Obergurgl is a popular destination for a ski holiday in Austria, it is a particular favourite amongst Ski Solutions clients. It is located in the Tyrol region and is one of Austria’s highest ski resorts. Obergurgl and its small satellite village, Hochgurgl, welcome British families year after year as the facilities are fantastic.
The region is one of the most snow-sure ski areas in the country, and with the short 90-minute journey from Innsbruck it’s an excellent choice. The ski resort sits at almost 2,000m and reaches an altitude of more than 3,000m. Many accommodations in the area are ski-in ski-out too. When it comes to off-slope activities, Obergurgl doesn’t disappoint. Here is our pick for the top 10 things to do in Obergurgl.
Night Skiing
Experience Obergurgl in a different way by cruising the slopes at night. The ‘Diamond of the Alps’ is floodlit twice a week, every Monday and Thursday. It truly is an unforgettable evening. Either choose piste No.6 at the beginning of the week which is an exceptionally long 8km slope. Or if you’d rather go later in the week, take the Hochgurglbahn I mountain gondola to the mid-station at 2,160m. There, skiers will explore the red No.33 piste, a brilliant way to satisfy your ski fix, well into the evening!
Stay At:
The Crystal VAYA Unique hotel is located directly next to the Festkoglbahn gondola, giving easy access to Obergurgl’s slopes. The chic property is the perfect escape for families and groups.
Photo Credit: Scheiber Sport
Cross-Country Skiing
Obergurgl offers perfect cross-country skiing from December until April. If you are a beginner, the practicing trails are the best place to start. There’s a 2km track near the Hochgurgl II mountain gondola where newbies can get to grips on an easy loop. The best thing about cross-country skiing is the beautiful Alpine scenery and the sheer quietness, a totally peaceful experience. Uniquely, the trail is open in the evenings, illuminated by floodlights, should you seek an evening workout. You can rent out ski equipment from the local rental shops that offer top-quality cross-country skis, boots, and poles for all skill levels.
Stay At:
Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl is a firm-favourite with Ski Solutions clients. Established in 1889, the hotel is one of the most iconic buildings in Obergurgl and has excellent ski-in ski-out access.
Photo Credit: Obergurgl
Aqua Dome
The Aqua Dome is a top-class thermal spa just a 30-minute drive from Obergurgl centre. The Dome is in Tyrol, nestled in the breathtaking Ötztal valley. It is a remarkable location that will make you feel immediately relaxed. The tranquil setting is exactly what you need after a tiring day of skiing. Immerse into the thermal oasis, featuring an impressive 12 indoor and outdoor pools. The spa’s architecture is nothing short of extraordinary. The buildings are designed to replicate the mountain peaks that surround the Aqua Dome. There’s a superb child-friendly area, the Alpen Arche Noah, featuring a waterpark with slides, a climbing course, and aqua games. In short, the Aqua Dome is well worth the drive!
Stay At:
Chalet Obergurgl is a sophisticated complex of apartments with modern furnishings and spacious living areas. There is a shared pool and sauna, which is the ideal spot for relaxing after you’ve finished skiing.
Photo Credit: The Moss Hotel Obergurgl
Top Mountain Motorcycle Museum
Visit Europe’s highest motorbike museum in Hochgurgl. It is one of the top 10 things to do in Obergurgl. The Top Mountain Motorcycle Museum has a remarkable collection of vintage and historic motorcycles. Some of the exhibited bikes date back to 1885 up to the present day. The museum showcases a walk-through of motorbike history, a 4D experience with simulations, a real-life bike experience, and a small automobile section. Sadly, in 2021 the motorbike museum caught fire and almost 350 exhibits were completely destroyed. However, patrons of the community helped to reopen and expand the Top Mountain Motorcycle Museum, building a more spectacular, more informative, and more exciting destination.
Stay At:
Hotel Alpina is an exceptional five-star hotel in a fantastic location. Guests have easy access to the ski school meeting place so it is a great choice for beginners.
Photo Credit: Obergurgl
Ice Skating
Swap your skis for skates when you’re done on the slopes for the day. The ice rink in Obergurgl is opposite the old St. Bernhard’s Mountaineers Chapel and next to the mountain slope. Whether you’re a beginner learning for the first time or a seasoned pro, it’s a great activity for all the family to get involved in. After you’re finished twirling around the rink, stop off in the sports bar and end the night with a well-earned drink.
