Is Obergurgl good for families?

Yes. It's high and snow-sure, quiet in the evenings, and most hotels are close to the slopes. The ski school has two children's practice areas, and several family hotels run their own kids' clubs.

What age can children start ski school in Obergurgl?

The tourist office says children as young as three can start in the snow. Minimum ages for group lessons vary by school and course, so check with the school before you book.

Is there childcare in Obergurgl?

Childcare is mainly run by the family hotels. Hotel Bergwelt and Hotel Alpina deluxe both have children's clubs and childcare teams; ask the hotel about ages and hours.

What can kids do in Obergurgl off the slopes?

Toboggan the 3 km natural run from Hochgurgl down to Pill, floodlit on Thursday evenings, sledge on the children's slopes in Obergurgl, or try ice skating and winter walks.

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl with kids

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is one of the best family choices in Tyrol. It’s high, so the snow is reliable from mid-November to mid-April. The villages are small and quiet, and several hotels sit right on the slopes and run their own kids’ clubs. The things to weigh up are the cold, the remoteness and the prices.

Is Obergurgl-Hochgurgl good for families?

Yes, especially with young children. Three things make it work:

Snow you can count on. The whole ski area is above 1,800 m and more than 90% of the slopes have snowmaking, so school-holiday weeks booked months ahead are a safe bet.
Short walks. The lift company says more than 90% of the accommodation is under 250 m from the slopes. No long trudges with skis and tired children.
Quiet evenings. There’s no rowdy après scene, which suits families with small children. Teenagers looking for nightlife may be bored.

Ski schools and kids’ lessons in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl

The tourist office says children as young as three can start in the snow. Minimum ages vary by school and course, so check with the school before you book.
Ski School Obergurgl teaches children in groups by level, using two dedicated children’s practice areas, Wiesental and Pirchhütt, supervised by instructors.
Hotel Alpina deluxe runs its own children’s ski school for guests.
Book early for school holidays, when children’s groups fill up.

Childcare and nurseries in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl

Childcare here is mainly offered by the family hotels:

Hotel Bergwelt has a children’s club, with childcare included in its 4-day and weekly packages.
Hotel Alpina deluxe has a children’s programme and childcare team.

Ages and hours vary, so ask the hotel directly. Family accommodation in Gurgl can usually provide cots and changing mats, and buggies can be hired.

Best beginner areas for children in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl

Wiesental and Pirchhütt: the ski school’s children’s areas, away from the main runs.
Familypark at the Bruggenbodenbahn in Obergurgl: butter boxes, rainbow boxes and small kickers for young riders and freestyle beginners.
Funslope Hochgurgl, reached by the Hochgurglbahn II or Wurmkoglbahn I: waves, small jumps, a 7 m tunnel, banked turns and a high five from the mascot. It’s not for first-timers, but once kids can link turns they love it.

The Snow-Cab inclined lift station at the Wurmkogl in Hochgurgl, in winter — The Snow-Cab inclined lift on the Wurmkogl in Hochgurgl© Schrägaufzug, CC BY-SA 4.0

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl lift passes for families

Book early for the best price: the lift company says the earlier you buy, the cheaper it is.
The pre-season, 19 November to 4 December 2026, has lower prices.
Passes of 3 days or more are upgraded free to the Ötztal Superskipass, so you can also ski Sölden.
Night skiing and lift rides for the Hochgurgl toboggan run are included.

Age bands and children’s rates are set by the lift company, so check them when you book and bring ID for each child.

Things to do with kids in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl off the slopes

Tobogganing: a natural run of about 3 km, with 25 bends, from the Hochgurglbahn middle station down to Pill. It’s floodlit on Thursday evenings, alongside the Hochgurgl night skiing, and lift rides are free with a ski pass. Sledges can be hired at the valley station.
Children’s sledging slopes by the Wiesenlift and Mahdstuhllift in Obergurgl.
Night skiing on Monday (Obergurgl) and Thursday (Hochgurgl) evenings, a treat for older children.
Ice skating, cross-country skiing and winter walks.

Best family hotels in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl

Hotel Bergwelt and Hotel Alpina deluxe are both on the slopes, with children’s clubs. TOP Hotel Hochgurgl has a kids’ room and a family suite with a separate children’s room. Pension Bergheim has a family apartment for up to six at a lower price. See where to stay in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl.

Tips for skiing in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl with kids

It’s cold. Midwinter temperatures can be bitter. Pack proper layers, mittens and face protection for small children.
Altitude. A few people feel the height for the first day or two. Keep kids well hydrated and take it easy on day one.
Plan the journey. Obergurgl is at the end of the Ötztal and the Timmelsjoch pass is closed in winter. Factor the long valley drive into travel days.
Flat light. There are few trees, so on stormy days visibility can be poor. Have an indoor or toboggan plan ready.

For the full picture of the ski area, see the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort guide.