Winter in Ötztal: The Peak of Tirol

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1 Winter in Ötztal: The Peak of Tirol The splendid ski areas of Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl are famous far beyond Tirol's longest side valley. The new Ötztal Super Skipass bundles 356 slope kilometers, 90 mountain lifts and six ski areas in a single skipass. Winter sports enthusiasts purchasing a skipass for 3 or more days can choose from six well-known winter destinations:the sun-kissed Hochoetz Ski Region in the lower Ötztal Valley is a true heaven for families while pristine ski and winter adventures are scheduled in the small mountain villages of Vent, Gries and Niederthai. A highlight not to be missed is a relaxing day at the Aqua Dome Thermal Spa Center in Längenfeld. In scenic Ötztal winter rules from October through May amidst breathtaking Alpine landscapes: more than 250 peaks higher than 3000 meters encircle the top-notch ski areas of Sölden, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and Hochoetz. Snow is always guaranteed thanks to the high altitude location and two skiable glacier ski mountains stretching up to 3340 m above sea level. But Ötztal also promises unlimited off-piste activities like ski mountaineering, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hiking or simply relaxing. Sölden: Hot Spot in the Alps Sölden is a renowned Alpine Ski World Cup venue and one of the Alps' most popular winter sport destinations. For that reason the "Hot Spot in the Alps" boasts unique superlatives in a row. For example, Sölden is always among the first winter resorts to open the winter season. Sölden is Austria's one and only ski resort with three skiable mountains higher than three thousand meters above sea level, accessible with top modern gondolas - the BIG3. The slopes of Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glaciers rank among Austria's biggest serviced glacier areas open to winter sport fans. Also the yearly held AUDI FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Opening with all the stars of the scene is already scheduled from 26. till 28. Oktober In November all 31 state-of-the-art mountain lifts of the Sölden and Hochsölden ski region are in operation, giving access to 144 varied slope kilometers for all skill levels with absolute snow guarantee. The total hourly capacity of all lifts amounts to 70,000 people. Mountain lifts & Culinary peak performance The undisputed super stars among Sölden's mountain lifts are the Giggijoch Mountain Gondola (10-person cabins) and the Gaislachkogl Mountain Gondola (8-person cabins)

2 in architectural and technological terms. Two of the most powerful feeder mountain gondolas world-wide can be found in Sölden! What's more, the Golden Gate To The Glacier are the connecting ski lifts between the two glacier ski mountains and the winter ski areas where you can choose from over 30 quaint mountain huts, inns and restaurants. A gastronomical must-see is the ice Q gourmet restaurant at the peak of Gaislachkogl (3058 m): an eye-catching glass cube and one of the shooting locations of the latest James Bond blockbuster - "Spectre". Do not forget the new world premiere in Sölden: 007 ELEMENTS. The brand new James Bond installation at 3,048 meters in Sölden reveals itself as a cinematic summit experience. Visitors will experience a unprecedented highlight for film enthusiasts. It leads deep into the cinematic universe of the planet's most famous secret agent. Adrenalin Cup, Après-ski & Events in a row Sporty challenge among kindred spirits: The popular Adrenalin Cup comprises ten action-packed disciplines spread all over the giant ski area, fully automated video shootings and fun-filled photos all available online after the challenge. Those who have collected the biggest number of points are rewarded with prizes. The Adrenalin Cup is free of charge for holders of a valid skipass. Another must-do is the ultimate BIG 3 Rally to Gaislachkogl (3058 m), Tiefenbachkogl (3250 m) and Schwarze Schneid (3340 m) - a truly challenging loop tour on 50 kilometers through the entire ski area. Marvelous vantage platforms await you on all three peaks. A real endurance test is scheduled on the 15 km long top-to-bottom ski run from Schwarze Schneid (3340 m) down to the valley floor, featuring incredible 1970 meters of difference in altitude. Sölden's unrivaled party and après-ski culture is waiting for you in the village center and on the ski slopes! Internationally renowned top events include a top-class DJ-Marathon Electric Mountain Festival, 04. & at Giggijoch, the Audi Nines from till at the Tiefenbach Galcier or the Glacier Spectacle Hannibal, on the on Rettenbachferner. Obergurgl-Hochgurgl: Top Quality Skiing Also the valley's second top destination celebrates the first "non-glacier" winter season kick-off in the splendid "Diamond of the Alps" already from 15 to 25 November where opening events, music rallies, parties and special extras are waiting for ski aficionados. 25 top modern mountain lifts with a total hourly capacity of up to 40,000 people give access to 112 kilometers of immaculate ski slopes between 1930 m and 3082 m altitude, starting right on your hotel's doorstep. The rear Ötztal makes a truly

