Obergurgl

Obergurgl Ski Resort

Obergurgl is a family-friendly traditional Austrian village, situated high up in the mountains at the head of the Otztal valley. Together with lift-linked Hochgurgl, it has some of the most snowsure non-glacier skiing in Europe. A bus link to nearby Solden provides further high-altitude skiing which can be needed because the Gurgl ski area alone is not very large.

Obergurgl is the second oldest ski resort in Austria after St Anton, with a long history of looking after skiers and their families. It’s also the exception to the rule that Alpine ski resorts can be low-lying charming traditional villages, or high-altitude snowsure modern resorts, but they can’t be both; because Obergurgl is charming, with a nice village centre and a church dating back to 1737, but it’s also located at 1930m above sea level, with powerful lifts within 5 minutes walk of most of the accommodation that whisk skiers up to 3000m, guaranteeing good snow throughout its longer winter season.

Accommodation is still mainly in traditional 3-star and 4-star family-run hotels, although there are some apartments, chalets and pensions as well. The apres-ski starts well before the lifts close with live music and tea dancing on tables at the mid-mountain Nederhutte and other bars on the lower slopes. The fun carries on back in the village for a while, but then quietens down because Obergurgl is the kind of resort where most guests return to their comfortable hotels to eat a gourmet dinner at night with their families, rather than carry on drinking in a rowdy bar.

‘Gurgl‘ is the official name of the ski area which Obergurgl shares with Hochgurgl, a modern, purpose-built, satellite resort 6km away, which is really just a cluster of ski-in/ski-out hotels high above the tree line at 2150m. And skiing in Gurgl is all about quality not quantity. Its height means good snow conditions are the norm which helps skiers and boarders of all standards. The lifts are excellent, with hardly any queues, and the chairlifts have covers which can be a godsend. There are nursery slopes for beginners with free lifts for those attached to a ski school and when they get a bit more confident, they have plenty of gentle blue runs to move onto, especially in the sector above Hochgurgl. Intermediates will be able to ski all the pistes – even the blacks are not very threatening. Advanced skiers will find very few challenges on piste but there is excellent off-piste to explore with a guide, and a small freeride area around the Kirchenkarbahn 2 lift.

Gurgl is not a large ski area, though, with only 112km of piste, 25 lifts, and about 40 runs. Fortunately, it’s just one part of the Ötztal Super Ski area that also includes nearby Solden. This is only 20 minutes down the valley road and there are frequent free ski-buses linking the two resorts, which together have enough skiing for anyone for a week.

So is Obergurgl the ideal compromise for a party that demands a high-altitude ski resort with guaranteed snow but also wants 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 also remember its altitude can be a double-edged sword. In a cold, wintry January, Obergurgl can be a bit bleak.

Helpful Links

Accommodation in Obergurgl and Hochgurgl. Hotels, Chalets, Self-Catering Apartments, Package Holidays, Where to stay… Read more >
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Obergurgl Pros & Cons

+ Snowsure / long season
+ Obergurgl + Hochgurgl + Solden have a big enough ski area
+ Nice village
+ Excellent ski touring and good off-piste freeriding with a guide
+ Fun après ski

– Late at night Obergurgl is quiet and Hochgurgl is dead
– High, bleak setting with few tree-lined runs to retreat to in bad weather

On The Mountain

Off The Mountain

Obergurgl Ski Area

Obergurgl ski area, together with neighbouring Hochgurgl, enjoys an enviable snowsure position because of its high altitude. The season opens at the beginning of November and closes 1 May. Combined with their modern snow making equipment and the lack of queues, these resorts are especially good for the beginner and intermediate skiers who will love the long wide, motorway pistes.

The ski area, including the Kirchenkar mountain gondola II extension that opened in November 2018, totals 112km of marked pistes, divided more or less equally between Obergurgl and Hochgurgl, with 90% covered by artificial snow cannons. The ski area is graded approximately 30% beginner (blue), 50% intermediate (red) and 20% advanced (black) runs and served by 25 ski lifts and gondolas with a capacity of around 40,000 riders per hour. With a combined total of just 4,800 beds in both resorts it is easy to understand why queues are almost non-existent.

