Winter ski resorts of Gurgl and Sölden kick off the new season
In November, the two top Ötztal destinations open their winter ski areas. Ski fans are very happy about the early start of the season. The unrivalled Ötztal Super Skipass opens up the full variety of Sölden and Gurgl, with 256 slope kilometres and 56 mountain lifts.
Ötztal celebrates the smoothest transition from autumnal glacier skiing to full winter bliss. Already since September, the slopes of Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glaciers have been attracting both enthusiastic hobby snow sport fans as well as international ski stars to Sölden. Starting from the glacier, the first slopes and mountain lifts in the winter ski area opened last weekend. The operation of the entire Sölden winter ski area offering a total of 144 kilometres of pistes and 31 modern lifts as well as the unique 007 ELEMENTS James Bond Adventure World is scheduled for 24 November. Some extra downhill fun at the highest level, especially for experienced skiers, is provided by the new piste number 41 leading from the top station of Schwarze Schneid at over 3,000 m to Tiefenbach Glacier. It is the third option for switching between the two glacier ski mountains. The unparalleled ice Q at the summit of Gaislachkogl (3,048 m) opens up many facets of enjoyment. Austria's highest gourmet restaurant was awarded two toques and 13 points by the current Gault Millau guide.
Gurgl celebrates the start of winter
The "Diamond of the Alps" is traditionally one of the first winter ski areas in the Alps to invite skiers to its slopes as early as November. Guaranteed fun on the slopes is based on the snow-sure altitude between 1,800 and 3,080 metres above sea level, coupled with 112 perfectly groomed slope kilometres and 25 mountain lifts. This great overall package offers a lot of comfort and freedom without any waiting times. After the season start on 17 November, the grand opening will be celebrated in upper Ötztal on two entire weekends. The musical Hut Tour at Top Mountain Crosspoint and Hohe Mut Alm stands for entertaining live music. The same applies to the atmospheric end of a skiing day with live sounds at Nederhütte. The events in the village are just as varied. For instance, the Christmas Market in the centre of Obergurgl offers the unique opportunity to get in the right mood for the Advent season, taking place every Friday and Sunday until 23 December. In addition to authentic Ötztal products such as textiles, wooden art and decoration, show artists (ice carving, fire shows, ...) and concerts promise great moments. Art lovers will get their money's worth at the "Mountains, skis & horizons" exhibition at Gurgl Carat. It will be especially adventurous on 9 December, when the Meissnitzer band presents their dialect music as part of the "Advent in the Mountains" concert tour at Gurgl Carat.
One pass for unlimited skiing fun
The Ötztal Super Skipass comprises the complete variety of skiing in Tyrol’s longest side valley. It is available if you purchase a ski pass for 3 or more days and combines all six local ski areas, including Sölden and Gurgl, with a total of 363 slope kilometres and 90 mountain lifts. All those in possession of a 6-day ski pass or longer can benefit from free admission to 007 ELEMENTS in Sölden and Top Mountain Motorcycle Museum in Gurgl. Being an early bird pays off even before you hit the slopes. Early bookers can save up to 22 percent by purchasing ski passes online and in advance. This is valid for day ski passes, staggered tickets as well as for the Ötztal Super Skipass.