Ötztal - An Austrian Adventure

I recently returned from a week-long trip to the Ötztal Valley in Austria (29th March – 5th April), staying in the small but stylish alpine village of Obergurgl. It was my first time skiing this part of the Tirol, and I based myself in the Moss Hotel - a modern chalet hotel that made a great base for exploring the surrounding ski areas, including Hochgurgl and, most memorably, Sölden. This was a mixed ski week: part piste-bashing, part off-piste adventure, part ski touring — and, of course, plenty of mountain lunches and après-ski thrown in.

Getting There

The trip was organised through Inghams, and everything from flights to transfers was included. We flew out with Titan Airways - nothing fancy but very straightforward. There was a small hiccup with the transfer (our coach broke down at the airport), but to Inghams’ credit, they sorted a replacement within 30 minutes. Not a disaster at all — in fact, it gave me time to grab a decent airport lunch before the onward journey. The return was totally smooth, and I’ve got to say, Inghams were spot-on when it came to transport timings and communication.

The Hotel: Moss, Obergurgl

The Moss Hotel felt like a polished, modern take on the traditional ski hotel. The rooms were definitely on the smaller side, but well designed and clean - with everything I needed. The food was a highlight: Portions were small, but always filling and delicious, and the spa was just what you want after a long day on the slopes — the swimming pool felt particularly smart. Service throughout the hotel was relaxed and friendly. Not overly formal, but genuinely helpful and warm, if you want a more formal atmosphere then there are plenty of very smart hotels to choose from in Obergurgl

Skiing in Obergurgl & Hochgurgl

My first ski day was in Obergurgl, and I can see why it’s such a popular destination for families. The pistes are generally gentle and open with a few reds and blacks to keep things interesting, and it’s a perfect place for a relaxing warm-up day. I also stopped in at Nederhütte - a very fun spot with some classic family-friendly après-ski. Think dancing in ski boots, live music, and schnapps by the tray.

Day four took me to Hochgurgl, which is just one gondola ride away from Obergurgl. It’s slightly higher and noticeably steeper - perfect for long carving turns. The snow here held up really well throughout the day, probably the best snow consistency of the trip. It felt quieter and a bit more grown-up than Obergurgl, but still easy to access and well-linked. The Top Mountain Star restaurant is certainly worth a stop with 360 views reaching as far as the Italian Dolomites.

Ski Touring to Schönwieshütte

One of the stand-out experiences of the trip was a ski touring day up to Schönwieshütte. This is a mountain restaurant that’s only accessible by touring, snowmobile, or on foot — and it’s well worth the effort. The climb itself was hot (we had sunshine blazing that day), but the views at the top were incredible.

The hut itself has a more modern, stylish feel than your typical Austrian alpine restaurant. Sleek interiors, panoramic views down a dramatic valley, and a chance to watch serious ski tourers navigating steep descents in the distance. It felt a world away from the busy pistes - peaceful, remote, and deeply satisfying.

The Sölden Experience

But the real highlight of the trip? Without question - Solden

Although it’s not directly connected to Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Sölden is just a 15-minute bus ride away. I’ll be honest - I initially wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the extra travel. But we ended up loving it so much that the short journey became a complete non-issue. I skied there for three days in total (days 2, 3, and 6), and I completely fell for the place.

It has everything: big wide glacier runs, tree-lined trails, exciting off-piste, and high-alpine terrain that feels seriously dramatic. The ski area has huge vertical (from 1380m all the way up to 3340m), and the super modern lift system (shout out to Doppelmayr - classic Austrian engineering) means you cover a lot of ground without spending half your day on chairlifts.

Although the town sits at just 1,380m, the ski area is well above that - and you really feel it. You're skiing up high for most of the day, and the altitude makes a big difference in snow quality and the sheer scale of the mountain scenery.

Sölden doesn’t shy away from a bit of cinematic flair either. Several of the ski lifts play music from the James Bond Spectre film (which was partly shot here), adding a fun and unexpected bit of drama to the ride up. And yes - there’s even a James Bond Museum perched on the mountain: a sleek, ultra-modern building with some very cool exhibits and views to match.

On top of the skiing, Sölden’s mountain restaurants and bars were a real treat. Two that stood out:

• Rotkogelhütte - A lively, fun spot with a younger crowd. Think buzzing energy, busy umbrella bar, and a real ‘ski party’ atmosphere.
• Bergzauber - Found on the last run home, this was much more traditional. Austrian hospitality at its best: warm, friendly staff and a cosy, relaxed vibe that made it the perfect end-of-day stop.

On our final day we also visited Almwirtschaft Gampe Thaya - which is part farm and part restaurant a truly special place serving only local produce (no Coca-Cola here). The wine list was excellent, the homemade cheeses and meats were top-notch. With an especially peaceful atmosphere It’s a must-visit, even if you’re just stopping in for a glass of wine.

Final Thoughts

This was a trip that offered real variety: from the polished calm of Obergurgl to the freeride and youthful feel of Sölden, with a proper touring adventure thrown in for good measure. The late-season snow was kind to us, and even with the warmer weather toward the end of the week, conditions held up well.

If you're after a mix of great skiing, Austrian charm, and a few surprises, this corner of the Ötztal is well worth checking out.