The ski slopes are mostly above the tree line and wide open with a lower density of skiers and fewer snowboarders than other resorts. This apart from anything else gives a greater feeling of safety and less congestion. At times it really does feel like a private ski resort. Consistent upgrade improvements on the speed of the gondolas and the chair lifts, means there is virtually no queuing even at peak times such as New Year, February school holidays and Easter; so more time spent skiing than waiting to ski. Some may find taking skis on and off frequently to ride the gondolas an irritation, but all of the modern high-speed chair lifts have bubble covers to reduce the wind chill - a plus point! There is no snowboard park in either resort; Obergurgl had one briefly one year but abandoned it the next for lack of support and demand.

For advanced skiers there are 20 km of black runs, the best in Hochgurgl being the black run down Festkogel through the Ferwalltal, and the Fer Valley. The Kirchenkar mountain gondola II has also opened up plenty of freeriding. In Obergurgl the black run from from the Top Mountain Hut at the Hohe Mut summit is a fiercesome challenge. If this doesn't prove enough, there are larger glacier ski areas at Tifenbach and Rettenbach above Solden, a 20 minute bus ride back down the valley from the bus station in the centre of Obergurgl. A day's lift pass will cost extra unless it is pre-booked at the same time as a week's Obergurgl / Hochgurgl ski pass.

Experts looking for off-piste skiing in both areas will not be disappointed with mountain guides available to show the best routes. Telemark Skiing offers off-piste tuition with a full day tour included over Easter if conditions permit.

Obergurgl Ski Area

Obergurgl has three main lift systems. From the lower end of the village the Festkoglbahn rises to 2,630 metres from where a descent on route 6 and then 7 will link up with the Plattachbahn chairlift up to the Festkogl summit (3,035 m). At the top end, the Roskarbahn quad chairlift and the new Hohe Mut bahn gondola both start almost next to each from outside the Edelweiss and Gurgl hotel. The Roskarbahn arrives at the same point as the Festkoglbahn while the Hohe Mut bahn goes all the way to the top of the Hohe Mut (2,670 m). From here and the top of the Festkogglbahn there are connecting runs enabling skiers of all abilities to explore the entire area above Obergurgl. Route 3 from the top of the Festkogl takes you down to the Top Express gondola system which joins up with Hochgurgl.

From the summit of the Hohe Mut (meaning 'high courage') at 2,670m there is a steep and exhilarating black mogul descent leading to the option of red or blue runs back down to the valley or a similar choice of runs down to the Steinmannbahn which opens up other ski runs at the top end of the valley. An excellent reason to be skiing at midday in this area is the location of Obergurgl's two best mountain restaurants, the Nederhutte and David's skihutte.

On Tuesdays from 6.30 - 9.30pm you can enjoy Night Skiing on 8km of floodlit ski slopes with access from the Festkogl lift. At the top the Obergurgl Ski School Instructors perform an impressive ski show with stunts and jumps before the event is rounded off with a fireworks display. This occurs from December to April providing the snow remains frozen.

Hochgurgl Ski Area

With a similar ski area to Obergurgl, entry to Hochgurgl's slopes is either from the bottom of the Hochgurglbahn station lift which has a car park, or from the Top Express gondola linking Hochgurgl with Obergurgl. This can be accessed by taking route 3 from the Festkoglhutte at the top of the Festkoglbahn.

The premier and most exhilarating ski run for testing speed and stamina covers 8km with a vertical drop of 1,200 m and starts from the top of the Wurmkogl peak (3,082 m / 10,109 ft) via Route 25, through the tree line just below Hochgurgl and down to the bottom of the Hochgurglbahn.

There are two other routes down to T-bars either side of the Hochgurglbahn lift. From the start of the Top Wormkogl lift you can either branch out half way down onto blue Route 32 which turns into a black funnel for the final section down to the Wormkugl Hotel. (Watch out for the final part of the T-bar on the way up which gives a sudden lurch to almost lift you off the track).

The new Kirchenkar 2 lift above Hochgurgl which opened in November 2018 created two new high-altitude pistes, Piste 43 (blue) and Piste 44 (red). The lift ascends to 2839m above sea level, so it also opened up new testing North-facing terrain on both sides of the lift for freeriders and off-piste skiers.

