Press Kit 2018 - Niche destinations · 2018-09-21 · Martinus handed down his impeccable instinct for tourism to his son Angelus – the initiator ... Obergurgl-Hochgurgl opens up

5aaaaa superior skiing holiday at the head of Tyrol’s Ötztal Valley.In Austria’s highest non-glacier ski area (2,150m): Hochgurgl.

4 GENERATIONS, 5 TOP BRANDS, 1 VISION:

Press Kit 2018

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Contents

// 4 GENERATIONS. 1 VISION.

// BREAKING NEWS

// TOP HOTEL HOCHGURGL

// TOP SKI AREA

// TOP SKI SCHOOL

// TOP GASTRONOMY

// TOP SCHEIBER SPORTS & FASHION

// CONTACT

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IT ALL BEGAN IN THE 1880S…

4 generations. 1 vision.

... were Angelus Scheiber’s words as he gazed up to Hochgurgl. An unerring feeling for tourism flowed through his veins. In 1881 his father Martinus Scheiber built the Ramolhaus (3,006m), the first mountain refuge in the Ötztal Alps and Obergurgl’s first hotel. Martinus handed down his impeccable instinct for tourism to his son Angelus – the initiator of the panoramic Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road and the founder of Hochgurgl. It was his idea to build ski lifts and a hotel on the Angerer Alm. In February 1961 the TOP Hotel Hochgurgl and the Hotel Angerer Alm welcomed their first skiing guests.

‘There’s a lot of sunshine up there and it would be a superb place for skiing’...

Service pioneers and hosts by tradition and passion

TOP FIVE – networked services and facilities

What began in 1961 with a one-seater lift, Angelus’ son Alban Scheiber and his wife Lotte developed into one of the Alps’ most modern ski resorts. The succeeding generations have not rested on their founding fathers’ laurels. The success story continues under the management of twins Alban and Attila Scheiber. With the active support of wives Sabine and Jasmine, they have developed the destination into a brand that attracts winter sports and nature enthusiasts the world over. Guests appreciate their innovative approach and quality of ser-vice as much as the Alpine charm and warm hospitality.

The Scheiber family’s current array of facilities is wide-ranging. In addition to the lifts and cable cars in the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area – one of the world’s top ten – they keep investing in their 5-star superior Relais & Châteaux TOP Hotel Hochgurgl, Hochgurgl’s TOP mountain gastronomy, the highest ski school in Austria, five sports shops and other facilities. With passion, courage and a clear strategy, the tourism experts Alban and Attila Scheiber have turned the region’s winter tourism industry into a premium winter sports brand.

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BREAKING NEWS

This should be the perfect time to rest on their laurels for a bit, surely? Not a chance! ‘Never in a million years!’, twins Alban and Attila Scheiber agree and explain: ‘The mountain lifts are run as a not-for-profit business – we reinvest all the operating gains into improving the region and our guests’ comfort, making the ski area even more attractive. This was true during our great-grandfather’s time, during our grandfather’s time, during our parents’ time – and now with us. We remain faithful to this family tradition and corporate philosophy, although the will to do a bit better day by day, year after year, probably drives us too. Of course, it’s also nice to see that the results make other people happy too. We are grateful that our services give so many people so much pleasure.’

‘Our corporate principles: invest and don’t stand still’

www.tophochgurgl.com

Good to go on 15 November 2018

In advance of Tyrol’s other non-glacier ski areas, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl’s ski season starts on 15 November 2018. In addition to the ski opening events from 15 to 25 November 2018, this year features two special highlights: the inaugu-ration of the new Kirchenkarbahn II cable car – giving access to two new kilometres of blue and red pistes and a new freeride area – and the launch of the Ötztal Super Ski Pass – 6 ski areas and 356km of slopes accessible with just one ski pass. The TOP Hotel Hochgurgl is also celebrating its new 5-star superior designation. This makes it not only the first and only 5-star superior hotel in the Ötztal Valley, but also the highest altitude (2,150m) 5-star superior hotel in the world.

Near-record culinary highlights

What else can piste freaks look forward to? There’s the TOP Mountain Crosspoint at 2,175m above sea lev-el where visitors find much more than Europe’s highest-altitude motorcycle museum. We mustn’t forget to mention the TOP Mountain Star, gastronomic highpoint enthroned on the narrow ridge of the Wurmkogel at 3,080m altitude. A landmark building with 360-degree panorama over the glaciated Ötztal Alps, Stubai Alps and even the Dolomites. Whilst executing their vison of providing guests with the highest standards of all-round service, the Scheibers have created a gourmet hotspot in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. 

