Obergurgl

Obergurgl Ski Resort

Obergurgl has long been a Ski Club favourite thanks to its incredible snow record, traditional mountain village charm and reputation as a family friendly resort.

Almost all the ski area sits above 2000m and most is well above this, which, coupled with a powerful snowmaking system, ensures that Obergurgl possesses one of the longest and most reliable seasons in the Alps. The terrain is above the tree-line and favours beginner and intermediate skiers, but there is some good off piste to explore for more advanced skiers. Obergurgl is one of the most popular resorts with Ski Club members and Ski Club holidays to the resort usually sell out well in advance so make sure to get booking early! 

The village itself is the highest parish in Austria and has retained a lot of its traditional charm. It is split into three parts, one by the Rosskarbahn, the other by the Festkogelbahn and the third – named Hochgurgl – lies 200m higher up the Timmelsjoch road. Obergurgl is generally pretty quiet, but there is a good selection of restaurants and bars and a couple of lively spots for an après drink.

Our Ski Club Rep Service will be operating in Obergurgl this season. Join the Rep for a drink during the nightly social hour at the Hotel Edelweiss and Gurgl between December and April this season.

Why not also check out the Ski Club’s Obergurgl Facebook Page, a vibrant community of over 150 like-minded skiers and snowboarders.

What's New for 2019/20

The updates for the 2019/20 season in Obergurgl have been limited but last season saw the significant addition of the second stage of the Kirchenkar Mountain Gondola. This 10 passenger gondola can carry up to 2400 people per hour and will open up several kilometres of additional terrain in this area which already has 112 kilometres to explore.

One new addition for this season is the Gurgl Carat congress and events centre, which will host congresses and many other types of events. The diamond-like shape of the building, in the centre of Obergurgl, is a nod to the area’s nickname. It is scheduled to open just after the New Year.

Our Obergurgl Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Advanced ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Après ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Value ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Obergurgl Skiing and Snowboarding

The high-altitude ski area tends to have some of the best snow conditions in the Alps and is always one of the first to open and last to close. This is not a resort for experts, but it is ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. There’s 110km of slopes on offer, served by 23 lifts – almost all of which are fast – and wherever you’re staying its going to be ski-in-ski-out.

• Total Pistes: 110 km
• Blue: 32%
• Red: 50%
• Black: 18%
• Additional Ski Routes: 5km
• Lifts: 23
• Altitude: 1793m – 3082m

For Beginners

Obergurgl is ideal for beginners. There are two lifts that are free for anyone in ski school and there are three other beginner lifts (covered by a special day pass) serving decent slopes at each end of Obergurgl, and also just above Hochgurgl. From there the blue under the Hohe Mut gondola is ideal for progression and more confident beginners should be able to tackle some of the gentle blues above Hochgurgl.

For Intermediates

The terrain is also ideal for intermediates and the snow conditions are usually first class. The network of blues above Hochgurgl are slightly more gentle, but are wide and ideal for perfecting your technique. For clocking up the most vertical, head to the top of the Wurmkogel chair or the Plattachbahn. Hopping between the two sides of the mountain is easy, just catch the Top-Express gondola.

For Advanced/Expert & Off Piste

There are few challenges on piste and the black runs are not particularly steep. Wait for fresh snow and make the most of the off piste – which often remains untracked for longer than in many resorts. The toughest runs are off the top of the second section of the Hohe Mut Bahn.

Obergurgl Piste Map

The Obergurgl area map can be downloaded here.

Obergurgl Ski Pass Prices

The cheapest adult rates are available before Christmas and for a two week spell between 12th January and 25th January – other rates are the same all season. Any pass of more than three days gives you access to all six resorts in the Ötztal Valley, including the fantastic resort of Sölden, and a season ticket will set you back only €680. Note that these prices may change, so check with the resort’s website for the latest or give the Ski Club’s expert info & advice team a call on 020 8410 2009.

Obergurgl Season Dates

• Opening Date: 30th November 2019
• Closing Date: 12th April 2020

For full details see the resort's website and note that these dates are subject to change. The Ski Club’s expert info & advice team are also on hand to help – call 020 8410 2009.

Obergurgl Resort

The mainly traffic-free village centre is relaxed and very family friendly. That being said, it is not completely quiet and there are some good restaurants and bars, although most are linked to hotels and much of the action happens at the end of the ski day rather than late at night.

For Families

With its reputation as a family-friendly resort, the options and facilities for children are great. The ski school has very good reviews and they also provide lunchtime supervision. Off the slopes the safe location is great for snow play, the ice rink is always popular and there is a 3km tobogganing route over at Hochgurgl.

For Après

Obergurgl is most animated as the lifts start closing, before quietening down significantly in the late evening. Nederhütte at the Hohe Mut gondola mid-station is the place to be when the lifts close and is a frequent stop for Ski Club members utilising the Rep Service. From here you ski down and can also drop in at the popular bars at the base of the lift.

How to get to Obergurgl

Innsbruck is by far the closest airport and is within an hour and a half on the road from Obergurgl. It is possible to travel by public transport, but expect a three hour journey and a bus-train-bus combination.

• Innsbruck airport: 1.5 hours (driving) or 3 hours (by public transport)
• Calais: approximately 14 hours driving (667 miles)

Obergurgl Contact Details

• Website: www.obergurgl.com
• Email: obergurgl@oetztal.com
• Telephone: +43 57 20 01 00
• Facebook: @obergurgl
• Instagram: @obergurgl.official