Obergurgl - Austria
Obergurgl (O-ber-gur-gil) was made famous by the emergency landing of a hot air balloon in 1931 by Professor Picard, a Swiss explorer. Since then tourism has boomed but development has been tightly controlled by the locals to keep the village pretty and traditional. As one of the highest resorts in Austria at 1930m Obergurgl offers a long season from November to May with an excellent snow record, and the new gondola to Hochgurgl has opened up over 100km of runs. Of these, the vast majority are suited to intermediate skiers.
The popularity of the resort with families means that it is well equipped for learning to ski and also explains the dominance of the quiet half-board hotel scene over rowdy après ski. Advanced skiers and boarders and party animals will probably find Obergurgl inadequate and should therefore consider nearby Solden instead. That said, if you are learning to ski or looking for a safe family environment you can’t beat Obergurgl.
At a glance
| Resort altitude | 1930m - 1930m |
|---|---|
| Highest lift | 3080m |
| Lowest lift | 1795m |
| kms of piste | 110km² |
| Black pistes | 6% |
| Red pistes | 14% |
| Blue pistes | 18% |
| Green pistes | 0% |
| Snow parks | 0 |
| Glacier | No |
| Snowmaking | Yes |
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Five to try
- Head to one of three late-opening mountain restaurants for the best apres ski parties.
- Floodlit skiing is available on 8km of slopes every Tuesday evening
- Pay a visit to the Otzi museum to discover all about the way of life in the area thousands of years ago.
- The indoor golf centre may provide a tempting diversion, especially on a cold day! (http://www.skiundgolf.com/)
- Take time to lunch at the new Top Mountain Star with its panoramic views to 23 mountain peaks.
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Planning your trip
The first point to note is that you shouldn’t be travelling to Obergurgl for convenience! The skiing on offer can make the journey worthwhile but this will never be a more...
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Where to stay
Obergurgl is very much a half-board hotel resort and families will love the ski to the door convenience of many of the hotels. One particularly worthy of mention is the Hotel Alpenland. Despite being a 4 star hotel their rates start from just €60 per person per night for half-board and the more...
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Food and drink
Obergurgl was made famous by the emergency landing of a hot air balloon in 1931 when Professor Picard, a Swiss explorer, made the first ascent into the stratosphere. In the past 70 years tourism has boomed as a result but development has been tightly controlled by the families of the more...
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Things to do
Obergurgl‘s excellent snow record gives it one of the longest seasons in the Alps. Sitting above the tree line, it can appear a little bleak but the village itself is pretty enough with lifts situated more...
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On the piste
The skiing is all above the tree line in Obergurgl, but this does allow for spectacular views across the border in to Italy. Beginners are particularly well looked after and the pistes around Gaisber, Bruggenboden and Mahdstuhllift are ideal for more...
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MadDogView
Obergurgl’s altitude makes it a good choice early or late in the season but also means it is a rather isolated place to stay.
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Map
- Download piste map
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Our favourites
Skischule Obergurgl
They offer lessons aimed at a 'guarante of learning with lots of fun'. They have about 120 instructors and offer group snowboard lessons and ski school for children from 4. They also have creche facilities for younger children. -
Useful stuff
