Ski holiday in the Ötztal

In the Ötztal, there’s no need to start longing for spring just yet. The winter season lasts well into May here. Of course, summer brings mountain-bike tours, endless hiking trails with breathtaking panoramas, and waterfall climbers are sure to be itching to experience unique routes in the Ötztal again, one move at a time—for example at Stuibenfall. But for now, snow, ice and endless winter fun still rule this Tyrolean valley.

Stretching around 67 kilometres, the Ötztal is home to alpine huts, unique hotels and numerous holiday apartments in Oetz, Sautens, Umhausen, Längenfeld, legendary Sölden, Vent, Haiming and, of course, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. Each of the Ötztal’s eight villages is unique and an experience in its own right. Some communities are more sporty and cosmopolitan, others more cosmopolitan and traditional, while still others favour a lively, vibrant atmosphere, with après-ski, events and parties. Yet all these places in the Ötztal also share one thing: the Tyrolean way of life, its customs and traditions, and a shared history that has certainly been shaped in recent decades by summer tourism and, above all, winter sports in the Ötztal. The Ötztal’s panorama plays a major role, of course, as does the hospitality of its hoteliers, restaurants, event organisers and holiday-apartment operators. The people of the Ötztal can certainly be allowed a little stubbornness: after all, 250 peaks over 3,000 metres rise to the sky here, and without them a ski holiday in the Ötztal would be unthinkable. For example, between Haiming, Obergurgl and Vent, you’ll find around 185 km of groomed winter cross-country trails open until the end of May, 15 toboggan runs, 10 ice rinks and the chance to try your hand at ice climbing.

If you don’t want to tackle the Ötztal’s countless slopes across all difficulty levels, you can also enjoy snowshoe hikes. The Ötztal is also a stronghold for snowboarders and skiers, with snow parks and freeride terrain to explore. Without après-ski and events—which provide entertainment and variety throughout the winter-sports season—the Ötztal wouldn’t be the Ötztal we know. Those who prefer peace and quiet, however, will find a unique panorama above the clouds on the 3,774-metre Wildspitze, and rest and relaxation at the Aqua Dome spa. It’s worth buying an Ötztal Card, which can provide free admission and many discounts on activities in the Ötztal.