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BREAKING NEWS

Good to go on 15 November 2018

nnnnnSUPERIOR

TOP Hotel Hochgurgl

Built in 1961 and continuously developed over decades, it was designated a 5-star superior hotel in 2018: the TOP Ho-tel Hochgurgl. The enchanting luxury establishment is thus the first and only 5-star superior hotel in the Tyrolean Ötz-tal Valley and – nestled between 21 glaciated three-thousander peaks – also the world’s highest-altitude 5-star superior hotel. It is one of the highest-altitude establishments in the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association.

The first 5-star superior hotel in Tyrol’s Ötztal Valley

Ski-in & spa-out at 2,150m above sea level

A touch of luxury and a warm welcome

STOP at the TOP in one of the Alps’ highest ski resorts. The TOP Hotel Hochgurgl welcomes winter sports en-thusiasts, panorama fans and gourmets in the heart of a varied winter sports destination and adjacent to the longest downhill run in the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area. Only 100m separate the hotel’s discerning guests en-joying a first-class breakfast and the Grosse Karbahn. Past the sun terrace, oyster bar, panoramic outdoor pool and in-house patisserie guests can buckle up and explore 112km of perfectly groomed slopes on the doorstep.

Hosts Alban and Attila Scheiber with wives Jasmine and Sabine drive the TOP Hotel forward with caring creativ-ity, innovation and a large dose of perfectionism. The 5-star superior Relais & Châteaux hotel’s charm reflects dignified tradition, Alpine flair and cutting-edge hospitality. The 62 rooms, apartments and suites are elegant, romantic, playful, rustic or modern. The crackle of an open fire or warmth of a tiled stove. From the balcony and through picture windows, guests admire the Ötztal Alps’ snow-covered glacier world as they enjoy the ele-gant feel-good atmosphere. Nothing is left to chance here. The TOP Hotel celebrates attention to detail – from the pillow menu and Bvlgari toiletries to the turndown service.

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Alpine gourmet delight

TOP Mountain SPA: 2,200sqm of deep relaxation

The cuisine? Alpine. Fine Alpine flavours and regional organic products combine with international creations. Exceptional, down-to-earth, versatile and exquisite. Awarded 90 points in the 2018 Falstaff restaurant guide. From the superb 8-course Relais & Châteaux Dîner and light wellness cuisine to special diet, lactose-free, glu-ten-free or vegan cuisine, the hotel’s chefs prepare everything with great attention to detail. Enjoyment in the elegant hotel restaurant or in one of the cosy Stuben. Time travel? The Tyrolean Jagdstube transports guests into 12th and 15th century Italy. From 7.30 to 11am, the Schalfkogel takes hungry visitors to 18th century Bavaria for an extensive gourmet breakfast buffet including à la carte creations. Equally exquisite, mature and fine are the wines from all over the world that include Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Château Petrus. 500 bins, special rarities, stored in one of the Alps’ highest wine cellars. With personal recommendation and perfectly matched to the TOP gourmet half board’s 5-course dinner with a choice of three hors d’oeuvres, two soups, two hot en-trées, four main dishes and two desserts. Oysters as an appetizer? Dinner à la carte, flambéed or carved at the table? Piste aficionados are partial to a fine cheese fondue after a day on the slopes. Culinary delights at the TOP Hotel are as individual as taste. Those in the mood for a dance can rollick in the fireside bar with daily live music, delicious drinks and a great atmosphere.

The 2,200sqm TOP Mountain SPA provides endlessly relaxing views of the summits. As guests dive into the heated outdoor pool they appreciate the 360° panoramic view of the Ötztal’s three-thousander peaks. From swimming a few lengths in the 10 x 18m indoor pool or relaxing in the whirlpool, to turning up the heat in the outdoor sauna, Finnish sauna, bio sauna, infrared cabin, steam room or the herbal bath, the wellbeing facilities at TOP Hotel are second to none. The saline steam room is a balm for the respiratory tract and like a walk by the sea. A wellness holiday at the TOP Mountain SPA means luxury for body, mind and spirit. Six treatment rooms are available for sophisticated beauty treatments uniting the power of nature with the latest treatment methods and cutting-edge scientific findings. Carefully chosen and individually combined by the TOP Mountain SPA’s experts. The highly effective spa treatments encompass facials, body treatments, medical anti-ageing cosmetics, REVIDERM dermo-cosmetics, massages, body styling, nail care and aesthetic cosmetics. An in-house hair salon and fitness centre with state-of-the-art TechnoGym equipment and personal TV ensure that holidays leave a lasting impression.

