Unlock Ötztal with the New Super Skipass

The splendid ski areas of Sölden and Gurgl are famous far beyond Tyrol. The new Ötztal Super Skipass bundles together 361km of slopes, 90 mountain lifts and six ski areas in a single ticket. Winter sports enthusiasts purchasing a skipass for 3 or more days can choose from six well-known winter destinations. The sun-kissed Hochoetz Ski Region in the lower Ötztal Valley is a true heaven for families, while pristine ski and winter adventures await in the small mountain villages of Vent, Gries and Niederthai. 

In scenic Ötztal, winter rules from October through May amidst breathtaking Alpine landscapes. More than 250 peaks higher than 3000 meters encircle the top—notch ski areas of Sölden, Gurgl and Hochoetz. Snow is guaranteed thanks to the high altitude location and two skiable glacier mountains stretching up to 3,340m above sea level. But Ötztal also promises unlimited off—piste activities like ski mountaineering, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hiking or simply relaxing.

Sölden

Sölden is a renowned Alpine Ski World Cup venue, regularly amognst the first of the winter resorts to open, and Austria's only ski resort with three skiable mountain higher than 3,000m above sea level. The slopes of Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glaciers rank amongst Austria's largest serviced glacier areas open to winter sport fans. In November, all 31 state-of-the-art mountain lifts of the Sölden and Hochsölden are in operation, allowing access to 144km of varied slopes for all skill levels with absolute snow guarantee. The total hourly capacity of all lifts amounts to 70,000 people. The undisputed superstars among Sölden's mountain lifts are the Giggijoch Mountain Gondola with 10-person cabins and the Gaislachhogl Mountain Gondola (8-person cabins). These are two of the world's most powerful feeder mountain gondolas.

Between the glacier ski mountains and the winter ski areas, visitors can choose from over 30 charming mountain huts, inns and restaurants. A foodie must-see is the ice Q gourmet restaurant at the peak of Gaislachkogel (3,058m): an eye-catching glass cube and one of the shooting locations of
the latest James Bond blockbuster, "Spectre". The Sölden: 007 ELEMENTS is a spectacular James Bond installation at 3,048m above sea level in Sölden. Visitors will experience a unprecedented highlight for film enthusiasts. It leads deep into the cinematic universe of the planet's most famous secret agent.

With a state-of-the-art 10-passenger mountain gondola, the exclusive Ötztal Hotel Village at 2,083m climbs to a new level of quality in terms of infrastructure. Holiday makers in Hochsölden have always benefited from its excellent geographical location. Ski-in and ski-out directly from your hotel door, in close vicinity to Sölden's 144km of slopes with absolute snow reliability thanks to the high altitude. For the upcoming winter season quality is taken to the next level, as, the former double chairlift is replaced by a comfortable "D-Line" generation mountain lift, featuring 23 gondola cabins with an hourly capacity of 1,330 persons. The gondola ride from the base station at 1987m to the top terminal at 2,340m takes just under six minutes.

Top events in Sölden include the Adrenalin Cup, the DJ-Marathon Electric Mountain Festvial and the Audi Nines.

Gurgl

The valley's second destination, Gurgl, celebrates the first non-glacier winter season start, opening on 14th November 2019 with music rallies, parties and special extras waiting for ski aficionados. 25 top modern mountain lifts enable access to 112 kilometers of immaculate ski slopes between 1,930m and 3,082m above sea level, starting right on the hotel doorstep. The rear Ötztal provides an exceptional paradise for freeriders thanks to the varied and quite challenging terrain. Furthermore, an Ortovox Training Park and avalanche transceiver checkpoints can be found in the ski area.

Indulgent culinary moments can be enjoyed at the "Hohe Mut Alm" at 2,670m above the level, and the "Top Mountain Star": a 360-degree panorama bar at Wurmhogel peak (3,080m above sea level). A real architectural gem is the newly refurbished Schönwieshütte, which is accessible by shidoo from the top station of Steinmannbahn or on a winter walking trail from the base terminal.  Another eye-catching attraction not to be missed is the Top Mountain Cross Point in Hochgurgl, nestling in the foothills of the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road at 2,175 meters above sea level. The multi-functional building combines, among others, the base station of the Kirchenhar mountain gondola and Europe's highest Motorcycle Museum. 

Top events in Gurgl include the Powder Snow Weeks in January, the Open Faces Freeride Contest in March/April, and the Nassau Beach Club Snow Special in March.

Hochoetz-Kühtai

The family-friendly Hochoetz Ski Region is nestled at between 1,400 and 2,300m above sea level at the entrance to the valley. The joint Kühtai & Hochoetz ski pass alongside a free shuttle service running between the two ski mountains open up winter sport paradise. This includes 24 comfortable mountain lifts across 80km of immaculate slopes with perfect snow reliability, thanks to snow-making systems that cover 100% of the slopes. Snow aficionados can enjoy superb freeriding terrain, a race track, a fun park at the Balbach Chairlift and the splendid "Zugspitzblick" vantage platform. The area has a child-friendly infrastructure with kids ski schools, a snow village and an animal-themed ski park. Great value package deals such as "My Winter Start" and "Happy Family Weeks" offer unlimited fun together with lovely WIDI, the cheeky mascot.

Off the Slopes

The picturesque, serene mountain villages of Gries and Niederthai in central Ötztal offer a myriad of activities for fans of alternative winter sports. The breathtaking Vent Loop Trail is one of the "hautes routes" for expert ski mountaineers in the Eastern Alps. Classic-style Nordic skiers and skaters can choose from 185km network of cross-country skiing tracks. Langenfeld is a renowned Nordic sports centre thanks to its wide open basin offering numerous panoramic routes, while Gries is a popular high altitude training spot. The sun-kissed plateau of Niederthai promises absolute snow reliability and varied Nordic tracks at 1,550 In altitude.

The entire Ötztal has an incredible 320km of cleared winter walking trails, 48 winter running routes, and 15 toboggan runs (nine of which are equipped with floodlights). Guided snowshoe hikes suitable for families take you to the romantic backcountry area. Ice skating fans can choose from ten superb rinks, and ice climbers will enjoy 30 climbing routes through frozen waterfalls. Hot and healing waters are on the programme at the AQUA DOME Spa Center - Tirol Therme Langenfeld. The wellness destination with panoramic views offers huge indoor pools and three raised, warmed outdoor baths. There's a separate zone for children, a large sauna world, a fitness center and an exclusive "Spa 3000" private area.

If you have questions about Ötztal, would like high-res images or are interested in a press trip, please contact eleanor.moody@austria.info.