There are a few challenging black runs at different points above and around Hochgurgl for advanced skiers, while beginners can enjoy a number of easy blue runs on which the ski school operates.

Obergurgl Ski Lifts & Lift Passes

The Obergurgl lift company has invested heavily in recent years to upgrade ski lifts with modern gondolas and high-speed covered chairs. Important improvements include the new 3.6 kilometre Top Express 8-seat gondola linking Obergurgl and Hochgurgl, which transports skiers above the Ferwalital and Konigstal valleys in 12 minutes.

Obergurgl Hochgurgl Ski Lifts

In Obergurgl, the old Gaisbergbahn chair lift from outside the Edelweiss Hotel has been replaced by a new 8-person gondola which passes through the Nederhutte middle station to the top of the Hohe Mut, a distance in altitude of 736m covered in about 4 minutes with an hourly capacity of 2,400 skiers.

In Hochgurgl, the Top Schermerbahn 3000 is a similarly new 2,400 per hour 8-person gondola with heated seats, which starts at the mid-station area next to the start of the Top Wurmkogl lift and the Top Express gondola linking with Obergurgl.

The ski lifts are open for night skiing twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays in Hochgurgl, and on Tuesdays in Obergurgl.

Obergurgl Ski Lift Pass

The Obergurgl ski pass covers both the Obergurgl and Hochgurgl ski areas, including sledging, and may be purchased at official lift stations, in some hotels or in ski sports shops. Lift paases are free for young children up to and including eight years of age and discounts are offered for children aged 9-16 as well as for seniors aged 60 and over (proof of age required).

Solden

Solden is just 20 minutes' drive down the valley from Obergurgl and the two resorts are connected by a bus service. Solden has a similar, but slightly larger, high altitude ski area, so intermediates and above staying in Obergurgl and Hochgurgl will definitely want to ski in both ski areas. Because Solden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl are part of the Otztal Valley Superski area, most Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski passes of more than 3 days include access to Solden, but this is worth checking before buying a pass.

Hochoetz-Kühtai, Niederthai, Gries and Vent are also included in the Otztal Superski area.

Obergurgl Ski Lift Company

Information Lift Co.
Gurglerstrasse 93
6456 Obergurgl
Tel: +43 (0) 5256 6396

Obergurgl Beginner Skiing

Obergurgl’s wide open, treeless runs are perfect for beginners to build confidence. Once the basics have been mastered on the gentle beginners slopes close to the town, ski school groups are soon up the mountain above Obergurgl.

Beginner Skiing in Obergurgl and Hochgurgl

Obergurgl's beginner runs are wide and flat. From the top of the Roskartbahn and the Festkoglbahn there are a number of gentle blue runs which either lead down to the Top Express gondola for the 12 minute ride to Hochgurgl, or the long and winding run via blue run 6 back down into Obergurgl. The area above David's skihutte is a favourite for ski school formations practising their turns, with a pleasant run back to town.

In Hochgurgl the blue run 27 from the top opens up into a vast width of blue runs where the space gives a real feel of confidence and where beginners can expect to make good progress in or out of ski school. Most of the blue runs end up either at the bottom of the Wurmkogl I chairlift or from there down to Hochgurgl itself.

The two areas to watch involve lengthy T-bars. Blue run 32 turns into a short black run at the bottom part leading to the tricky Vorderer Wurmkogllift T-bar with a tendency to lift you upwards and off balance towards the end, and on the other side of Hochgurgl where there is a wide underused gentle run down to the kirchenkartlift T-bar. Assistance is given at the start of both T-bars.

Obergurgl does not suffer from day visitors and hence the slopes are uncrowded even at weekends.

Ski Schools & Ski Lessons in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl

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Obergurgl Intermediate Skiing

The Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area is a paradise for intermediate skiers where the height of the resorts gives some of the best snow conditions in Europe. The intermediate pistes are wide, undulating long and varied – this is motorway skiing at its best! And there is even more available at bus-linked Solden.

On the slopes above Obergurgl there are three main red runs. The shortest is red 7 from the top of the Festkogl, the highest point above Obergurgl, with the alternative descent being a challenging black run. The other two red runs are long, fast and a good test on thigh muscles. From the top of the Festkoegelbahn, red run 1 descends the full length of the gondola on the Ferwalital valley side down to the lift start. At the top end of the Otztal valley above Obergurgl, red run 16 drops from the top of the Hohe Mut all the way to the bottom of the Steinmannbahn, and more importantly David's skihutte.