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Active holiday & natural idyll

Gateway to the south

The TOP Hotel Hochgurgl likes to reduce pre-holiday stress. As a fine winter sports hotel it knows how to sweeten holidaymakers’ lives even before departure. By booking online in advance, guests arrive at the hotel and find all the ski kit they need ready and waiting. Those who prefer to browse for new holiday outfits and test their skis at the skiing holiday destination find a well-stocked sports and fashion shop in the 5-star superior hotel. Ski passes and skiing lessons can also be purchased at the hotel. For those who want to enjoy the gentle side of winter away from the downhill slopes, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl opens up a whole plethora of sporting possibilities. From snowshoe and winter hiking on 12km of cleared, signposted trails, 12km of cross-country ski runs, 3km of practice trails, ski touring for all abilities in the ‘hautes routes’ of the eastern Alps to toboggan-ing at night on the 3km natural toboggan run. Ever-present: spectacular views of the surrounding glaciated three-thousanders. Rejuvenation with the power of nature.

A glorious variety of winter holidays is made possible in Hochgurgl. The hotel is only 1km from Europe’s highest-altitude motorcycle museum with 280 motorcycles in the 3,000sqm futuristic and multifunctional TOP Mountain Crosspoint. 8km further along is the Italian border on the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road – the ‘secret passage’ to the south and highest pass crossing of the eastern Alps. The road winds its way to an altitude of more than 2,500m with more than 60 bends. The road is an insider’s tip for drivers of convertibles as well as motorcyclists and mountain bikers, offering spectacular views, crystal-clear streams and steeply sloping rock faces. It takes just over 1.5 hours to drive the 60km to the South Tyrolean spa town of Merano. Other travel distances from TOP Hotel Hochgurgl: 50km to Ötztal train station, 90km to Innsbruck airport, 290km to Munich airport, 290km to Zurich airport and 230km to Memmingen airport. Coming by helicopter? Simply land on the helipad at the gates of the TOP Hotel.

www.tophotelhochgurgl.com

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TOP OBERGURGL-HOCHGURGL SKI AREA

Snow-secure ski area in the Alps

Up here, the air is rather thin. Because where other ski areas end, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is just beginning – at 1,800m and stretching up to 3,080m above sea level. No wonder then that the Ötztal mountain idyll has been voted one of the ten best Alpine ski resorts several times already and is considered one of the world’s most attractive winter sports destinations. And – thanks to its extra wide pistes – it is also one of the safest! In Skiresort.de’s snow guarantee catego-ry, the ski area also took top prize. In advance of Tyrol’s other non-glacier ski areas, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl’s ski season starts in mid-November and offers corn snow fun in the warmth of spring sunshine until well into May. Perfect snow quality and state-of-the-art snowmaking facilities for 90% of the area’s slopes ensure first-class snow conditions and 100% snow guarantee.

TOP quality skiing in the diamond of the Alps

Snow coverage from November to May

The latest highlight: Kirchenkarbahn II with new ski area access.

There’s an equally excellent selection of top quality pistes with 112km of perfectly groomed slopes, surrounded by the Ötztal mountains’ snow-covered three-thousanders. It’s a literal winter wonderland for downhill skiers, carvers, freestylers, off-piste skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. Wide pistes above the tree line (37km blue, 55km red and 20km black) ensure a high degree of safety. Descents or ski touring, snowboarding or carving – high spirits and winter sports join forces high in the Alps. The ideal snow conditions have also made the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort an insider’s tip for freeriders. 2 Fun Slopes, 2 Fun Parks and 1 Fun Cross on the Fun Mountain attract winter sports fans and freeriders.

Long waiting times? Not on a winter holiday in the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area! In the valley at an altitude of 1,800m, the 6 feeder gondolas – Hochgurglbahn, Festkoglbahn, Hohe Mut Bahn, Rosskarbahn and Kirchenkar-bahn – ensure that holidaymakers have plenty of time for skiing. 25 state-of-the-art lifts including 9 gondolas, 9 chairlifts, 6 drag lifts and 1 rope tow transport up to 42,000 people per hour to superb skiing opportunities. The new highlight in the ski area: the Kirchenkarbahn II that will begin operating in the 2018/19 ski season on 15 November 2018. The 10-seater monocable gondolas can transport around 2,400 passengers per hour from the lower terminus at 2,147m above sea level to an altitude of 2,839m in just nine seconds. The extension of the Kirchenkarbahn by a second section also opened up a new ski area with two kilometres of piste in the categories blue and red and a variety of freeride options.

