Austria. Media News.

Dear friends of Austria and fellow travelers,

We are bringing it back to our "Winter Escapes in Austria"-series and introduce you to the Ötztal - the Ötz Valley. Strategically located pretty much between Innsbruck and the Arlberg region (which will be up next in our series), it can easily be reached via convenient train connections from international airports in Munich, Zürich, and also Vienna. 

As the season is just getting started, the Ötztal, in the heart of the Austrian Alps, deserves a mention as a haven for thrill-seekers, leisurely skiers, culture enthusiasts, and epicureans alike. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, exhilarating winter sports offerings, traditional villages, and rich cultural tapestry, the Ötztal invites guests to immerse themselves in a world where adventure meets authentic Alpine charm. Great snow conditions, ski areas for every taste with a total of 227 miles of groomed pistes, and an additional 90 miles of cross-country ski trails, and approximately 155 miles of groomed winter hiking trails await! Let's dive in!

Stay tuned for the Arlberg roundup - and maybe we will throw in a recipe for one of our favorite Aprés drinks that warm body and soul!

   

Sigrid Pichler & Helen Bitschnau

Managers of Public Relations
Austrian Tourist Office New York City
sigrid.pichler@austria.info 
helen.bitschnau@austria.info  
tel 212 575 7723 x 119 or x 112
www.austria.info 

   

The wild high mountains in the farthest reaches of the Ötztal hide a special treasure: the village of Gurgl in the midst of snow-covered 9,000 foot peaks, at almost 6000 feet above sea level. Gurgl's charm lies in its peaceful ambiance, making it an ideal destination for those yearning for a more tranquil atmosphere and a refined après-ski scene. The village's luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, and cozy lounges offer the perfect setting to unwind after a day of exhilarating activities. The ski area Obergurgl-Hochgurgl guarantees snow till late in the season due to its high altitude, and ski-in ski-out hotels offer access to exceptional skiing and snowboarding terrain that caters to all skill levels.

70 miles of slopes are interconnected by the Top Express gondola and 25 state-of-the-art lifts. A very special offer for early birds is "First Line" in Obergurgl: Whisk down the slopes before everyone else with a private ski guide, followed by a delicious deluxe breakfast at the Hohe Mut Alm (pictured above). This rustic-chic restaurant serves up delicious Alpine cuisine and boasts a sun terrace offering breathtaking vistas of the Ötztal Alps. For the night owls, Obergurgl offers floodlit night skiing every Monday, and in Hochgurgl you can ski or toboggan at night every Friday until 16 December, then every Thursday. A total of 13 mountain restaurants, ski huts, and umbrella bars spoil guests with local delicacies and entertainment. 

At over 10,000 feet, the Swarovski crystals encrusted TOP Mountain Star in Obergurgl is an architectural masterpiece and gourmet destination for skiers perched on a narrow ridge of the Wurmkogel mountain. The continuous glass facade allows a 360° view, and thousands of Swarovski crystals glitter at the "star bar."

Maybe the most unexpected highlight of Hochgurgl is the Motorcycle Museum at Top Mountain Crosspoint. The motorcycle museum was completely destroyed by a major fire in January 2021. The unique private collection fell victim to the flames. The reconstruction not only expanded and renewed the lost collection, but also the entire concept of the museum. The exhibition takes you into the world of historical motorbikes, but not only passionate vintage motorcycle fans get into raptures in Europe's highest motorcycle museum. Everybody will be delighted by the interplay of architecture and exhibits.

   

The village and ski area of Sölden rank among the most renowned and best ski regions in the Alps. Thanks to its high Alpine altitude between 4,000 and over 10,000 feet above sea level there is reliable snow from October through May. Highly comfortable mountain lifts open up 89 miles of freshly groomed slopes for all levels plus challenging descents for freeriders. It is also home to the annual World Alpine Skiing championships. 

Come here to find the BIG3, three mountains over 9,000 feet high with special viewing platforms that you can visit during a ski safari. Next to the top station of Gaislachkogl mountain gondola you'll find the light glass-steel construction of the panorama restaurant at Gaislachkogl. Take off your skis and walk across the suspension bridge from the top of Gaislachkogl to the panoramic roof terrace where breathtaking 360-degree views await you. This platform is the fastest to reach from the valley. The stylish restaurant is not just any restaurant. First, the iceQ is a high altitude gourmet experience, taking Austrian cuisine to new heights. And secondly, you may also recognize the iceQ from the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace! The 007 ELEMENTS museum is just a few steps away.

The longest piste runs from the Schwarze Schneide on the Rettenbach Glacier all the way down into the valley, meaning you can conquer an altitude difference of over 6,000 feet in one run! Pretty epic!

 While the ski areas of Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and Sölden are the best known, we recommend you also check out the lesser known and smaller resorts in the Ötztal: Hochötz-Kühtai, Niederthai, Gries and Vent. The Ötztal Super Skipass includes all 6 Ötztal ski resorts with a total of 227 miles of slopes! A 3-day adult skipass in the peak season is Euro 212 (USD 230 at current exchange rate); for more passes and prices, check out the website.

So much more to say, so much more to explore... We are leaving you with 3 more recommendations for the Ötztal and beyond:

- Do you need to rest your ski-fatigued body? Head to the AQUA DOME Spa in Längenfeld!
- Do you want to explore smaller villages and learn about Alpine traditions? Head over here!
- Do you want to explore Alpine design and on-mountain culinary offerings beyond the Ötztal? Start here!