Hochgurgl 's two best runs for intermediates are red run 25 from Hochgurgl down to the bottom of the Hochgurglbahn gondola with its mixture of twisting turns through the treeline. For those wanting to measure their improvement, the blue run from the top of the Wurmkogl then connects with red run 25 to provide a varied and really exhilarating downhill experience, a descent of 1,200 metres.

The other treat is the seemingly much underused red run 20, probably because the only way up is by a very long and tiring T-bar. The motorway run is fast and sweeping where full throttle can be given without fear of traffic congestion. No doubt this will all change once the T-bar is upgraded to chairlift status.

At the top the Kirchenkarbahn Sektion 1 is the Kirchchenkarthutte - a good refreshment point before taking the new Kirchenkar 2 lift which opened in November 2018 and which ascends to 2839m. This created two new high-altitude pistes, Piste 43 (blue) and Piste 44 (red) which then join Piste 41 (blue but with the option of a red run variant - piste 42) continuing all the way down the mountain to the Top Mountain Cross Point - a seriously testing, thigh-burning workout if you try to do the whole descent without stopping - it has a vertical of about 800m.

Intermediates based at Obergurgl will also want to visit Solden, which is another high-altitude, intermediates' paradise, jut 20 minutes down the valley road. Both resorts are part of the Otztal Superski area so most Obergurgl-Hochgurgl passes include days at Solden.

Obergurgl Advanced & Expert Skiing

Obergurgl has a handful of testing black runs, the most challenging being black 11 from the top of the Hohe Mut Festkogl down to the Nederhutte. There are lots of off-piste skiing, freeriding and ski-touring possibilities to discover with a guide, both locally and in nearby bus-linked Solden (also covered by the Otztal ski pass).

Although on-piste in Obergurgl there is a lack of long duration black runs, the mogul run from the top of the Festkogl to the bottom of the Gipfellift, is a real joy especially after a fresh snowfall. In Hochgurgl, there are likewise a number of black runs with black 27 from the Top Mountain Star Restaurant and black 32 on the Konigstal side being the pick.

Ski racers with a craving for the competitive edge can enter the weekly ski races for visitors which take place every Thursday in Obergurgl and Friday in Hochgurgl.

Off-piste there are an abundance of good slopes on either side of the Festkgol and Hohe Mut which depending on the snow conditions open up descents visible from the Hohe Mut restaurant and the Festkogl. Similarly, in Hochgurgl there are a number of favourite areas close to the pistes and a series of exciting runs from the top of the tree line down though the woods.

The new Kirchenkar 2 lift above Hochgurgl which opened in November 2018 ascends to 2839m above sea level, so it opened up new testing North-facing terrain on both sides of the lift for freeriders and off-piste skiers.

For a change of geography, Solden is only a 20-minute bus ride away, and well worth visiting to ski Solden's famous Gaislachkogl peak (3058 m) for great off-piste skiing.

Hiring a mountain guide, available through the ski school or specialist guiding companies, is the best way to find the best off-piste itineraries and best snow on any given day and to ski safely.

Obergurgl Snowboarding

Obergurgl has no permanent designated terrain park for snowboarders and the frequent high winds which whip off the powder, leaving the slopes hard and fast for carving.

In Hochgurgl the snowboarding terrain park has been disbanded and the focus switched to Solden which is a measure of the declining popularity of snowboarding in both resorts. According to the ski schools this has been increasingly the case over the last few years following the emergence of carving skis. While neither resort can claim to be a top boarder destination the slopes are wide and uncongested and the gondolas and chairlifts lifts are all designed to make riding easy. Both ski schools offer 2-hour daily snowboarding lessons on request.

Obergurgl Mountain Restaurants

The mountain restaurants in Obergurgl and Hochgurgl typically provide a high standard of food at reasonable prices and staff mostly in traditional Tyrolean costume, are happy and welcoming. The good news is that there are no self-service motorway style restaurants in either area.

