Training and relaxation in the mountain air of the Ötztal valley
Obergurgl is situated in the upper Ötztal valley at 1,930 metres above sea level. This means the village offers ideal conditions for sporting activities at high alpine altitudes. Endurance athletes can train at just under 2,000 metres, whilst those seeking relaxation can enjoy the crisp mountain air, the peaceful setting and the high-alpine landscape.
The Hotel & Apartment Alpenland Obergurgl provides the ideal base for this. Hiking trails, running routes and winter training opportunities start right on the doorstep. After your activity, the alpenRelax sauna area and peaceful retreats are available for relaxation and recovery.
Discover the thrill of hiking and exploring nature's wonders as adventurers embrace the alpine landscape.
What altitude training does to the body
As altitude increases, the partial pressure of oxygen decreases. The body therefore has to work harder to supply muscles and organs with oxygen. Physical exertion can feel more intense at just under 2,000 metres than in the valley, particularly during the first few days of training.
During a longer, carefully planned stay, the effects of altitude can trigger adaptation processes. These include, amongst other things, changes in the release of erythropoietin and in oxygen transport. However, whether and to what extent these effects develop depends on the duration of the stay, training management, individual fitness levels and personal response to altitude.
For ambitious athletes, this means that altitude alone is no substitute for a structured training plan. Intensity, recovery and training volume should be adapted to the unfamiliar environment, particularly at the start.
Activities
Sports for altitude training in Obergurgl
The mountainous landscape around Obergurgl offers a variety of opportunities for high-altitude endurance training in both summer and winter.
Running
Trail running and mountain running
High-altitude trails, climbs and varied terrain create a wide range of conditions for running training in alpine terrain. Depending on the route, you can plan everything from gentle endurance sessions to more challenging mountain runs.
Hiking
Hiking and mountaineering
Long hikes are a good way to gradually acclimatise to the altitude and prolonged physical exertion. Routes with varying elevation profiles allow you to tailor the distance and intensity to suit your individual needs.
Cycling
Cycling and mountain biking
Climbs in the upper Ötztal valley demand stamina and strength. If you want to build up your fitness gradually, you can combine longer cycle rides with gentler sessions at lower altitudes.
Winter
Cross-country skiing and ski touring
In winter, cross-country skiing and ski touring offer a varied form of endurance training. Particularly on longer ascents, it is important to bear in mind that the altitude and winter conditions place additional strain on the body.
Witness the stunning sunrise illuminating the valley, showcasing nature's serene beauty.
High-altitude mountain air for people with allergies
Many people with allergies find staying at higher altitudes pleasant. Pollen levels at just under 2,000 metres can be lower than in lower-lying, more densely vegetated regions. However, the extent to which symptoms are actually alleviated depends on the specific type of pollen, the season, the weather and individual sensitivity.
Even in high-alpine areas, pollen can be carried by wind and air currents from other regions. Obergurgl is therefore not entirely pollen-free, but it can be an attractive holiday destination for guests who are sensitive to certain plants in the valley. Anyone suffering from severe allergies or allergic asthma should check the current pollen situation and, if necessary, consult a doctor before travelling.
Nights at High Altitude
Sleeping at just under 2,000 metres
Thanks to the location of the Hotel & Apartment Alpenland, guests not only carry out their training sessions but also spend the nights at an altitude of just under 2,000 metres. For athletes who are specifically engaged in altitude training, this can form part of a longer-term training stay.
The well-known ‘Live High, Train Low’ principle combines longer stays at high altitude with more intensive training sessions in lower-lying areas. To achieve this, training sessions would need to be deliberately planned further down in the Ötztal valley. A typical short break, on the other hand, does not automatically lead to a measurable improvement in performance. Studies looking at more significant adaptations usually examine stays lasting several weeks.
The elegant sauna interior invites tranquility, featuring warm wooden elements and soft ambient light.
Recovery after training
Training at high altitude requires specific recovery periods. At the Hotel & Apartment Alpenland, you can round off an active day’s holiday in the alpenRelax sauna area.
A Finnish sauna, bio sauna, clothed bio sauna and aromatic steam bath offer different forms of soothing warmth. To cool down, guests can enjoy an ice grotto with a crushed ice fountain, Alpine mist and Kneipp foot baths. Afterwards, the relaxation rooms provide a space to unwind and rest.
Particularly after running, cycling or ski touring sessions, these quieter periods of the day help to strike a healthy balance between exertion and recovery.
Summer in the Mountains
A summer retreat instead of the heat in the valley
Even outside the context of a traditional training camp, the high altitude offers benefits for an active summer holiday. Whilst high temperatures can make intense exercise in the valley difficult, Obergurgl offers an alpine setting for walks, runs and hikes.
A stay in this Alpine region thus combines physical activity, mountain scenery and mindful relaxation, without turning it into a medical training programme.
Families embrace adventure while preparing to explore the stunning mountain landscape through a scenic cable car ride.
Hotel or flat for the training stay
Guests can choose between staying at the Hotel & Apartment Alpenland and the separate apart agnes. The apartment block offers greater freedom when it comes to planning your day. The hotel’s facilities, including the alpenRelax sauna area, are also available to guests at apart agnes.
Whether you’re looking for a sport-focused break, an active mountain holiday or a relaxing stay in a high-alpine setting, the Alpenland is the ideal base for exercise and relaxation in Obergurgl.
