Obergurgl is a picture postcard village in the Otzal Alps in the Austrian state of Tyrol.

Originally made famous in 1931 by the Swiss explorer August Piccard who had to land on the nearby Grosser Gurgler Ferner glacier during his historic balloon flight; it now has premium hotels and top quality skiing on its 110 kms of slopes. With doorstep skiing to the village centre and snow guaranteed from the middle of November to early May it’s a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.

Beginners and novices have access to 35kms of easy ski runs and advanced skiers have access to 55kms of pistes where they can explore the Festkogl area, the Schermerspitze ski trail and real experts can conquer the steep Hohe Mut (Great Courage) ski run which is one of the Tyrols most breathtaking vantage points overlooking no less than 21 mountains higher than 3,000 metres.

For those of you that just want to keep on skiing try the fantastic 8km run from Wurkogl to Obergurgl which has a 1,260m difference in altitude.

Since 1997 an 8-person gondola connects the ski areas of Obergurgl & Hochgurgl in just a short 8 minute ride. Whilst getting ready for the next set of pistes you can admire the stunning Alpine scenery and the surrounding glaciers whist enjoying the panoramic gondola.

When you decide to call it a day you can ski back to your hotel. In fact - ‘Skiing right to your hotel’s doorstep’ is the slogan used by Obergurgl’s marketing experts.

The après ski is varied and is mostly centred round hotel bars, however the Nederhutte is the place to be when the lifts close as it has live music most days and you can either ski back down the piste afterwards or take a snowmobile.

Nightlife in Obergurgl can be found by going to the Krumpn’s Stadl bar which is the liveliest place in town and has a DJ or live music most nights. If you desire a more sophisticated end to the day then the Bajazzo is a good choice.

With 15,000 British visitors every year, the majority of those having already visited the resort at least once you can see how the mountains exert a near-magical power over every one. Breathe deeply and enjoy the romantic sunsets and the feeling of being at one with nature.