3 exceptional paradise for freeriders thanks to the varied and quite challenging terrain. Furthermore, an Ortovox Training Park and avalanche transceiver checkpoints can be found in the ski area. Culinary moments at the highest level await you on "Hohe Mut Alm" at 2670 m and "Top Mountain Star", a 360-degree panorama bar at Wurmkogel peak (3080 m). A real architectural gem is the newly refurbished Schönwieshütte accessible by skidoo from the top station of Steinmannbahn or on a winter walking trail from the base terminal. Lifestyle at a 5 Star level Prime infrastructures on the mountain are coupled with fine lodgings and deluxe hotels down in the village. The two stylish holiday resorts have no less than 23 Four Star and two Five Star Hotels that promise top-quality rest and relaxation. Another eye catching attraction not to be missed is the Top Mountain Cross Point in Hochgurgl, nestling in the foothills of the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road at 2175 meters above sea level. The multifunctional building combines, among others, the base station of the Kirchenkar mountain gondola and Europe's highest Motorcycle Museum. The huge event calendar boasts several top events like the "Powder Snow Weeks" in January, the Open Faces Freeride Contest from till and the Nassau Beach Club Snow Special from till offering guided freeriding tours, ski mountaineering, yoga, ski show, stylish après-ski parties and many more top-notch events at the highest level. Ötztal Superskipass combines all Ötztal ski resorts on one ticket. The new Ötztal Superskipass bundles 356 kilometers of slopes, 90 lifts and six ski areas in a single offer. Winter sports enthusiasts choose from well-known destinations such as Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl as well as especially family-friendly destinations such as Hochoetz-Kühtai and three other ski resorts in the Ötztal. After the successful premiere of a combined ticket from Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, the ticket network reaches the final evolutionary stage for the winter season 2018/2019. With the purchase of a 3-day ski pass, guests choose their ski experience in the longest tyrolean side valley in their own individual way. The valley-wide ski pass is valid in the areas of Sölden, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Hochoetz-Kühtai, Niederthai, Gries and Vent. Hochoetz-Kühtai: personal flair & small structure The valley's third biggest and very family-friendly Hochoetz Ski Region nestles between 1400 and 2300 meters altitude at the entrance to the valley. The common Kühtai & Hochoetz ski pass and a free shuttle service running between the two ski mountains open up a truly unique winter sport paradise on 80 immaculate slope kilometers with

4 absolute snow reliability thanks to snow-making systems that cover 100% of the slopes. 24 highly comfortable mountain lifts with a total hourly capacity of 31,000 people add to a fun-filled ski day. Snow aficionados can enjoy superb freeriding terrain, a race track, a fun park at Balbach chairlift and the splendid "Zugspitzblick" vantage platform. Childoriented infrastructures - kids ski schools, snow village, themed ski park on the tracks of wild animals - promise a memorable family vacation. Furthermore a couple of bargain package deals are available: "My Winter Start" and "Happy Family Weeks" offer unlimited fun together with lovely WIDI, the cheeky mascot and friend of all young skiers. Quaint mountain huts and restaurants cater to the hungry and thirsty winter sport fan. Ski sports reminding of long past times Close to the top ski areas yet in a peaceful setting: The mountain villages of Gries and Niederthai in central Ötztal are made to measure for novice skiers and families in search of small ski slopes and smooth winter activities plus sunshine, snow and silence in abundance. By the way: Alpine skiing and snowboarding are excellent reasons for a winter holiday in Ötztal, but not the only ones. Winter guests also appreciate the hidden spots at the rear end of the valley in the scenic mountain village of Vent, a silent place far away from busy slopes but close to the region's prime 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. Crosscountry skiing stands for smooth winter fun and sporty exercise in tune with nature. Nordic skiers have loads of opportunities to explore Ötztal's picture-book landscapes. Classic-style Nordic skiers and skaters can choose from a 185 kilometer network of cross-country skiing tracks. Among the Nordic sport centers, Längenfeld is the most renowned one thanks to its wide open basin offering numerous panoramic routes while Gries is a popular high altitude training spot. The sun-flooded plateau of Niederthai promises absolute snow reliability and varied Nordic tracks at 1550 m altitude. Outdoor activity followed by relaxation at the thermal spa Après-ski and party fans get together in Ötztal. Those in search of peace and quiet are warmly welcome, too! The entire Ötztal has incredible 310 kilometers of cleared winter walking trails, 40 kilometers of winter running routes, 14 toboggan runs (8 are equipped with floodlights) - there is something for all tastes and ages, explore your personal winter wonderland in Ötztal. Guided snowshoe hikes suitable for families take you to the romantic backcountry area. Frozen water is just perfect for ice skating fans, who can choose from ten superb rinks, and ice climbers having fun on about 30 climbing

5 routes through frozen waterfalls. Hot and healing waters are on the program of the AQUA DOME Spa Center Tirol Therme Längenfeld. The futurist wellness temple offers huge indoor pools and three steaming outdoor pools on stilts. In addition to invigorating thermal waters, you can spoil body and mind with awe-inspiring panorama views. What's best, there is a separate zone for children, a large sauna world, a fitness center, a culinary temple and an exclusive "Spa 3000" private area. Quick and easy journey Comfy public transport systems ensure a stress-free journey to Tirol. There is an autobahn (A 12) exit from Inntal, the valley's train station and an international airport in Innsbruck only one hour by car. Guests arriving at Innsbruck Airport can take full advantage of the comfy Ötztal Shuttle Bus right to your hotel's doorstep. More details on your holiday in Ötztal - The Peak of Tirol - is available online at

6 Media Contact: Ötztal Tourismus Sarah Ennemoser T +43 (0) F +43 (0) More high res images can be found here: Booking and Information: Ötztal Tourismus Gemeindestraße Sölden, Österreich T +43 (0) F +43 (0) info@oetztal.com Photos (printable quality) and more texts at