Traveling to Obergurgl/Hochgurgl, Austria Fly into Zurich or Munich.
From Zurich, take train to Landeck Austria (3-3:45 hours). From Landeck take a
Taxi or Bus to Solden (approx 1 hour). From Munich, take train to Innsbruck (2-3
hour), then a Taxi or Bus (1 hour).
Obergurgl Hochgurgl Stats:
Summit Elevation: 10,104'
Vertical Drop: 3,772
Lifts: 24
Prepared Runs: 110 kilometers of prepared ski trails plus extensive off piste.
Our Obergurgl-Hochgurgl Ski Review
Obergurgl is known as the diamond of the Austrian alps. There are 24 lifts and
110 kilometers of groomed (prepared) trail skiing in addition to thousands of
acres of off-piste slopes, steeper chutes and natural bowl skiing. Located
10-minutes up the valley from Solden Ski Resort, Obergurgl and Hochgurgl are
also part of the Otztal Valley in the Tyrol mountains of Austria.
Obergurgl Hochgurgl consist of three interconnect mountain peaks, Hohe Mut at
8,759-feet and Festkogl at 9,967-feet which are both part of the Obergurgl ski
area, and the highest point at Hochgurgl of 10,111-feet where the spectacular
panoramic Top Mountain Star lodge is reached by three lift rides, including two
consecutive Wurmkogl lifts. The two ski areas (on the same ticket) are
interconnected by the Top Express Gondola that shuttles skiers to and from
Obergurgl and Hochgurgl with dramatic views of the mountains and the separate
ski villages below.
While the skiing at Obergurgl and Hochgurgl is not particularly challenging, the
high elevation makes for a long season from mid November to early May. There is
quality snow, few crowds and there is significant skiing off trail for those
that wish to venture, even if its just off to the side of the groomed runs for
some powder. Obergurgl Hochgurgl, while small by Tyrolean standards, is about
the same size as Telluride or Steamboat in Colorado so it is plenty vast to
explore for several days. It makes a great combo week with nearby Solden just a
few miles down the valley.
British families flock to Obergurgl because it is less crowded than other
European ski resorts, and the pace is relaxed, the slopes are well prepared
(groomed) and the ski school handles every ski and snowboard age and ability
level. Families also enjoy that kids under 10 ski free. Obergurgl offers night
skiing three times a week, plus toboggan runs and fireworks certain evenings.
You can ski to several mountaintops lodges; the most famous being the Top
Mountain Star with its unique circular architecture and glass lined viewing from
the small round bar serving drinks inside. Don’t have too many beers or schnapps
here at over 10,000-feet as it’s a long ski run down. Also on the Hochgurgl side
is the Kirchenkarhutte that is more classic Austrian chalet. This Kirchenkar
section of the ski mountain also offers wide open skiing served by a T-Bar, very
quiet, sunny and unhurried. Over at Obergurgl there is a variety of ski runs on
the Festkogl area, with a Fun Park (terrain park), plus plenty of untracked snow
on a powder day since most skiers stay on the prepared runs.
The Hohe Mut Alm reached by the two segment Hohe Mut Bahn gondola is one of
Tirol's most beautiful mountaintop lodges with a panorama of over 21 peaks of
9,000-feet or more. They say you can see 21 glaciers from here, but we did not
count. Hohe Mut Alm serves traditional Tyrolean après ski dinner here Wednesday
nights with music, dancing and Austrian fondue.
At the southernmost flank of the Obergurgl ski resort is an extraordinary lunch
experience, grab a rope tow off the back of a snowmobile from the top of the
Steinmahnbahn lift, and get pulled on your skis (very James Bond-like) from the
top of this lift to a snowy glacial valley where the Schonweishutte serves a
delicious Austrian lunch with amazing views. The snowmobile pull is a highlight,
so is the sunny deck at this authentic stone hut with quaint service of homemade
dumpling soup, goulash, and Weiner schnitzel.
Obergurgl and Hochgurgl don’t offer the crazy après ski that much of Austria is known
for, but there are just enough umbrellas bars at the base of the slopes, several
restaurants, shops and hotels within walking distance in town. The best place to
stay in Obergurgl has to be Hotel the Crystal
right at the base of the Festkoglbahn lift. The outdoor pool and Finnish sauna
at the Crystal Spa both offer a splendid slope view, and the Hotel has
delightful modern rooms and a beautiful Crystal Bar, Lobby and Dining Room.
Place to Stay in Obergurgl: Hotel The Crystal- 4-star slopeside
modern hotel featuring lovely mountain view rooms with balconies, an expansive
Crystal Spa with indoor and outdoor pool, adult nude Sauna, and a full Beauty
Spa, elegant dining for dinner and breakfast buffet, and a ski shop with boot dryer and ski
storage steps from the Fetskoglbahn lift and the slopes.
Obergurgl Hochgurgl On Mountain Dining: Schonweishutte - from the top of Obergurl’s
Steinmanbahn, take a snowmobile tow on your skis to this classic Stone hut
surrounded by peaks and glaciers. Austrian fare is served on the sun deck or
inside the cozy secluded chalet.
Hohe Mut Alm - At the Obergurgl summit, this mountaintop chalet
serves local cuisine and fondue with a panoramic view. Wednesday night, take the
gondola for a Hut Evening with music, dancing and Austrian traditional dinner,
ending with fireworks and a gondola ride down.
Kirchenkarhutte - a cozy ski-to Austrian chalet at Hochgurgl
serving casual quick Wieners, soups, meat and cheese plates, plus a full bar.
