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GURGL: Top Quality Skiing at the Diamond of the Alps.

Press release
The premium destination of Gurgl, located in the uppermost part of Ötztal Valley, combines high alpine skiing with no lift queues, excellent hotels, upscale dining and first-class infrastructure. A true promise of quality that lives up to the resort's nickname: Diamond of the Alps. With the early season opening on 19 November 2026, Gurgl is among the Alps' first winter ski resorts to open its slopes. The season's first highlight follows already on 21 and 22 November at the AUDI FIS Ski World Cup. Future investments in snowmaking technology and the introduction of digital skipasses directly on the smartphone promise even greater snow reliability and convenience.

Gurgl ranks among Austria’s highest and most snow-sure ski resorts. Winter sports fans seeking exceptional quality and plenty of open space can explore 112 kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes between 1,800 and 3,030 meters above sea level - served by 25 top modern lifts. Seven state-of-the-art feeder mountain lifts in Obergurgl and Hochgurgl ensure quick and convenient access to the slopes. The wide open ski runs boast an average of around 400 m² of space per skier from mid-November through late April.

The high alpine setting remains a constant presence, even during breaks from skiing. On clear days, the Top Mountain Star 360° panoramic bar perched on Wurmkogel ridge at 3,030 meters, offers sweeping views stretching all the way to Italy's Dolomites. Meanwhile, Festkogl Alm and Hohe Mut Alm serve regional and international cuisine that combines traditional mountain hut charm with sunny terraces and panoramic vistas of Gurgl's majestic peaks. During the unique First Line experience, early risers join a guide to leave the first tracks on freshly groomed slopes even before regular ski lift operation begins, followed by an excellent mountain breakfast served at Hohe Mut Alm. This offer is available for booking from February onwards.

Winter exploration beyond the groomed slopes

Gurgl offers plenty to discover beyond the classic day of skiing. Beginners and ambitious recreational enthusiasts alike can enjoy highly rewarding Nordic cruising with panoramic views on approximately 12 kilometers of high altitude cross-country ski trails. 

20 kilometers of groomed winter hiking paths, guided snowshoeing and ski touring excursions and an ice rink in Obergurgl provide further opportunities to enjoy the tranquility of the mountains. For families, the 3 km natural toboggan run from Hochgurgl to Pill, featuring 25 bends, is a true highlight not to be missed. 

Investments for winters of tomorrow

Behind the scenes, Gurgl is continuously developing its infrastructure with an eye on the future. On Gaisberg in Obergurgl, the lift companies have constructed a new natural water reservoir with a storage capacity of about 74,000 cubic meters. Therefore, water can be stored under favorable conditions and used as needed for artificial snowmaking during the winter months. Ticketing convenience also reaches a new level: for the first time this winter, 1-day and 2-day skipasses are available as mobile tickets on smartphones, allowing skiers to pass through the turnstiles without waiting and head straight to the slopes.

Exceptional accommodation and indulgence 

A key feature of Gurgl’s top quality is its short distances: 90 percent of the resort's beds are located within 250 meters of the nearest ski lift or slope, guaranteeing a relaxed ski-in/ski-out experience. At an altitude of 2,000 meters, 25 four-star and 5-star hotels spoil demanding guests in a stylish ambiance, offering excellent wellness and spa facilities along with outstanding hospitality.

Hotel Riml has recently joined the ranks of the resort's 5-star accommodations, while Hotel Hochfirst has been accepted into the exclusive Quality Lodgings network. The resort also sets the highest standards when it comes to cooking art: no less than three toque-awarded restaurants - Grünerhof, Hotel Hochfirst, Gourmet & Wine Hotel Austria which also holds a Michelin Star - define the local gourmet scene. Fine dining at Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl has also received several accolades.

Superb Café Panora at Alpenresidenz am Mühlbach is a new must-visit for connoisseurs, starting from the coming winter season. Located on the top floor, it offers breakfast, snacks, homemade cakes and a bar overlooking the Ötztal Alps. In addition, the Perrier-Jouët Gourmet Gondola promises a unique culinary highlight: during a ride on Kirchenkar gondola lift, the finest specialties prepared by the chefs of Top Mountain Crosspoint Restaurant are served in a private setting. Available for booking from mid-November to late April.

Top-class event calendar

Whether it’s sports, music or social and cultural gatherings, Gurgl’s event calendar offers a varied range of highlights from the season opening right through spring.

On 21 and 22 November 2026, the AUDI FIS Alpine Ski World Cup returns to Gurgl for the fourth year in a row. As the best female and male slalom skiers compete on the challenging Kirchenkar slope, a festive atmosphere fills the finish area above TOP Mountain Crosspoint and the entire ski resort. An entertaining side program on the forecourt and in the foyer of Gurgl Carat in Obergurgl provides the perfect complement to the races.

From 10 to 12 March 2027, the exclusive Diamond Beats winter festival is once again scheduled in upper Ötztal. Orchestral soundscapes meet modern DJ beats, merging amidst the ski area into a symphony of skiing, alpine cooking art and memorable moments. Packages for this immersive, multi-sensory experience will be available for booking at the end of the year. Smaller highlights can be enjoyed throughout the winter season in Gurgl: for instance, popular night tobogganing in Hochgurgl makes a weekly highlight under the stars from mid-December to mid-April. Every Monday in Obergurgl and every Thursday in Hochgurgl, the slopes are illuminated by floodlights, inviting guests to enjoy an atmospheric night skiing adventure. 

Gurgl Carat Congress & Event Center in the heart of Obergurgl, serves as the hub for many of these events and provides a spectacular venue for social interaction and community. Thanks to very flexible room layouts accommodating up to 520 people, modern media technology and striking architectural design, it offers perfect conditions for conferences, concerts, art openings and markets - playing a key role in shaping Gurgl's reputation as Europe's highest-altitude event village.

10 years of pure motorcycle passion

Hochgurgl's TOP Mountain Motorcycle Experience World will celebrate a special anniversary this winter. For ten years, Europe's highest motorbike museum at 2,175 meters altitude has showcased an exceptional collection of historic vehicles against the stunning backdrop of TOP Mountain Crosspoint. Currently, the multimedia experience world houses over 550 historic motorcycles and rare gems on about 4,500 square meters. A 4D cinema, motorcycle simulators and interactive stations provide an inspiring sensory experience for motorbike enthusiasts and curious visitors.

All of Ötztal on a single skipass

For those wishing to extend their winter holiday beyond Gurgl, the ultimate Ötztal Super Skipass provides access to the entire valley’s network of over 360 slope kilometers and 90 mountain lifts. This upgrade is included with any ski ticket valid for three days or more. For skipasses of six or more days, the holiday experience is further enhanced by free admission to 007 ELEMENTS James Bond Adventure World in Sölden and TOP Mountain Motorcycle Experience World. Those booking ski tickets for Gurgl and Sölden online in advance can take advantage of attractive discounts.

How to reach Gurgl

Well-coordinated train and bus connections ensure a relaxed journey to upper Ötztal. During the winter months, additional direct train services (such as DB WinterRail) stopping at Ötztal-Bahnhof complement the regular schedule. From there, a public bus line runs to Gurgl every half hour. With a valid guest card, all public transport  options within Ötztal valley are free of charge during the winter season.

All information details and events: www.gurgl.com

Gurgl, winter Gurgl, winter

@ Ötztal Tourismus - Sarah Neuner

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@ Ötztal Tourismus - Jochen Müller

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@ Ötztal Tourismus - Jochen Müller

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