Obergurgl Mountain Restaurants

The restaurant at the top of the Hohe Mut provides good food, outdoor seating and a majestic view over the top of the Alps. Rebuilt recently, with sheepskin rugs covering the chairs, and excellent Austrian cuisine, you will find it difficult to leave quickly! At the summit of the Festkoegel lift, the Festkoeglhutte has an open air restaurant and a separate indoor circular bar which booms out music across the slopes as you put on your skis after alighting from the gondola. The busiest time is Tuesday evenings when the bar is packed for floodlit night skiing and the fireworks display.

But the real stars of mountain refurbishment are located lower down at David's Skihutte and the Nederhutte. The former is run by David and his friendly helpers in their lederhosen with their bonhomie contributing to the lively atmosphere. The large tables guarantee conversations with strangers quickly ensue. The gluwein is the best on the slopes and the food portions are filling. Try the tasty Tyrolean Grostel (panfried potatoes with bacon, onions, meat and salad), and if you have any room left go for the homemade apple strudel and vanilla sauce. Finish with David's schnapps - this legendary and lethal brew is made from the local pine cones to warm the cockles of your heart!

The Nederhutte is a larger and more modern version of David's skihutte with young staff working the tables at fast pace with their wireless order pads. The food is equally good with Gergrillte Schweinsripperl (grilled spareribs with garlic bread and salad) a firm favourite. But the highlight is the four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays) live music which starts at 4pm with the lead guitarist leaping onto a table to get the event underway. Before long he is followed by the punters bringing a new meaning to table dancing. Make sure you are there by 2pm if you want a table - it's a great experience lasting until late and not to be missed, including their 'Rock around the Fondue' evenings. If you cannot face skiing back down, snowmobiles run at regular intervals to take you down in a trailer!

Hochgurgl Mountain Restaurants

For the visual aspect, you can't beat the new state-of-the-art designed rotund Top Mountain Star restaurant on the pinnacle of the Wurmkogl whilst enjoying a hot chocolate or gluwein. Perched on top of the mountain the views are spectacular with 23 alpine peaks stretching out over the Oztzal Alps and the Dolomites. The Top Mountain Star restaurant closes at 5 pm but is available for private hire and at affordable cost if spread between 50 or 60 people, with access up and down by piste groomers.

Over to the left, just away from the top of the Kirchenkarlift is the unpretentious Kirchenkarhutte which is a small outpost run by a couple of characters who provide basic fare; a good re-fuelling stop.

Lower down, the Hochgurgl Hotel has a sunkissed outdoor patio restaurant with views down towards Obergurgl and the top end of the valley. Excellent sausage dishes, including a wholesome Grilled Sausage with sauerkraut and roasted potatoes with bacon washed down by a beer; the more wealthy among you might be tempted to 40g Beluga caviar and fine wine.

A hidden gem for lunch is the Wormkugl Hotel's veranda (a real suntrap), which is a short walk from the bottom of the black route 32 which can be the only reason it is not overpopulated. Josef is a genial host and the menu is well recommended along with the house wine. The only route out is the T-bar but after a large lunch Josef may be able to assist with the hotel minibus up to Hochgurgl.

Obergurgl Village

In Obergurgl, ownership of the Otztal valley land has been tightly controlled by families of the original farmers, resulting in the village's development being kept in check and its traditional Alpine uniqueness preserved. There are only about 400 inhabitants living in Obergurgl all year round.

The first skiers took to the slopes in 1911, making Obergurgl the second oldest ski area in Austria after St Anton. More tourists started to arrive in the 1930's after Professor Picard in his hot air balloon made the first ascent into the stratosphere, but then had to undertake an emergency landing on the Gurgler glacier in 1931, thereby putting the place in the world's newspapers. Obergurgl now receives over 100,000 visitors a year during the winter season, mostly from Germany, UK and the Benelux countries. In general, Obergurgl appeals to an older clientele and to families with small children - teenagers and those in their twenties will prefer the nightlife in Solden, down the valley.

Eating out in Obergurgl is limited. Most people tend to eat in their hotels, although we recommend Krumpn's Stadl next door to the Granat Schoessl hotel. This is a lively but small restaurant oozing Tyrolean charm - if it happens to be your birthday, they will hoist you up to the ceiling in a harness and sing Happy Birthday! Try the Snowboard Steak, or the Pike. The salads and home made soups are mouth-watering too.

