Obergurgl - Introduction
Famed as Austria’s highest parish, Obergurgl is certainly impressive. The views of rugged mountain peaks covered in snow are awesome and the village itself looks very attractive amidst the snow. Due to its height the snow is usually present from November until May, which means conditions for skiing and snow-boarding are more often than not very good. With quality hotels in the resort and linked with Hochgurgl in the Oetz valley an excellent choice for early and late season skiing. Largely unspoilt, the compact village centre is attractive and relaxed. The resort has some lovely accommodation, so whether you are visiting for a week or just a weekend break you can expect a pleasant welcome and a fantastic holiday. Obergurgl and its sister resort Hochgurgl have some beautiful skiing and snow-boarding and with many of the slopes and the cable-car linking the resorts offering views of the spectacular Oetz Valley there is plenty to see and do in Obergurgl.
Skiing
Accessing the slopes is quite simple, with a number of the lifts starting directly from the villages of Obergurgl and Hochgurgl and several runs finishing at the villages. The nursery slopes of Mahdstuhl are some of the gentlest there are, so it won’t be long before most beginners are jumping on the lifts to the Gaisberg area, which has plenty of slopes that will compliment your technique. Intermediates will enjoy virtually the whole resort, with its wide, friendly blue and red runs, especially the cruising terrain at Festkogl. Experts should look at hiring a guide to take them off-piste, but there are some steep and knee crunching bumps on piste too. A visit to nearby Sölden is also an option.
Snowboarding
Obergurgl and Hochgurgl pistes are suitable for snowboarders with a collection of jumps on the Festkogel area.
Ski Schools
Obergurgl ski school comes highly recommended. Excellent instructors teaching the total adult beginner to be a confident keen skier. To teaching the smallest of children. There professionalism and outstanding dedication is one of the reasons to bring you back to Obergurgl.
Eating Out
Lunching on the slopes is a joy and with some superb views on offer it would seem almost rude not to take time out from your busy schedule on the slopes for at least a spot of lunch. The Schönwieshütte in particular is recommended for its views. In town there is a superb choice of restaurants, along with some excellent cafes and menu offerings are both local and international. Many of the hotels also offer first class dining.
Bars and clubs
Obergurgl’s nightlife is pretty traditional. The centre of the village is traffic free at night, so that locals and visitors alike can enjoy a quiet and relaxed evening. There are however a number of lively Après Ski bars, the mountainside Nederhütte is usually the first to get going and you will find be the Krump'n Stadl and Josl Keller worth a look. Elsewhere you can find karaoke and dancing.
Off the slopes
In addition to those après ski standards, ice-skating and bowling, you can try curling and there is also occasional night skiing. Some of the hotels also offer additional activities.