If it’s great skiing you want with unforgettable scenery, the Oetztal is in a class with only a handful of European ski valleys.

Here is the Sölden city map (including Hochsölden, Zwieselstein and Vent) in pdf format.

Here is the interactive Obergurgl and Hochgurgl city map.

The tall, jagged mountains are an effective barrier to severe weather, and help preserve good snow conditions during the end of the year. To the south, across Timmelsjoch, which is a road passable only in summer, lies Italy. To the north a winding road spills out of the Oetz Valley after numerous tunnels and bridges.

With the possible exception of a few warm weeks in August and September, these mountains are always skiable. When the snow disappears in the lower elevations, vacationers ascend to the glacier and ride its eternally frozen runs.

The two main resorts in respective valleys are Sölden and Obergurgl. Hochsölden is a suburb of Sölden, huddled above the larger town. Hochgurgl is merely a cluster of six hotels up the mountain from Obergurgl.

Sölden is stretched along the main road that traverses the valley. The road is bustling with foot and auto traffic, but gives visitors easy access to all services such as rentals, restaurants, nightlife and lifts. This energetic resort provides the on-the-go traveler with endless skiing, a snow guarantee, entertainment and culinary options. In contrast, the smaller villages of Hochsölden, Zweiselstein and Vent are quiet bedroom hamlets sporting excellent hotels and restaurants.

Obergurgl and Hochgurgl are both a 15-minute drive from Sölden. Obergurgl is a picture-perfect Alpine town tucked into the mountains, complete with old church steeple and chalets. Another part of the village, Pill/Angern, is even smaller and less expensive with its own rural charm. It is not within walking distance of the town's center; however, it is adjacent to one of the main cross-country systems and is lift accessible.

Obergurgl is, unlike Sölden, virtually traffic-free. It has a tradition of serving British clientele. You will quickly realize you are in a true Austrian village where time-tested tradition reigns. The smaller dorf of Hochgurgl is a clutch of remote, excellent hotels clinging to the side of steep slopes.

Tourismusverband Sölden–Oeztal Arena, A-6450 Sölden, Austria
Country code: 0043
Telephone prefix for Sölden, Hochsölden: 057200
Telephone: 200
Fax: 201

Email: info@soelden.com
Internet: www.soelden.com

Email: info@oetztal.com
Internet: www.oetztal.com

Tourismusverband Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, A-6456 Obergurgl, Austria
Country code: 0043
Telephone prefix for Hochgurgl and Obergurgl: 057200
Telephone: 100
Fax: 201
Email: info@obergurgl.com
Internet: www.obergurgl.com

Tourismusverband Vent, A-6458 Vent, Austria
Country code: 0043
Telephone prefix for Vent: 057200
Telephone: 260
Email: vent@oetztal.com
Internet: www.vent.at

Note: All prices are in Euros unless otherwise noted.

For more information on skiing and staying in the country of Austria, click the map.