In the town, despite the number of apartments, there is only one Spar grocery and one baker and a couple of souvenir shops. For those needing retail therapy there are a couple of boutiques and a modern up-market ski sports shop, Lohman, with high quality brands.

In summer the mountain area attracts visitors who come for the superb walks and hikes, including Europe's highest 'Nordic High Walking Trail' and a starting point for high alpine treks and glacier tours. Thursdays, from early June to October, has an organised high altitude hike. Obergurgl is also a haven for allergy sufferers who want to enjoy the mountain air and pollen-free holidays. The high reputation of the Schreiber riding arena even has visitors who bring their own horses.

Staying in the hamlet of Hochgurgl consisting of just six hotels situated high above the tree line, means most are content to use the hotel facilities and their health centres. For those desperate for nightlife Obergurgl is only a taxi drive away, but even here late nightlife is quiet compared to other bigger and busier ski resorts.

Ötztal Tourism
A-6456 Obergurgl
Tel: +43 (0) 57200 100
Email: [email protected]

Obergurgl Apres Ski Bars & Restaurants

Obergurgl’s apres ski hot spot is the Nederhutte with live music four nights a week and traditional dancing on the tables. Snowmobiles will ferry you back to the village if you feel unsafe on skis after too many beers! For dinner in Obergurgl, the gourmet attractions lie in the restaurants of many of the upmarket hotels rather than village restaurants which are scarce.

Obergurgl Apres Ski Bars

David's Hutte, next to the Steinmann lift, is open Wednesday and Thursday evening for après ski and BBQ or Fondue. One of the highlights of the week is the Night Skiing on Tuesdays with "The Return of the Pioneers" performed by the ski school, an impressive show of stunts and jumps, rounded off with a firework display.

In Obergurgl itself, the Edelweiss Umbrella and the CU bar between the Edelweiss and the Josl cellar are popular. The Josl cellar is open daily from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Hochgurgl is more sedate, with little après ski.

Obergurgl Restaurants

The restaurant at the Hotel Edelweiss and Gurgl still enjoys a great reputation but reports of excellent dining at Hotel Alpina suggest the gap may be closing. Beside the PicNic restaurant, in the lower part of town there are the Romantica and Belmonte pizzerias and close to the Festkoegel lift there is the new Salt and Pepper restaurant serving Mediterranean style food. Next door to the Granat Schoessl hotel, is the Krumpns Stadl, a typical Tyrolean chalet serving generous portions of steak, local pike or perch, and heart-warming soups. It is a popular bar with the locals too.

One venue not to miss is the Nederhutte on Thursday nights where a Dine and Dance evening features Raclette Grill or Meat Fondue. Booking a table there is a must and they will arrange transport from the village and back afterwards.

It's fair to say that neither Obergurgl nor Hochgurgl is renowned for wild nightlife and both resorts can seem quiet later on with Obergurgl's centre being car-free at night. That doesn't mean there is no action but it does mean that because both resorts do not target the student or singles market, most late night entertainment is to be found in the hotels.

In Obergurgl, most late night revellers head for the Josl Keller (open until 3 a.m.) which has a disco and two large bar areas and late on is always packed out.

In Hochgurgl, there are no restaurants outside of the hotels. The evening atmosphere is broadly low key and relaxed but there are two discos to attract the post-dinner crowds - Toni's Almhutte at the Hotel Olympic and The African Bar at the Hochgurgl Hotel.

Obergurgl Other Activities

Other activities in Obergurgl - Hochgurgl include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ski touring, ice skating, tobogganing and night skiing, but apart from winter activities, indoor golf and indoor horse riding there’s not a great deal for non-skiers to do in either village.

The ski schools offer guides for other cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ski touring:

Cross-country skiing in Obergurgl and Hochgurgl

Obergurgl is not renowned as a cross country ski area, but for beginners, intermediates, or older visitors who prefer not to hurtle down the mountain at speed, the gentle tracks, cut for classic or freestyle skating, are ideal. The 7 km long high altitude trail from Pill/Angern through the meadows of Isse to the hamlets of Koenigsrain and Alt-Poschach along the river shore is a good work out. The start is at the base terminal of Hochgurgl gondola. In Obergurgl the 3 km training track, starts at Bobo's Kids Club or below the Church. There are two level ski loops, along the Oetztaler Ache in the direction of Bobo's Playground, across the brook, and back via the Bartebene area. The 2km long training track in Hochgurgl starts above the Chapel, next to the ski run. Part of the run is floodlit.

