Freeride World Ötztal - Appartement Mühlau

Winter in the Ötztal: The Highlight of Tyrol

The legendary reputation of Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl extends far beyond the longest side valley in Tyrol. Starting from the winter season 2017/18, these two top ski destinations in the back Ötztal have created a superlative alliance with their new joint ski pass. The sun-kissed ski area of Hochoetz in the front Ötztal showcases its family-friendly expertise, while ski and winter experiences reminiscent of the past can be found in the quaint mountain villages of Vent, Gries, and Niederthai. In between, a relaxing day at the Tirol Therme AQUA DOME in Längenfeld is a must.

In the Ötztal, winter reigns from October to May – set against a breathtaking backdrop: More than 250 peaks over 3,000 meters surround the premier ski areas of Sölden, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, and Hochoetz. The altitude and the ski access to two glaciers reaching up to 3,340 m ensure absolute snow reliability. Beyond the slopes, the Ötztal offers plenty of activities – from ski touring and cross-country skiing to snowshoe hiking and relaxation.

Sölden: The Hotspot of the Alps

Sölden is a World Cup venue and one of the most renowned winter sports resorts in the Alps. This "Hotspot of the Alps" enhances its status with superlatives: the ski season kicks off as early as October on the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers, and it is the only Austrian ski area with three 3,000-meter peaks accessible via cable cars – the BIG 3. From November, 33 state-of-the-art lifts (with a capacity of up to 70,000 people per hour) open up 144 wide, snow-sure kilometers of slopes suitable for all skill levels.

Lifts & Culinary Delights on Top

The stars among Sölden's lifts are the new 10EUB Giggijoch and the 8EUB Gaislachkoglbahn – both architecturally and technically outstanding. The "Golden Gate to the Glacier" comfortably connects the glacier and winter ski areas. More than 30 ski huts and restaurants await visitors; a culinary highlight is the gourmet restaurant ice Q at Gaislachkogel (3,058 m), renowned for its spectacular "Spectre" backdrop.

Adrenalin Cup, Aprés-Ski & Events Galore

The Adrenalin Cup entices with ten action-packed disciplines – participation is free with a valid ski pass, including videos and photos. The BIG 3 Rally over Gaislachkogl (3,058 m), Tiefenbachkogl (3,250 m), and Schwarze Schneid (3,340 m) is regarded as a sightseeing highlight; the legendary ~15 km descent from Schwarze Schneid with a vertical drop of 1,970 m to the valley is also a must. Sölden's après-ski culture begins with the first snow and culminates in events like the Electric Mountain Festival at Giggijoch or the glacier spectacle "Hannibal" at Rettenbachferner.

Ski Area Hochoetz: Personal & Intimate

At the entrance of the Ötztal (1,400–2,300 m) lies the family-friendly ski region of Hochoetz-Kühtai. Connected by a joint ski pass and free ski buses, 80 kilometers of slopes await from mid-December. The altitude and 100% snowmaking guarantee snow reliability.

24 lifts and cable cars (31,000 people per hour), freeride areas, a racecourse, a fun park at the Balbach chairlift, and the viewing platform "Zugspitzblick" ensure plenty of action. Kids' ski schools, snow villages, and children's ski courses delight families – including affordable offers like "My Winter Start" and "Happy Family Weeks."

With WIDI, the cheeky mascot, skiing here is a true joy. In cozy huts and restaurants, reasonable prices are the norm.

Active Outdoors, Deeply Relaxed Indoors

Whether après-ski or tranquility – everyone finds their rhythm in the Ötztal: 185 km of winter hiking trails, 40 km of winter running tracks, and 14 toboggan runs (8 of which are illuminated). Snowshoe hikes into the "Back Country" are offered in nearly all towns.

For ice lovers, there are ten ice skating rinks and ~40 ice climbing spots of varying difficulty. For those seeking warmth, the Tirol Therme AQUA DOME in Längenfeld features generous indoor pools, three steaming panoramic outdoor basins, a children's area, sauna, fitness, and culinary worlds, along with the exclusive "Spa 3000."