Your exclusive winter retreat high in the mountains
Questions & Answers.
The mountain village of Obergurgl.
Where exactly is Obergurgl?
Alpine luxury between the mountains and the sky
How far is Obergurgl from where you are?
Munich and Obergurgl are about 225 km apart; Stuttgart is about 340 km away. Frankfurt am Main is about 540 km from Obergurgl, and Düsseldorf is about 740 km from Hochfirst. Obergurgl is about 850 km from Berlin, while Hamburg and Obergurgl are 930 km apart. It’s about 570 km from Vienna to Obergurgl, and Zurich is approximately 290 km away.
Is there a ski resort in Obergurgl?
Of course—it’s actually one of the ski resorts in the Alps with the most reliable snow conditions. The combined Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area begins at an elevation of 1,800 meters—where some ski areas already end—and extends all the way to the summit of the Wurmkogel at 3,080 meters. Nothing stands in the way of a long ski season in the “Diamond of the Alps”: it runs from mid-November through the end of April.
Is Obergurgl really guaranteed to have snow?
The region around Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is rightly considered one of the regions in the Alps with the most reliable snow conditions. This is guaranteed by its exceptional altitude: At 1,800 meters above sea level—where other ski areas end—lies the lowest point of the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area, which extends up to an altitude of 3,080 meters. Long-term statistics also confirm this: there is snow cover here on 198 days a year.
Is Obergurgl a glacier ski resort?
Although the town is surrounded by numerous glaciers, such as the Gurgler Ferner, Obergurgl is not a glacier ski resort. Due to its elevation, however, the ski season here begins as early as mid-November.
Obergurgl & Its History. How Winter Sports Began in Gurgl.
The place name “Gurgl” was first mentioned in a document in 1250. However, evidence of early settlement dates back to around 7,500 B.C. For a very long time, the idyllic mountain village remained an undiscovered treasure; the few residents of Obergurgl made their living primarily from farming. Obergurgl first gained fame when Auguste Piccard landed his balloon on the Gurgler Ferner on May 27, 1931, setting a new altitude record. In 1948, the first T-bar lift was built, laying the foundation for the modern winter sports resort of Obergurgl.
Where does Obergurgl get its name?
The village of Obergurgl is surrounded by numerous glaciers, and this unique location is reflected in its name. “Gurgl” is derived from the word “Gurgall” and roughly means “village surrounded by glaciers.”
Are winter tires or snow chains required to drive to Obergurgl?
Your vehicle should definitely be equipped with winter tires for the trip to Obergurgl. From November 1 through April 15, winter tires are required in Austria under winter driving conditions. This also applies to all-wheel-drive vehicles. If there is heavy snowfall, a requirement to use snow chains on passenger cars may be issued on short notice. It is therefore advisable to carry snow chains as well.
How large is the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort?
Throughout the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area, there are 25 state-of-the-art lifts with a combined capacity of 42,000 people per hour. This means waiting in line at the lifts is a thing of the past. There are also several valley stations that take you up to the mountains, so there are no lines at the lifts even early in the morning. The ski area offers over 112 kilometers of slopes across three difficulty levels, and since the slopes are particularly wide, you’ll have plenty of room to carve your turns.
How many lifts are there in the ski resort?
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl has 25 state-of-the-art lift systems that can transport approximately 42,000 people per hour. This means there are no wait times, even during peak vacation seasons.
How long has the ski resort in Obergurgl been around?
People have been skiing in Obergurgl for a long time. Obergurgl became a well-known winter sports resort as early as the last century. It all began with the construction of the first T-bar lift in 1949. Just four years later, the chairlift to the Hohe Mut was built. Following the completion of the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road, settlement of Hochgurgl began in 1960.
What's the weather like in Obergurgl?
Obergurgl is nestled among the high mountain ranges of the main Alpine ridge. Thanks to this, Gurgl enjoys a relatively dry, intra-Alpine climate. As a result, the sun shines more often here than in other ski resorts—totaling more than 1,260 hours a year. You can find the latest weather forecast on our website. Live cams from the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort provide up-to-date images.
What else is there to do in Obergurgl besides skiing?
Ski touring has become popular in recent years. Starting right from the village, you can reach numerous peaks, some of which rise to over 3,500 meters. Thanks to the many glaciers, spring is an especially good time for these high-alpine adventures. Snowshoe hikers can take it a bit easier in the nearby Swiss stone pine forest near Obergurgl. This charming destination is easily accessible from the village and delights visitors with its scenic beauty.
There are also several cross-country trails in and around Obergurgl that are open to both classic-style and skate-style cross-country skiers. Winter hiking can also be fun, especially when you’re on well-cleared trails and can enjoy the snow-covered landscape. There’s also a toboggan run in Hochgurgl that’s open several times a week, even in the evenings.
Where can you go shopping in Obergurgl?
There are two small grocery stores in town for your daily needs. You’ll also find a wide selection of sporting goods stores. You can find exclusive gifts at the Hochfirst Shop.
Is there a doctor or a pharmacy in Obergurgl?
A general practitioner is always on site in Obergurgl. Any necessary medications can also be arranged through this office.
Wellness Services
Your exclusive winter vacation begins the moment you step into the Hochfirst. Look forward to relaxing, luxurious rooms and suites, exclusive wellness experiences, soothing beauty treatments, and endlessly magical days on the slopes that will make your stay at the Hochfirst unforgettable. Feel like you’re in seventh heaven and enjoy everything that makes your well-being absolutely perfect.
Contact & Directions
Do you have questions about reservations, getting here, parking at Hochfirst, or any special requests? We look forward to your call or message and will be happy to assist you.
