Gurgl may not have the exciting après-ski action of many of the surrounding Tyrol resorts; however, this traditional little village is refreshing in other ways. The snow is sure, lift lines are short, and nights are quiet due to the general driving ban at night.

Accommodation in Gurgl is mainly hotel-oriented, with a sprinkling of inns and guesthouses. All hotels have their own excellent restaurants, and there are several other restaurants, cafés and bars spread around the village. There are a few interesting sights in Gurgl, as well as some quality shops in which to kill a few hours.

Obergurgl is proud of being a ski resort where ski-in/ski-out is a special feature. Twenty-three uphill facilities, 110kms of ski runs and a 10-kilometre long, high elevation cross-country skiing track guarantee outstanding skiing pleasures from mid-November onwards.

There are really two ski areas, separated by two massive canyons which are connected by a gondola that doesn’t move up and down but sideways across the canyons. Advanced skiers will be impressed by the vertical drop of 1,276m and the longest run of 8.5kms. A terrain park and half-pipe are available for snowboarders, and more advanced snowboarders can head off-piste.

Other recreational activities include curling, hiking, ice-skating, squash, indoor swimming, mountaineering and bowling. After dark, entertainment is provided by several bars and discos, and there is a casino for those wishing to try their luck. For more exciting skiing and après-ski, head down the valley to Solden.

Quality snow is guaranteed from mid-November to the end of April, with the best months being February and March. Discounts are available in December and January.

Innsbruck and Munich are the main transportation hubs for the region, with most flights, rail and bus services routing through those cities. Gurgl is just off the A12 motorway, while Otztal is also the nearest railway station to the ski resort.