High-altitude ski resort at the head of the Ötztal, usually done as a winter long day trip or a short stay. The route passes the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road in summer.
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is a high-altitude ski resort at the head of the Ötztal, about 105 km south-west of Innsbruck in the Austrian state of Tyrol. Obergurgl is among the highest parish villages in Austria, and the linked ski area of Obergurgl and Hochgurgl is known for reliable snow. The address for Hochgurgl is 6456 Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. The trip takes about 2 hours by bus or car, which makes it a long day trip best suited to winter skiing or a short stay.
By public transport, trains run from Innsbruck to Ötztal Bahnhof about every 30 minutes, where the Ötztal bus continues up the valley to Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, hourly in season. The one-way cost is about EUR 15-20. A limited winter ski bus from Innsbruck may also operate on regional VVT fares. By car, the route follows the A12 motorway and then the Ötztal valley road, and winter driving requires appropriate tyres or chains.
In winter the combined ski area offers runs for several levels, lifts linking the two villages and mountain huts. Non-skiers can use gondolas for views or walk cleared winter paths. In summer, the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road, which crosses into South Tyrol in Italy, passes through the area, and hiking trails open from July to September. Lunch is available at mountain huts and village restaurants serving Tyrolean dishes such as Kaspressknödel soup and Tiroler Gröstl.
A realistic day trip means leaving Innsbruck early, reaching the lifts by mid-morning and skiing or walking until mid-afternoon, then taking the bus back down the valley to catch a train. With about 4 hours of travel plus activity, the day is demanding. December to April is the ski season, and July to September suits hiking. Avalanche conditions, road closures and weather can affect winter travel, so checking resort and road reports before departing is advisable. Skiers should factor in rental and lift ticket costs, which vary by season and are published on obergurgl.com.
| Distance | About 105 km south-west of Innsbruck |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 2 hours by bus or car |
| Getting there | Train to Ötztal Bahnhof, then the Ötztal bus to Obergurgl-Hochgurgl; or drive via the A12 and Ötztal valley road |
| Difficulty | hard |
| Address | Hochgurgl, 6456 Obergurgl-Hochgurgl |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train to Ötztal Bahnhof plus Ötztal bus
- Cost
- about EUR 15-20 (~$17-23) one way
- Frequency
- train about every 30 minutes; bus hourly in season
- Mode
- Ski bus (winter)
- Cost
- regional VVT fare
- Frequency
- limited winter service from Innsbruck
Location
Hochgurgl, 6456 Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
46.9019, 11.0508 View on map
Highlights
- High-altitude snow-sure skiing linked between Obergurgl and Hochgurgl
- Ötztal valley journey by train and bus
- Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road in summer
- Summer hiking trails from July to September
Tips for visiting
- Take the train to Ötztal Bahnhof, then the Ötztal bus up the valley
- Leave early because the journey takes about 2 hours each way
- Check road and avalanche reports in winter
- Carry winter tyres or chains if driving
- Check the return bus times before the last lift
When to visit
December to April for skiing and July to September for hiking. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
Accessibility
Buses and gondolas are generally step-free, but snowy paths and mountain terrain can be difficult for wheelchairs. Visitors should confirm access with the resort.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Obergurgl-Hochgurgl?
About 2 hours by bus or car from Innsbruck, so it makes a long day.
How much is the public transport?
Train and bus together cost about EUR 15-20 one way.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April for skiing, and July to September for hiking.