Just when one thinks they don't have a choice between the light & dark side, Obergurgl Hochgurgl presents us with one. Essentially two separate ski resorts combined under one lift pass & connected by a long traversing gondola, Hochgurgl is in the light - figuratively & metaphorically; Obergurgl holds up the banner for the dark.

Obergurgl has more freeride & on-piste challenges, a broader diversity of terrain, livelier village & a better overall 'vibe'.

Hochgurgl has a higher village that gets more sun & has better views, more family-friendly lifts & terrain plus a cracking toboggan run. The exception to Hochgurgl's 'light' status is the enthusiastic lunchtime live music, dance & booze sessions in the strange 'Top Mountain Star' bar/restaurant. Fun - definitely. Irresponsible - probably! The highest point of the resort at over 3000m elevation, the adjacent ski run down is a steep, skatey black affair that was strewn with bodies when we did it - mostly due to them skiing with a lunchtime bender handicap! (If in doubt, take the alternative cat-track down & leave the black run to sober individuals!)

In combination, Obergurgl & Hochgurgl form an excellent, world class ski resort that avoids the tawdry excesses associated with its nearest neighbour, Soelden.

We skied Obergurgl Hochgurgl during March in a diversity of weather & snow conditions. We skied waist deep powder, breakable crust, perfect groomed packed powder & sun baked slosh. Typical for March but all great fun. Whilst it attracts a crowd, the modern lifts & wide ranging terrain options soak up the numbers well, giving it a relaxed feel.

For the adventurous, Obergurgl is the place to be for first tracks & later. Hochgurgl is gentler & with more interrupted fall line off-piste so is of less interest to freeriders (with some notable exceptions). The huge terrain backcountry between the resorts is another thing altogether.....

If looking to stay in the resort, we would choose a hotel, apartment or pension in Obergurgl near the Hohe Mut & Rosskarbahn ski lifts. Alternatives down the Oetztal are aplenty plus are cheaper.

An Austrian destination ski resort of fine pedigree. Put it on your list. See our video here

Obergurgl delivered an amazing ski day in so many ways. Fresh powder in March, great lift system, spectacular views, variety of runs and all with clear blue skies and low crowds (love mid week). See our video here

Obergurgl Hochgurgl is Austria's camouflaged diamond. It’s so close to Solden it is often missed but this is why you should head on up the extra 30 minutes on the bus. Arriving into the small quaint town you will def feel a quieter vibe than Solden but with a few hidden gems for a vibrant night life. The resorts are linked by a top express which means a weekend won’t quite cover it. 

More importantly, find yourself a guide and a mate and head on over into the valley between the two resorts. You wouldn’t know that you were in the centre of a commercial resort! The bars and restaurant on the hill are all warm and welcoming, none more so than the traditional and a little hard to get to is the Kirchenkarhutte restaurant. It’s very traditional and the goulash soup is the best on the mountain and of course it being Austria you’re never far from a gluewein tap to keep you warm and relaxed. 

From this point you can ski run 20 which is a consistent red with sharp drops and big rollers. You legs will be burning when you get to the bottom if you ski super G style. Also from this restaurant you can pick your point of the cat tracks route 21 and 20a into easy but slightly rocky off-piste routes which land you back on to 22 for a smooth ride back to lift. I could go on and tell you all the little gems where you can spend days getting lost but best leave you to find your own adventure. See our video here