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The new Ötztal Super Ski Pass

Exclusive and innovative culinary peaks

The whole of the Ötztal Valley is joining forces for the 2018/19 winter season: 6 ski areas and 356km of slopes accessible with just one ski pass. Spend Saturday wedeling on the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl slopes and Sunday carving in Sölden. Soak in the sun in Hochoetz-Kühtai on Monday and explore Niederthai’s slopes on Tuesday. Discover the sporty side of Gries on Wednesday and enjoy stirring up the powder in Vent on Thursday. And on Friday? Return to the winter sports paradise at the head of Tyrol’s Ötztal Valley. Peak pleasures galore thanks to the concentrated power of the Ötztal Valley: 6 ski areas, 356km of slopes and 90 ski lifts with just one pass. The new Super Ski Pass is available for three or more days.

First Line early morning skiing plus breakfast promises prime prospects – exclusive fun on the piste on the Festkogl and Hohe Mut downhill runs including a first-class breakfast at the Hohe Mut Alm. Then there is the panoramic Obergurgl-Hochgurgl tour, a round trip on skis to five checkpoints with the iObergurgl app. Or the BMW xDrive Cup during which unforgettable ski moments are captured in pictures and films – and there are prizes to be won! Another option is the TOP Mountain Star: landmark and gourmet hotspot enthroned on the narrow ridge of the Wurmkogel at 3,080m altitude. The views? Panoramic and spanning from the Ötztal and Stubai Alps all the way to the Dolomites. It’s this special mix of sophisticated events, peak gastronomic experi-ences and winter sports discovery tours that make winter holidays in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl’s paradise so varied, extraordinary and unforgettable.

www.bergbahnen-hochgurgl.com

Back in 2015, the opening of the first section of the Kirchenkarbahn caused a sensation as the world’s first 10-seater D-Line product line cable car by Doppelmayr, the Austrian industry leader. Passengers enjoy greater comfort with heated seats, generous space, quiet operation and significantly less vibration. The 10-seater gon-dola lift offers skiers much more fun as it extends the available slopes by 2.2km and a new freeride area. Not to be missed: The Kirchenkarbahn’s lower terminus is part of the spectacular TOP Mountain Crosspoint. 6,060sqm of multifunctionality, fun and culinary delight – including Europe’s highest motorcycle museum!

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www.schischule-hochgurgl.com

TOP HOCHGURGL SKI SCHOOL

Highest ski school in Austria

The teaching at Austria’s highest ski school is superb. Certified skiing, snowboarding, carving and cross-country skiing instructors know the region like the back of their hands. They go the extra mile to teach class skills and all the joy of winter sports to both children and adults. The qualified teaching and skiing professionals use play to introduce children aged 4+ to skiing – and can look after them all day long if required. Adults can choose between full-day lessons and flexible individual lessons during their skiing holiday in Hochgurgl.

Skiing with class

Whether beginner, intermediate or semi-pro; whether skiing, snowboarding, carving or cross-country skiing: the ski school’s talent pool addresses each guest’s personal needs. Regardless of age and skill level, ‘safety first’ is the rule for carefree skiing holidays. The Hochgurgl ski school’s professional instructors teach responsible piste behaviour and pay close attention to ensure that the FIS rules are complied with. The most important part of their job is making sure that all students enjoy unlimited skiing fun and return home safe and sound with memories that will last forever.

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TOP GASTRONOMY

in the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area

Piste fans who also like to scale the gastronomic heights are in heaven in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl! The ski area offers 11 restaurants, ski huts and bars with live music for après and in-between ski enjoyment. From the oyster bar at the TOP Hotel Hochgurgl and delicious Italian cappuccinos in the sun with magnificent views at the TOP Mountain Crosspoint and motorcycle museum, to Champagne in the bar at the TOP Mountain Star with views to the Dolomites. Those partial to a steak can have a barbecue feast and enjoy the trendy sounds at the Downhill Grill. Merrymakers have a ball at the TOP Schermer Schirm and enjoy the many hut events held throughout the ski area. Everything is possible.

For hungry winter sports fans

Rustic idyll, gourmet skiing or après-ski revelry?

Gourmet pinnacle: TOP Mountain Star

A major attraction in the mountains is the après-ski. Typically Tyrolean and homespun, everyone enjoys eating and drinking in the quaint and cosy ski huts of Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. Guests tuck into dumplings and dough-nuts for lunch, coffee and cake in the afternoon, and then enjoy an après-ski party or night tobogganing with refreshments. We recommend doing both! Even the most single-minded piste aficionados enjoy a break or two in the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort – the choice of culinary locations adjacent to and above the slopes is truly limitless and ranges from local delicacies to international culinary delights. How about a fine wine to go with it? Or perhaps a thirst-quenching local beer? The food and drink is as multifaceted as the delights on offer in the heart of the snowscape – spiced with Tyrolean warmth, charming hospitality and an extra-large portion of fun. And always garnished by the richness of the panoramic realm of the glaciated Ötztal mountains.

