Obergurgl
Ski Resort

Obergurgl is the exception to the rule that Alpine ski resorts are either attractive traditional villages, or high-altitude snowsure resorts, but can’t be both – because Obergurgl is a traditional village with a pretty 18^th century church, but at 1,930m above sea level, it’s also very high and snowsure. (Hochgurgl is even higher at 2150m.)

Accommodation is still mainly in smart family-run hotels that specialise in looking after affluent families, who often return year after year, and don’t mind paying a little extra for higher quality. A high proportion of guests are British and English is widely spoken, especially during school holidays. The village is now a bit long and straggly, and the outskirts aren’t as attractive as the centre, but almost everywhere is within 3 minutes’ walk of a ski lift.

With only 112 km of ski slopes, Gurgl’s ski area is not very large, but there is a useful lift pass sharing arrangement with nearby bus-linked Sölden, which has a larger area, and so more than doubles the amount of skiing available.

The slopes Gurgl does have are squarely aimed at relaxed intermediates who want to enjoy themselves rather than be tested, with blue runs predominating. If you ever want to stop for a rest or refreshment, there’s always a mountain restaurant nearby. High lifts (up to 3030m) and meticulous grooming ensure good snow conditions during a long ski season from November to late April.

The après-ski is as relaxed and fun as the skiing. Some of the mountain huts and umbrella bars begin playing music from lunchtime onwards, and in the more lively ones, people start dancing. When the lifts close, the fun carries on back in Obergurgl, but after a while quietens down because most guests want to return to their comfortable hotels to eat a gourmet dinner with their families, rather than carry on drinking in a rowdy bar.

There are also family-oriented evening activities too, such as floodlit skiing, nighttime tobogganing, and skating on a natural ice rink which stays open late. If visitors want to take a break from skiing for one or two days, there are lovely winter-hiking trails too.

So is Obergurgl the ideal family ski resort for those want guaranteed snow but also a charming traditional village? Well, put it this way: you won’t find anywhere that is higher which is nicer, or anywhere nicer which is higher. But remember that Obergurgl’s altitude can be a double-edged sword. In the middle of winter, the village gets very little sun, and it can be very cold.