Winter is one of the best times for a fun-filled solo holiday. Things can be pretty bleak at home, but if you can be flexible with your dates you can get some great deals on travel and accommodation by avoiding school holidays.
But where should you choose to go? Well, if you like natural beauty, good food and a whole host of exciting things to see and do, there are few places better than an alpine ski resort. And Obergurgl, in Austria, is one of the very best. Read on to learn about some of the fine attractions on offer in the area.
Enjoy the View from Top Mountain Star
Situated in the large Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area, the resort has more than enough runs to fill your time, with everything from wide-open pistes to tougher mogul fields and off-piste areas.
But while many of these offer great views of the surrounding landscapes, the Top Mountain Star is the place to go for the very best sights. This circular bar and restaurant with its viewing platform situated 3,080m above sea level is absolutely unmissable. Stop by on a clear day, grab a drink and marvel at the astonishing beauty all around you.
See Different Villages
One of the best things about a skiing holiday is how easy it is to get to a huge range of different places. With a good lift and piste network and a little skiing ability, the world’s your oyster!
Solden
Located just a short way down the valley, this is perhaps the best village to visit to meet people and have fun. It attracts nearly 1,000 people a week in its peak season, and there’s always a great range of bars to help you get into the party atmosphere.
Did You Know? This picturesque little town was the filming location for large parts of recent James Bond adventure Spectre (2015). Why not see if you can recognise any spots?
Eat at David’s Huette
Another great thing about winter sports resorts is that you can dine out on great food whenever you want without feeling too decadent. After all, carving your way down mountains for hours each day means you’ve earned it!
While the area has a lot of places worth trying, David’s Huette might just be our favourite – and the good news is the very reasonable prices. Serving a range of hearty alpine fare in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to pull off the slopes for a spot of lunch. Just make sure to get there early to beat the rush!
Explore the Slopes at Night
If you’ve never tried it, night skiing is an absolute must while you’re in Obergurgl. Excellent floodlights ensure the runs are just as safe as they are during the day and you won’t have any trouble at all seeing.
What really makes the experience, though, is the atmosphere. The imposing serenity of the mountains envelops you, leaving a deep and palpable darkness just at the edge of your vision. Even with other skiers and snowboarders around you, it’s totally unique.
When and Where?
Weather permitting, Obergurgl offers night skiing on selected slopes from 6:30 to 10pm every Tuesday.
Party and Dance at Nederhutte
With live music four days a week, a great drinks menu and customers encouraged to dance on the tables when the mood strikes, Nederhutte is one of the Alps’ most popular bars. It has actually been voted the single best après experience in the mountains several times.
The mix of traditional Austrian music, rock hits and more modern flavours ensures there’s something for all tastes, and it’s the perfect place to meet people and have a good time.
Top Tip: Don’t worry too much about skiing back down, especially if you’ve had a couple drinks – the bar is happy to run guests back in its ski-doo trailer.
Relax at the Spa
We won’t blame you if all the exercise, eating and exuberance leave you with a need to relax. In fact, Obergurgl has the perfect place to do just that.
Located within the Crystal hotel, this ‘world of wellbeing’ is simply one of the best spas you’re ever likely to go to. Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, it offers a variety of treatments specially designed to soothe aching muscles and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Visitors get access to a range of facilities, including:
- Several pools
- Specialised saunas
- A gym with fitness equipment
Combine these with the staggering range of treatments available, and there’s nothing left to do but book in, sit back and get ready to be pampered.
Where to Stay
Pension Michael: Just 100 yards away from two major cable cars, this hotel offers rooms with balconies, seating areas and flat screen TVs. Even better: guests get access to an onsite sauna to wind down after a tough day on the pistes.
Martinshof: A little further from the nearest cable car, the Martinshof remains well connected to the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl area. Just a five minute walk from the village centre, it’s also great for those who like to eat out – although many rooms come with a small kitchenette for nights in as well.
How to Get There
Flights from the UK to Innsbruck airport take less than two hours and are affordable most of the year. The cheapest months, though, are January and February – which is the perfect time for a solo getaway.
Once you’ve landed, a comfortable Shuttle Direct transfer can take you from the airport to the village on time and in comfort. Transport in the mountains can be frustrating to say the least, so pre-booking your transfer before you leave home is the best way to avoid any hassle.
Overview
- UK to INN Flight Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- INN to Obergurgl Distance: 94 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
We at Shuttle Direct are proud to be Europe and North Africa’s favourite airport transfer operator, with experienced and professional drivers to get you where you need to go in comfort and with a smile. Get in touch and let us take care of all the details!
