Obergurgl ski resort is one of Europe's highest traditional ski villages, which means it is also one of the continent's most snow sure.

The resort is divided into three parts; the original village of Obergurgl, which is home to most of the village's amenities; Hochgurgl, a collection of half a dozen large and luxurious hotels that was created in the early 1960s, and the smaller village of Untergurgl. The resort is officially called Obergurgl - Hochgurgl as a result, although it is still simply known as Obergurgl to most people.

The first ski holidays took place here 70 years ago and the resort has built a reputation for offering a very high quality experience with several dozen 4- and 5-star hotels as well as a host of high speed quad chairlifts and fast modern lifts.

Resort elevation: 2,150m (7,094ft).

Top elevation: 3,250m (10,195ft).

Base elevation: 1,800m (5,905ft).

Number of lifts: 24.

Number of runs: 34.

Average annual snowfall: 4m (13.2ft).

Obergurgl is located in the Otztal Alps in the province of Tyrol in western Austria. The village is located on the border with Italy.

Obergurgl has one of the longest ski seasons and earliest starts to the winter in the Alps, due to the high elevation of the ski area and 90% snowmaking coverage on its slopes. It typically opens in late November and has a five month ski season through to late April.

Apart from snow-surety, Obergurgl's ski area is known for its open snowy slopes and its excellent modern lift system, dominated by seven passenger gondolas and another six-seater chairlifts, making queuing a rarity and getting about easy for boarders, with few drag lifts to negotiate.

One of these is the 3.6km (2.2 mile) long Top Express gondola which first connected Hochgurgl and Obegurgl's ski areas in 1997. The lift ascends high above the Königstal and Verwalltal valley, revealing stunning Alpine scenery on the panoramic ride.

On both sides of the ski area there are runs for all ability levels. Beginners and novice skiers will find terrain best suited to them accessed from the Gaisberg and Mahdstuhl lifts and two ski schools to choose between.

Intermediates will be drawn to the Festkogl ski area on the Obergurgl side as well as the Schermerspitze trail. The 8km (5 mile) run down from the Wurmkogl to Pill is the longest.

For experts, the Hohe Mut black piste (number 11) in Obergurgl is regarded as the most challenging and there are plenty of off piste and ski touring opportunities to tackle with a guide. There's also a challenging mogul piste (number 27) down from Top-Wurmkogl II in Hochgurgl.

Obergurgl's off slope activities are dominated to some extent by the 4- and 5-star hotels, nearly all of which offer their own swimming pool and often other spa facilities, so for many people it is a case of skiing all day and then relaxing in their hotel in the evening.

Other attractions in resort include a bowling alley, darts, billiards, indoor golf and a library. Outdoors there's ice skating, curling, horse riding, snowshoe hikes and 13km (8 miles) of cleared winter paths for rambling. There are also cross country trails.

As a classic ski resort, Obergurgl has a wholesome atmosphere and natural ambience that creates the environment for a quality family holiday. On the slopes the comfortable and fast lift network minimises the likelihood of stressful situations and most of the hotels are well equipped for families with good facilities, including swimming pools to relax in. There's no nursery provision for young children, although those aged three and up are welcome at Bobo's Kinder-Club - the ski kindergarten organised by the ski school. Children aged five and over can join the ski school.

Shopping is limited in Obergurgl with only a dozen or so shops and most of them selling sportswear and equipment. There are a handful of boutiques, a grocery store and souvenir outlets, but for serious shopping you will need to travel down the valley to Innsbruck.

Obergurgl's nightlife is best described as mid-range in terms of liveliness, with about 20 hotel bars and pubs to choose from. Amongst these is Toni's Almhütte, located on the slopes and a highly atmospheric 400-year-old building of stone and wood which rapidly fills as the lifts close with revellers. Krumpn's Stadl, Schlossweg 1, is popular later in the evening as it has a nightly DJ. Other activities include bowling and a trip down the new toboggan run, which winds from the Hochgurglbahn top station to the base terminal in Pill.

There are about 20 eateries to choose from, almost all in hotels and providing the usual range from simple cafès to gourmet dining. The close proximity to Italy means that pizza and pasta is a local forte, but most of the hotel restaurants offer Tyrolean specialities as well as international dishes. The Nederhütte, Hütten Gurgl 305, a lively restaurant on the slopes, offers an evening of typical Austrian entertainment and cuisine, with local specialities like the Schweinsrippelen raclette cheese, and the option to stay past midnight for singing and dancing.

Central Obergurgl is compact and it's possible to walk between most points. A bus service links Obergurgl to neighbouring Solden, with which it shares a joint lift pass valid between five and 14 days. The ticket is not fully interchangeable but allows buyers based in one resort a single day of skiing in the other resort during its validity.

Why not enjoy a round of indoor golf on the mammoth park owned by the Hotel Riml in Hochgurgl (www.skiundgolf.com) at 2,200m (7,217ft) above sea level. The high-tech course caters for all ability levels, from complete beginners to professionals, to improve their swing in front of screens displaying a choice of 54 of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. The golf park consists of seven state-of-the-art simulators and a putting green. After a good game, relax in the Put In rustic golf bar on site.

Luxury

Top Hotel Hochgurgl
The resort's sole 5-star establishment is known for the spectacular panoramic views from its terrace and its home made apple strudel, amongst other things. 

Hochgurglerstraße 8
Tel: (5256) 6265.
Website: www.tophochgurgl.com

Moderate

Ideal KGl Sporthotel
A friendly 3-star hotel in Hochgurgl with an excellent slope side location and a great spa.

Hochgurglerstrasse 2
Tel: (5256) 6290.
Website: www.sporthotelideal.at

Budget

Bergresidenz Mühle
A comfortable pension located mid-way between the three Gurgls and linked to each by a complimentary shuttle bus.

Gurglerstrasse 83
Tel: (5256) 6767.
Website: www.bergresidenz-muehle.at

Nearest airport: Innsbruck (INN).

Distance to resort: 94km (59 miles).

Driving time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.

Intermediates, Snowboarders, Experts, Snow reliability, Beginners