--- title: "Obergurgl Ski Opening | Start of the winter season in Ötztal" description: "Spend your Christmas holiday in Obergurgl at the start of the season. Enjoy uncrowded slopes, musical events and local traditions during Advent." url: "https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/experience/winter/ski-season-opening-advent/" language: en lastmod: 2026-08-18 --- # Ski Season Opening and Advent in Obergurgl ## The start of the season and Advent in Gurgl The winter season in Obergurgl gets underway as early as mid-November, when many other ski resorts are still waiting for snow. The ski season opening in Obergurgl offers freshly groomed slopes and plenty of space for those first turns. From the end of November, the Advent season brings a lively atmosphere to the village, with traditional customs and a peaceful pre-Christmas atmosphere. ![A woman in winter clothing leans against a bar with snow-covered mountains behind her at sunrise.](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/fileadmin/_processed_/1/2/csm_skifahren-obergurgl-urlaub_7448f0b500.jpg "Panoramic Mountain Escape") Breathtaking views of snow-laden peaks greet guests, enhancing the alpine experience. ### Ski season opening in the Ötztal in mid-November Thanks to its high altitude, Gurgl is one of the first ski resorts in the Alps to open. You’ll find reliable snow conditions as early as November, whilst lower-lying regions are still waiting for their first snowfall. Those who visit at the start of the season benefit from quiet slopes away from the crowds of the peak season and a relaxed start to the winter. The start of the season in Gurgl is accompanied by an atmospheric programme of events. At the start of the season, concerts and music events take place in the ski resort. ### The Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort The [Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/experience/winter-obergurgl/obergurgl-hochgurgl-ski-resort/ "Skiurlaub im Skigebiet Obergurgl-Hochgurgl") spans 112 kilometres of slopes and features 25 lifts, reaching an altitude of 3,030 metres. From the Hotel & Apartment Alpenland, you can head straight onto the slopes thanks to the ski-in/ski-out access, with the ski school just a short walk away and reliable snow conditions right through to spring. From wide family slopes to steep black runs, there’s a suitable run here for every ability level. ![Four red candles in a golden bowl surrounded by greenery and purple ribbons for holiday decoration](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/fileadmin/_processed_/c/f/csm_advent-kerze-alpenland_78e3808ec7.jpg "Festive Candle Arrangement") A festive arrangement enhances the holiday spirit with vibrant candles and elegant decor. ### Advent market in Obergurgl The Christmas market in Obergurgl takes place on Fridays and Sundays during Advent on the forecourt of the Gurgl Carat, from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm each day. At the stalls, you’ll find regional products from the Ötztal, wood carvings and textiles, as well as local delicacies, punch and mulled wine. In the early evening, live music accompanies your stroll through the market and creates a cosy pre-Christmas atmosphere. ### Advent traditions: ‘Anklöpfeln’ and Advent carolling The Advent season in Obergurgl is characterised by lively traditions. During the ‘Anklöpfeln’, singers from the Gurgl Men’s Choir, dressed as shepherds, walk through the village and carry the Christmas message from door to door with traditional Advent carols. A particularly moving highlight is the Gurgl Advent Singing, during which the choir, accompanied by a brass ensemble, performs Christmas carols in Obergurgl Church. ![Two people standing on a balcony overlooking snow-covered mountains at sunset, enjoying the view.](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/fileadmin/_processed_/f/e/csm_freizeit-tirol-wintersport_13429274a7.jpg "Breathtaking Mountain Vista") Gaze upon the stunning sunset over a snowy mountain range from a cozy balcony in the heart of winter. ### Things to do on a winter holiday in Gurgl A [winter holiday](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/experience/winter-obergurgl/ "Winterurlaub") in Obergurgl offers plenty of variety. You can stroll along cleared [winter walking trails](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/experience/winter/winter-hiking/ "Winterwanderwege in Tirol") through the snow-covered Swiss stone pine forest, or explore the tranquil mountain landscape of the upper Ötztal on snowshoes. You can whizz down the [toboggan](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/erleben/winter/toboggan-obergurgl-hochgurgl/ "Rodeln in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl")[run](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/erleben/winter/toboggan-obergurgl-hochgurgl/ "Rodeln in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl") at breakneck speed, whilst cross-country skiers will find perfect conditions on the [high-altitude trails](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/experience/winter/cross-country-skiing/ "Langlaufen in Obergurgl"). Things are a bit more leisurely when it comes to [ice skating or curling](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/experience/winter/winterfun-oetztal-obergurgl/ "Winteraktivitäten im Ötztal"). Experience the start of the season with freshly groomed slopes and the first snow of the season, as well as the festive atmosphere of Advent in Obergurgl. Book your winter holiday in Tyrol. [Book](https://ibe.casablanca.at/en/a_6456_zzats/alpenland "Online Booking") a cosy room or an apartment at the Hotel & Apartment Alpenland online, or send us a [no-obligation enquiry](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/rooms-apartments/non-binding-enquiry/ "Non-binding enquiry"). [Enquire now](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/rooms-apartments/non-binding-enquiry/ "Non-binding enquiry") [Book online](https://ibe.casablanca.at/en/a_6456_zzats/alpenland "Online Booking")