Snowshoeing in Obergurgl

Guided snowshoeing is offered on Thursday afternoons for a minimum of 2+ persons with snowshoe rental is included in the cost. The showshoe hiking route starts from the top end of Obergurgl and passes close to David's skihutte enroute to the Schonwieshutte restaurant where a re-fuelling stop will be well deserved. For something with a difference, on Wednesdays there is a 2 hour night snowshoe hike for a minimum of 4+ persons at the same cost. Snowshoe and headlamp rental included.

Ski Touring in Obergurgl

Ski Touring off-piste is offered once or twice a week for a minimum of four persons. The itineraries are dependent on the state of the snow and the exact terrain covered is decided on the day itself.

Tobogganing and night skiing in Hochgurgl

Also in Hochgurgl, there is a new 3km natural togoggan run, from the top station to the base of the Hochgurgl gondola. Toboggans can be rented or hired. On Mondays and Thursdays, the toboggan run is floodlit, and there is night skiing in Hochgurgl, included in the lift pass. For non-skiers without a pass, there is a small charge to use the toboggan run. Contact Hotel Hochgurgl for more information. Tel: +43 (0) 5256 6223.

Ice-skating and curling in Obergurgl

For a day off the slopes go to the ice-rink in the centre of town (Tel: +43 (0) 5256 6340) next to the Hotel Enzian (Tel: +43 (0) 5256 6265 Web: www.obergurgl.com/winter/winteractivities/ice-skating-hockey-curling.html) or try your hand at curling in one of two sound-proofed curling alleys at the Hotel Alpenland whose facilities also include bowling, table tennis and billiards. Tel: +43 (0) 5256 6337.

Indoor golf in Hochgurgl

In Hochgurgl, for something totally different and unexpected at this height, there is a new indoor golf park at Hotel Riml where golf lovers can keep their swing in good shape by playing 54 world courses on seven golf simulators and a 200 square metre putting green. Contact Hotel Riml for further details. Tel: +43 (0) 5256 6466, Web: www.skiundgolf.com.

Horse-riding in Obergurgl

Equestrians will enjoy the magnificent indoor Scheiber riding arena built to international tournament standard in Obergurgl, which is also a breeding centre for the Haflinger horse. Owned by the Edelweiss and Gurgl hotel it provides instruction for all levels of ability. It is located behind Obergurgl's beautiful alpine church. For more details contact Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl. Tel: +43 (0) 5256 6223.

The Alpine Church in Obergurgl

Obergurgl's beautiful alpine church is worth a visit. Consecrated in 1737, St Johannes Nepomuk Church is the highest in Europe and on Christmas Eve the midnight Mass with the local all male choir in the gallery is memorable.

Wellness in Obergurgl and Hochgurgl

A visit to one of the hotel Wellness Centres and a treatment course will ease tired muscles and rejuvenate the body.

The Aqua Dome at Laengenfeld

Half an hour by taxi from Obergurgl the Aqua Dome at Laengenfeld is a magnificent complex of pools, heated to an ultra-comfortable 38 degrees celsius, where you can swim out into the open air, and back, with occasional jets popping up at the sides and in the centre, to ease the tired muscles. There is a separate pool for naked swimming within the sauna section. There are two children's pools, built within a vast wooden Noah's Ark, and separate play areas. There are sunbeds in the solarium, a restaurant and bar, a hairdresser and a shop. On a bad snow day, this is a great escape - or just to relax for an afternoon away from the slopes to recharge the batteries. Best of all, you can text AQUA to see how crowded the place is before you set off - adjusting your visit accordingly. For more information visit www.aqua-dome.at

For more information, including details of events, contact the Tourist Office in Obergurgl.

Obergurgl Tourist Office
Gurglerstrasse 118
A-6456 Obergurgl
Tel: +43 (0) 5254 510100
Fax: +43 (0) 5254 510101