Obergurgl

Obergurgl sits at the head of the Oetz valley and is one of the the highest and most snow-sure resorts in Austria. Although it has no glacier, it does boast one of the best and longest seasons in the Alps. This traditional village has a sophisticated upmarket feel with a collection of mainly 4 and 5 star residences. These factors coupled with the high quality service and cuisine from the hotels ensures that is has a very strong repeat clientele, especially amongst the British.

Beginners are welcomed to Obergurgl with their own nursery village area, from here progression to the resort's blue runs is swift and easy. The resort ski school is effective and friendly ensuring that guests progress quickly along their learning curve. By the end of the week beginners will be skiing over in Hochgurgl and feeling that they have really travelled far, both in kilometres and in ability.

Intermediates will find Obergurgl a paradise with its uncrowded pistes and superb snow. Whilst the area covers 110km of piste the fact that there are so few skiers on the mountain at any time will allow the mile hungry skier to clock up a huge tally in a short space of time. Generally you will find little need for a piste map after day three as the area is easy to navigate. One of Snowfinders' Nick's favourite runs is the huge descent from the top station at Hochgurglfrom on the Wurmkogl at 3080m straight down to Pil/Untergurgl at 1795m. This route will take you straight down a black and onto reds all the way without stopping – it`s a 1285m vertical which will certainly end up in a case of the old "Cliff Thighburns"!

Experts may tire of the piste skiing here after a few days, in which case there is no better excuse to grab a local guide and explore some great off-piste; the Konigstal being a favourite. Alternatively, your pass can cover, for a small upgrade, a day in Solden with it's larger more aggressive ski area.  

Surprisingly, the area is pretty decent for boarders with its great lift system and wide pistes. The only drawback being that there isn't a fun park or half pipe at present.