Stay At:
Hotel Bellevue is a family-run property which is connected by an underground tunnel to Hotel Austria. The two hotels have access to the superb wellness facilities and supervised childcare.
Photo Credit: Obergurgl
The Freizeit Arena
The Freizeit Arena in Sölden is a short 15-minute drive and well worth the journey. It’s an excellent location for all-round family fun. The Arena features an aquapark, sauna, fitness centre, sports hall, and bistro. The aqua park and swimming pool have a unique Tyrolean Alpine design, with novelty mountains and wooden chalet-like structures. For the adults, there is a Finnish Kelo log sauna, steam and inhalation bath, and an infrared cabin. Soothe achy ski legs while the little ones tire themselves out in the whirlpool. In the evening the rink is lit by floodlights, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Stay At:
Hotel Gotthard-Zeit is a superior four-star family-run hotel in the centre of Obergurgl. Guests will be spoilt with the views from the hotel bar, restaurant and sun terrace.
Photo Credit: Freizeit Arena
Tobogganing
Can you visit a ski resort without wanting to try tobogganing? I don’t think so! Tobogganing is one of the 10 top things to do in Obergurgl. Head up to the start of the 3km trail and hurtle down the 25 thrilling turns. The exhilarating activity is a stand-out experience on a ski holiday, something not to be missed. Take your toboggan on the Hochgurgl gondola and travel down as many times as you like (until the lifts close!). On Thursdays, night skiing and tobogganing are welcomed, head up the mountain between 7pm – 10pm for a memorable evening.
Stay At:
Hotel Bergwelt is a beautiful property run by the Falkner family. The property is a member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ and is known for its great food and wine.
Photo Credit: Obergurgl
Indoor Golf
Tee off in the middle of winter. The indoor golf experience in Hochgurgl is a great place for beginners and experts to improve their swings in a year-round setting. The centre is Europe’s largest indoor golf facility, with four state-of-the-art simulators. There is an extensive putting green to practice your final touch. In the virtual simulators, golfers can play more than 50 of the most scenic courses across the world. The centre is a different way to unwind off the slopes. Professional coaching is available to improve your technique should you need additional tips. Head to the Blue Birdie Bar afterward for a relaxing drink.
Stay At:
Hotel Gurglhof is perched right on the piste and is a one-minute walk from the Hohe Mute and Rosskar gondolas. The contemporary and stylish hotel is the perfect escape after a day’s skiing.
Photo Credit: Obergurgl
Nature Park Infopoint Hohe Mut
Nature Park Infopoint Hohe Mut is one of the top 10 things to do in Obergurgl. It is a magnificent Nature Park reserve exhibition on the 2,670m high Hohe Mut Alm. The Infopoint is an interactive exhibition, showcasing glacier research on touchscreen tables. Not only is the research hugely impactful, but the views from the centre are incredible. Marvel at the glaciated Tyrolean valley from the panoramic window front.
Stay At:
Austria Gourmet & Wine Hotel, run by the Steiner family, offers direct ski-in/ski-out access from piste six, with the Rosskarbahn gondola just an eight-minute walk away. This refined hotel is a food lover’s paradise, regularly introducing new gourmet trends.
Photo Credit: Obergurgl
Snow-shoeing
Snow-shoeing is a fantastic way to explore Obergurgl in a slower, more peaceful way. For many, it is one of the top 10 things to do in Obergurgl. Discover the natural beauty of the ski resort as you pace through the mountain trails. Some are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Alpine animals. The wide snow shoes ensure you effortlessly walk on top of the snow, without the feeling like you’re sinking. You can rent the shoes from any rental shop in town, and you can also hire guides to take you on the most scenic trails.
Stay At:
Centrally-located, this hotel is a great choice for those who want maximum time on the slopes. The modern yet cosy escape has an excellent restaurant, sun terrace and indoor wellness area.
Photo Credit: Obergurgl
To find out more about the top things to do in Obergurgl, call our ski experts on 020 7471 7700.
