As a travel photographer with a penchant for skiing, I’m always on the hunt for winter wonderland. Luckily I live in Austria, with some of the best skiing resorts in the world at my fingertips. Yet, snow has become a bit elusive at lower altitudes lately and the search for snow takes me to higher heights every year (I already shared 20 of the best high altitude hotels in Austria with you recently).
While this isn’t a blogpost about climate change, we all know that’s the root cause for the snow struggle (and of course winter tourism also has its share in contributing to the climate emergency). Yet, the longing for days on the slopes is deeply rooted and I still believe the positive outweighs the negative when it comes to tourism. Well, at least when it’s done consciously. But that’s another story.
This one is about a very special place in Austria’s alps: Welcome to Hochgurgl!
TOP Hochgurgl Ski resort
Hochgurgl, nestled in the Ötztal Alps in Tyrol, is our recent discovery when it comes to skiing. We’ve been in Ötztal previously, but always in summer – now we finally stayed here in winter and were immediately intrigued. Perched at over 2,000 meters above sea level and with lifts reaching above 3,000 meters, it’s in the Top 10 of Austria’s highest ski resorts.
And although it’s not a glacier ski resort this elevation means it’s also surpassing the snow levels of neighbouring famous superstar region Sölden. The Hochgurgl ski area is linked with Obergurgl and together they offer over 100 kilometers of slopes catering to all skill levels, from gentle beginner runs to challenging black slopes. To top things off skiers are treated to a panoramic spectacle of majestic 3,000-meter-high peaks encircling the valley, making Hochgurgl climb up on our list of favourites skiing hotspots with rapid speed!
Location, location, location: 100% snow guarantee at 2,150 meters elevation
When it comes to a stay in Hochgurgl, TOP Hotel Hochgurgl is the perfect option for a true ski-in/ski-out experience. The slopes are literally at the doorstep of the hotel and you can ski right up to the hotel’s entrance. That’s a dream come true for avid skiers and not so easy to come by – especially these days when the valleys remain snow free more often then we would wish for.
Perched at a lofty elevation of 2,150 meters above sea level, TOP Hotel Hochgurgl boasts not only luxurious accommodations but also a prime location that offers unparalleled access to some of the best ski terrain in Austria.
Long winter season: From Mid November to 21st of April 2024
With the winter season in full swing and extending until the 21st of April 2024, there’s still ample time to revel in the fresh snow that blankets the slopes these days. Just during our stay a hefty 50cm of new snow fell, making sure the season will last easily way beyond Easter this year.
What sets TOP Hotel Hochgurgl and the adjacent TOP Hochgurgl skiing arena apart is its 100% snow guarantee for such a long season, thanks to its high-altitude location. As a photographer, this guarantee is music to my ears, promising an endless canvas of pristine powder and picture-perfect landscapes to capture through my lens. Plus some really incredible skiing obviously!
Interior: Rustic Tyrolean style meets cozy chic
Since the acquisition of TOP Hotel Hochgurgl by German hotel company 12.18. group there’s been some updates to the interior. Now the hotel seamlessly blends the rustic charm of authentic Tyrolean wooden architecture with elements of modern chic. You can still sense that this hotel has a long-standing tradition and history, but there’s a new alpine elegance moving in as well.
Our room: Classic Suite with mountain views
The Classic Suite at TOP Hotel Hochgurgl is one of 71 rooms and features ample space as well as stunning mountain panoramas from the private balcony. The generously-sized walk-in closet ensures plenty of room to store ski gear and clothing and a cozy fireplace completes the private retreat.
The only caveat: Vegetarian cuisine
If we needed to find one thing to complain about it would need to be the vegetarian cuisine. To be fair, the new chef just took over the reigns a month ago, but we felt the vegetarian offering was more than just an afterthought. In the evening a 5 course dinner is served, yet during our 3 evenings spent at the hotel the menu never even offered a vegetarian option for the cold starter. Twice the soup wasn’t vegetarian and once our corn soup should’ve been available as vegetarian option, but we found crab meat in it. So let’s just say there’s room for improvement here! The “Kaiserschmarrn” on the other hand was pretty good.
Our takeaway
But with its unrivaled ski-in/ski-out experience, the long winter season with 100% snow guarantee, and the breathtaking alpine vistas I definitely see myself returning here more often!
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