Gurgl, Austria – Embrace the Ski Season!

Gurgl, Austria's Early Opener in the Tirol Alps

Gurgl, nestled in the Ötztal valley, stands out as Austria's premier non-glacier ski area and one of the earliest to kick off the season across the Alps. The lifts commenced operation on November 17, and the festivities were in full swing by the weekend. The resort, also known as the "Diamond of the Alps," hosted a Christmas market, a gala dinner at the Gurgl Carat convention center, and an art and sculpture exhibition by Austrian Alpine creators.

With fresh snow and sub-zero temperatures over the weekend, snow cannons worked non-stop to enhance the cover. The skies were clear on Saturday, while Sunday brought a beautiful snowfall. Monday saw an impressive snow cover, with a forecast promising more snowfall.

Here's why an early or late-season ski break at Gurgl, one of Austria's most snow-sure destinations, would be a special experience.

The Region

Gurgl, located in the Ötztal valley, stands as one of Austria's highest ski areas, with a base level at 5,900ft and a peak at 9,940ft. Obergurgl, the main village, and Hochgurgl, a purpose-built commune with ski-in ski-out hotels, are connected by the Top Express gondola.

The Skiing

With 70 miles of exhilarating pistes, Gurgl's slopes, mostly above the treeline due to its altitude, offer a unique experience. Red runs wind down the mountain face along the valley, providing both a challenge and a route for less confident skiers.

The Hohe Mut Bahn 1 gondola and the new Rosskarbahn lift provide access to various runs, including reds, blues, and off-piste itineraries. Hochgurgl offers more blue and red runs, along with short black runs, providing stunning views from the Top Mountain Star restaurant.

Lift passes for three days or more include all six valley resorts, including Hochoetz and Sölden with its twin glaciers.

Why Go There

Gurgl offers abundant skiing without the overwhelming size of some other resorts. Obergurgl and Hochgurgl are small, upmarket villages with excellent hotels. The Top Mountain Star, a glass-walled haven at Hochgurgl's peak, provides stunning views across Italy. The region is part of the family empire of Alban and Atilla Scheiber, with highlights including the Top Mountain Crosspoint and the rebuilt Top Mountain Motorcycle Museum.

Eating and Drinking

Top Mountain Crosspoint is a major hub for daytime activities, offering a terrace, contemporary timber interior, and a variety of dishes, including Tiroler Groestl and Wiener schnitzel. Other dining options include Wurmkoglhutte, Festkogl Alm, and Nederhütte, which also hosts lively apres-ski.

Gourmet options for the evening include Hotel Enzian's Sud-Tiroler Fondue Stube and Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl's fondue room. In Hochgurgl, See You is a modern restaurant serving "Alpine tapas" in a dramatic setting with concrete arches and sleek timber.

Overall, Gurgl offers a delightful skiing experience, making it an ideal destination for an early or late-season getaway.