Silhouette of two individuals on an observation deck at sunset with mountain backdrop
ski festival

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.

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.

start of winter

The Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort

The Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area 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.

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.

back to white

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.

Things to do on a winter holiday in Gurgl

A winter holiday in Obergurgl offers plenty of variety. You can stroll along cleared winter walking trails 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 tobogganrun at breakneck speed, whilst cross-country skiers will find perfect conditions on the high-altitude trails. Things are a bit more leisurely when it comes to ice skating or curling.

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 a cosy room or an apartment at the Hotel & Apartment Alpenland online, or send us a no-obligation enquiry.

Make the most of your direct booking benefits!

Book directly with us and enjoy the following exclusive benefits:

  • Subject to availability, we’ll select the most charming room within your booked category for you. 
  • In addition, we’d be happy to arrange attractive additional services for you, both at the hotel and in the local area.

Enquire nowBook online