One of the region’s special highlights and a real treat for the senses: the TOP Mountain Star, rated number 5 of 10 ‘World’s Best Bars With Views’ by Forbes Travel Guide. It’s a landmark, a temple to good food, a summit bar and a viewing platform. A destination for gourmets, architecture fans and nature lovers. Spectacularly located on the narrow ridge of the Wurmkogel at 3,080m altitude. The continuous glass front offers a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the Ötztal and Stubai Alps and all the way to the Dolomites. A clever handrail features the names of all the surrounding peaks as well as the distances to many cities. Thousands of Swarovski crystals sparkle on the designer ‘star bar’ – the sky is close enough to touch. The TOP Mountain Star is also available for hire – the perfect space for a private summit party!

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TOP Mountain Crosspoint: Multifunctionality at its best

The TOP Mountain Crosspoint is probably the most impressive fusion of north and south. On a 6,060sqm area at 2,175m Alpine altitude, guests flock to an extraordinary combination of panoramic restaurant and terrace, indoor and outdoor chill zone, motorcycle museum (Europe’s highest!), toll station, lower terminus for the Kirchenkarbahn cable car, passing point between North and South Tyrol, meeting point between the Hoch-gurgl ski resort and the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road. Created in 2015/16 for lovers of authentic cuisine and contemporary design. Wood, glass and a touch of steel are joined by a fantastic panoramic view of the Ötztal mountains. The TOP Mountain Crosspoint serves honest-to-goodness dishes from Austria and Italy as well as seasonal specialities from North and South Tyrol. In addition to an Austro-Italian culinary summit, Europe’s highest motorcycle museum houses 280 classic bikes by around 118 manufacturers as well as rare cars and annually changing exhibitions. A unique collection of historic motorcycles of the last 100 years in a 3,000sqm exhibition space impresses all – not just fans of classic bikes. TOP Mountain Crosspoint attracts visitors of all ages who appreciate incredible architecture and excitement.

www.gastronomie-hochgurgl.com

www.crosspoint.tirol

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TOP SCHEIBER SPORTS & FASHION

TOP ski, sportswear and services

Relaxation before a skiing holiday has even started? Easy with 5 Scheiber sports shops in the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area. They stock the season’s whole collection of skis and snowboards. All guests have to do is simply pre-order online and their kit will be waiting for them when they arrive. Pre-order everything, from helmets to ski boots.

If they prefer to browse for new holiday outfits, test skis and select the perfect ski boots at the skiing holiday desti-nation, sports consultants are available in selected shops until 9.30pm and 10.30pm during the ski season. The shop branches are located in prime locations adjacent to feeder lifts and offer a comprehensive range of winter sports items by all the leading manufacturers – from skis, snowboards and fashionable items to practical accessories.

TOP services include:

4 ski hire shops adjacent to the ski lifts for platinum skis, racing skis, snowshoes, ski touring and cross-country skiing equipment, toboggans and snowblades; test skis, snowboards and boots; equipment can be changed in all 4 ski hire shops; convenient and stress-free fun on the slopes thanks to 4 ski depots in the lower sta-tions (free with equipment hire from a Scheiber sports shop); test day credits for ski, snowboard and ski boot purchases; comprehensive ski, snowboard and ski boot servicing with the latest technology; free ski equipment for up to two children under 9 per family when both parents rent skis with the Scheiber sports shops’ family special.

www.scheibersport.com

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Hochgurgler Straße 8

6456 Hochgurgl | Ötztal | Tyrol | Austria

| T +43 5256 6265

| [email protected]

| www.tophotelhochgurgl.com

6456 Hochgurgl | Ötztal | Tyrol | Austria

| T +43 5256 6265

| [email protected]

| www.schischule-hochgurgl.com

Gurgler Straße 93

6456 Obergurgl | Ötztal | Tyrol | Austria

| T +43 5256 6260

| [email protected]

| www.bergbahnen-hochgurgl.com

Ramolweg 5

6456 Obergurgl | Ötztal | Tyrol | Austria

| T + 43 5256 6209

| [email protected]

| www.scheibersport.com

TOP Hotel Hochgurgl

Schischule Hochgurgl

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area and lifts

Scheiber Sport GmbH

marketing deluxe –

Claudia Reichenberger

| Press contact: Nicole Ginzinger

| T +43 5242 61115

| [email protected]

| marketing-deluxe.at

| niche-destinations.com

Marketing & press

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