Top Ten Luxury Chalets Chalet 11 Degrees East Obergurgl
Resort: Obergurgl (Austria). Most of the ski resorts in Austria are relatively low in elevation but the small resort of Obergurgl is relatively high at 1,930m, with only 500 year-round inhabitants. It is the highest parish in the country and it shares its skiing area with Hochgurgl another 200m. higher, they are two of the most snow-sure resorts in Europe as it includes glacier skiing. The villages are known as the ‘Diamonds of The Alps’ perhaps their well-preserved architecture is a contribution to that title.
Obergurgl is considered one of the most peaceful resorts in the Tirol region; its streets are free of cars at night, and its views are particularly breath-taking even for this idyllic part of the country. Airport transfers to Innsbruck conveniently take just over an hour.
The ski area is not particularly large at 110 km. of pisted ski runs, it is known for its largely queue-free lift system which comprises 21 lifts. However, there is a lot of variety with a high point of over 3,000m. on Wurmgogl Mountain, all the runs are above the tree-line. Advanced skiers will enjoy the off-piste runs, it is also worth a day trip over to the glacier in Sölden where last season part of the ski element of the new James Bond feature was filmed.
There are many skiers who prefer smaller resorts as they can find their favourite runs and enjoy perfecting their techniques; you can also frequently catch up with your fellow skiers as your paths cross and there is a good selection of mountain hut bars and restaurants. They organise a weekly ski show and there is night skiing, ice skating, snow-shoeing (too hard work!) and tobogganing on a natural course.
chalet: chalet at 11° East. The chalet has been completely renovated in recent years and now provides tip-top standards on all fronts to gain the reputation of being the first boutique chalet in the village. It is ski in, ski out, situated right on the piste by the children’s ski school and right in the hub of village life.
The en suite bedrooms which can be configured as twins or doubles are spacious, comfortable and have magnificent views, two sides of the chalet face the slopes; peace and tranquillity are assured. There are four rooms on the first floor and a room below the living area but with views straight out onto the piste, ideal for appealing to teenagers or older children.
Those who cannot be without their electronic toys, there are flat screen cable televisions, ipod docking stations and wireless free broadband.
There is a well-stocked bar and spacious living area which has a log fire; in addition, there is a dining room and home cinema with a vast choice of DVD’s.
Tour Operator: www.oxfordski.com
