If you are thinking of skiing next year you couldn’t do better than choose Obergurgl in spectacular Tyrolean Austria. Combine breathtaking landscape with the Hotel Edelweiss and you have the perfect recipe for an exciting skiing holiday with luxury hotel facilities. Jean and Mick Webb initially had reservations about going; Jean hadn’t skied for some years and Mick no longer skied at all. However they decided to check out the possibilities available, for skiers and non-skiers. Read their report to find out more, or call 0121 250 2211 or 01543 412767 to book your skiing holiday.

Airport Hotel
We booked our holiday last minute, so we had to fly from Gatwick to Innsbruck, and since the flight was 7.30 am we stayed in the Sofitel Hotel on the airport which was very convenient. The Sofitel is a quality 4 star hotel with a choice of restaurants and just a few minutes walk to the departure lounge. Parking can be organised in advance.

Flight
With BA you can check your luggage in the evening prior to departure, obtain your boarding pass and just go through departures next morning. The flight to Innsbruck takes just under two hours, with about an hours transfer to Obergurgl. A taxi will cost approximately 130 Euros. Alternatively, book with Broads early and fly from Birmingham which, of course, is so much more convenient.

Hotel Edlewiess & Gungl We stayed at The Hotel Edelwiess & Gungl, which is the epitome of a well run, privately owned hotel. Rooms vary in size, the best being category one, a junior suite with sitting area, dining table and a view of the south slopes where everyone starts and finishes the day. There are various bar areas with log fires and very comfortable easy chairs and sofas. The food is excellent: a spectacular cold table starts dinner with speciality nights throughout the week. Snacks are also served in the conservatory.

Hotel Facilities
The Edelweiss has a wonderful spa with an indoor pool, outdoor pool, jacuzzi, steam room, massage rooms, saunas, cold room and water beds.

This area is so well done. The steam room for example has a vaulted ceiling with twinkling stars that gently change colour.

For the Skier
The Edelweiss has its own ski shop for the hire of boots, skis/snow boards and compulsory helmets for children; ski passes can also be purchased here. One real advantage is that the spacious boot room leads directly to the ski lifts, which just couldn’t be more convenient. It is quite possible with an early flight to be organised and skiing by mid afternoon.

The skiing is very varied, with wide easy pistes for the beginners and scary black runs for the experienced. Bo Bo’s is a children’s beginners club but kids very quickly graduate to the easy (and not so easy) slopes.

A free ski bus runs every few minutes to other ski areas such as Hochgurgl.

For the non-skier
Why would a non-skier want to holiday in a ski resort? There are several lifts which will take you up and down the mountain and the highest has spectacular views right into Italy. There are also delightful walks often leading to a lunchtime stop (such as David’s Hut) where skiers and non-skiers meet up. Taxis can reach most places for a modest few euros.

For everyone
The village is compact with virtually everything within walking distance: supermarket, newsagents with English papers, restaurants, clothes/gift shops, doctors and pharmacy.

Summary
Obergurgl is one of the most reliable resorts in Europe for snow and is an excellent area for beginners, timid intermediates and families. After a week in the mountains, whether skiing or not, we had a definite feeling of well-being and satisfaction of returning in one piece.