frank Sandrell
In 2003, Frank Sandrell purchased the building from the lift company and completely rebuilt it. After an intensive and extensive construction phase, the new full-service restaurant – now named Brunellawirt – opened in December 2004.
Frank Sandrell laid the foundation for the party atmosphere that defines the Vermala Wirt today. Even back then at the Brunellawirt, the greatest parties and the most legendary tobogganing evenings were celebrated.
After a few smaller renovations, a major extension of the terrace and storage areas followed in 2012.
2017
Sale & new owners: Roman & Julia Sandrell
After more than twelve years full of dedication and tireless passion at the Brunellawirt, Frank Sandrell set out to find a new owner who would continue his life’s work with the same appreciation.
He found them within the family: his cousin Roman Sandrell and his wife Julia took over the Brunellawirt and led it into a new, defining era. Full of enthusiasm and excitement, they started their first winter season in 2017.
2019
New conservatory construction
After a successful year, plans were made to renovate the conservatory, which were put into action immediately after the 2018/19 winter season. After an intensive and very short construction phase, the Brunellawirt shone in new splendour, featuring the new conservatory with its breathtaking views of the Montafon mountains.
With this renovation and the dedicated management of the Sandrell family, a new era began for the Brunellawirt. The traditional mountain hut evolved into a lively meeting place – the origin of the vibrant après-ski atmosphere and legendary tobogganing evenings as we know and love them today.
2021
Construction of the photovoltaic system
As part of our commitment to environmental awareness, a photovoltaic system was installed on the roofs in 2021, supplying our house with green electricity.
2024
Sale & new owners: Tschanhenz family
After seven successful and intensive years, Julia and Roman decided to place their heart’s project in new hands – with a touch of wistfulness, but also with great anticipation for a new chapter in their lives.
For us, it was a special honour and a profound sign of trust that the Sandrell family passed their “legacy” on to us. With great respect for what they have built, we take on this responsibility – grateful, motivated and with the firm wish to live up to the big footsteps they leave behind.
Thank you, Sandrell Family
2025
Name Change: Vermala Wirt
We are delighted every day to carry the responsibility of continuing the history of the Brunellawirt and to give it a new chapter under the name Vermala Wirt.