Ötztal (820m - 3250m)

Ötztal , the Őtztal Alps, Tyrol, Austria Őtztal represents one of the highest and largest ski area in Austria. As it is one of the top luxury resorts, skiing in Őtztal is a very prestigious matter. However, you can find some nice quiet places in here that are not in the middle of things. The Őtztal area is divided into three regions. It is Ötz at the beginning of the Valley, a small ski resort once being the most important, nowadays with more reasonable prices than in any other parts of this area. Concerning winter sports, Sőlden-Hochsőlden-Zwieselstein region with its glaciers of Rettenbach and Tiefenbach and Vent ski resort, situated partly on the side, are the most important. Sőlden ski resort is not very different from Lech or Kitzbűhel luxury ski resorts in its high standards and busy social life. Moreover, it offers a wide range of runs for all levels, also for carving. This cannot be taken for granted in other parts of this area where you can find lack of really challenging runs. The same applies to the two neighbouring glaciers providing tourists with skiing in summer. A village of Vent, located 1,900 m above the sea level at the end of the side valley in between the Wildspitze (3,774 m) and Ramolkogel (3,549 m) mountain, is very unusual – earlier visited mainly by rock climbers, as a ski resort short of expert and advanced runs and luxurious hotels, so it has preserved its unique and pleasant atmosphere. You can enjoy more advanced skiing in Untergurgl-Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resorts, at the top end of Őtztal, the latter situated 2,150 m above the sea level below a mountain pass on the Austrian-Italian border. It is also very attractive for wealthier clients. One of the most distinctive features is a technically unique cableway upright connecttion between Ober- and Hochgurgl or extremely difficult bumpy run Hohe Mut (in Obergurgl). Nevertheless, even in this region tourists are attracted to many original offers such as skiing for free – on some Saturdays or at night. People familiar with the non-glacier region especially appreciate good snow conditions, a nice panoramatic view and a high standard of aprés ski. The highlights of the glacier region are above all modern sports facilities and wide slopes for carving. Unfortunately, the glacier region has no connection with Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resorts. Snowboard fans would certainly appreciate two funparks and a boarderpark.