ÖTZTAL IN WINTER: TIROL'S GLACIER WONDERLAND COVERED ALL IN WHITE

On a spectacular open-air stage, surrounded by no less than 250 peaks beyond three thousand meters, winter plays host to a number of memorable highlights from September through May. A paradise for all ages and preferences - Be it Alpine skiers, après ski fans, ice skaters and cross-country skiers or snowboarders, snowshoe hikers, winter walkers, waterfall climbers, families with young sportsmen or tomorrow's champions.

Sölden is quite similar to a Opera House, its glacier arena with two ski areas celebrates the beginning of the season already in the first week of September. The most passionate ski aficionados meet again in October on the occasion of Sölden's famous opening events and parties. In mid November the entire ski area will be in operation and varied highlights are scheduled in a row.

Brilliant ski openings

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl at 2,000 meters above sea level, the valley's second top destination surrounded by countless mountain peaks beyond 3,000 meters, celebrates the start of the coming winter season for two entire weeks from mid November. The third biggest Ski Region Hochoetz between 700 and 2,000 meters above sea level, at the entrance to the almost 70 kilometer long valley, opens its winter season in the middle of December with affordable package deals made to measure for families and a new attraction: The ski pass is also valid in Kühtai, a lovely winter sports resort located between the Ötztal and the Sellraintal which features mountain lifts and gondolas at similar altitudes beyond 2,020 meters above sea level.

A powerful future

Young, dynamic and creative - The slogan of Ötztal's classic skiing centers is always valid. Innovative projects add to an even more pleasant stay in the coming winter season. 100 percent of all downhill ski runs in Hochoetz are equipped with snow-making systems. Obergurgl-Hochgurgl has a new floodlit toboggan track for unlimited night sledding adventures. Sölden laid the foundations for three different projects worth several millions of Euros: the enlargement and reconstruction of the mountain restaurant at Tiefenbach glacier, the new Gaislachkogel mountain gondola, and the giant water reservoir for the ski area's overall snow-making system.

Idyllic peace & silence

As an alternative to pulsating tourism centers featuring snowboard parks, fun courses and free ride zones for boarders and carvers with never-ending nightlife, winter guests still can enjoy hidden spots and picture-book villages far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. At the rear end of the valley, in the foothills of Wildspitze peak (3,774 m) - Tirol's highest mountain, you find the marvelous mountain village of Vent. A silent place for all those in search of peace and relaxation, far away from busy slopes but close to the region's high Alpine ski mountaineering routes. Among the undisputed backcountry highlights ranks the breathtaking Vent Loop Trail, one of the "hautes routes" for expert ski mountaineers in the Eastern Alps.

Längenfeld is located in the center of the valley, a quaint paradise for avid cross-country skiers with wonderful panoramic tracks up to 1,200 meters above sea level. After an exciting day in the mountains you are strongly recommended to visit the "Aqua Dome" Spa Center - a feast for sore muscles and exhausted winter sports fans in search of ultimate rest and relaxation. A panoramic road takes you up to lovely Gries, a little mountain village that is known as the paradise for families with small children and winter walkers. Two beginners ski lifts are available, as well as a Nordic track network and several toboggan runs.

Sledding tracks with or without floodlights, reachable on foot or by taxi, and a great choice of cross-country skiing trails await you in Längenfeld's neighboring holiday resorts of Umhausen or Niederthai, a cozy mountain village at 1,500 meters above sea level where especially young skiers and boarders can improve their skills on four kilometers of slopes equipped with three mountain lifts.

The scenic Tirolean-style villages of Sautens, Haiming-Ochsengarten and Oetz are located at the entrance to the valley, close to the Inntal Autobahn exit and the Ötztal Bahnhof train station. Its Ski Region Hochoetz offers made to measure deals for families and kids, including accommodation in homey guesthouses, child care services and ski schools for young guests. What's more, memorable and peaceful winter holidays are almost guaranteed thanks to horse carriage rides, toboggan adventures or snowshoes hikes at torchlight.

Of course, winter has many other wonderful stages spread all over the Ötztal, for example: 185 kilometers of cleared winter walking trails, 40 kilometers of signposted running routes between Haiming, Obergurgl and Vent, 186 kilometers of Nordic skiing tracks, 15 toboggan runs - the latest highlight in Hochgurgl-Pill. 10 ice skating rinks, plenty of frozen waterfalls for daring ice climbers. Guided snowshoe walking tours are scheduled almost daily in many holiday villages. Infinite water fun and wellness at Sölden's Freizeit Arena leisure center and in Längenfeld's Aqua Dome spa center which offers a great new restaurant serving Après Ski delights and menus from the coming winter season onwards.

Dragon-like adventures for kids

Winter Kings and Snow Queens know what they are looking for within the family-friendly Ötztal - They are all crazy about Tabaluga, the green little dragon standing for unlimited fun. This unique mascot promises entertaining activity programs for young guests throughout the year, including excursions and plenty of other attractions. In winter you should watch our for the countless Tabaluga Ski Schools with certified instructors and made to measure programs for kids.

Straight ahead towards the snow Dorado

The way to the Ötztal valley is easy to find: there is not only a separate autobahn exit from the Inntal but also a nearby train station and an international airport in Innsbruck (one hour by car). Guests arriving at Innsbruck Airport can take full advantage of the Ötztal Shuttle Bus running between Innsbruck and your hotel's doorstep. Don't miss out on a unique winter vacation - Follow the call of the mountains: "Raise the curtain for her Winter Majesty, the Ötztal!"