Enjoy pistes, peaks and parties in the resorts of Ötztal

With magnificent views, snow-sure slopes and a two-day festival, there’s so much to see and do in this region of the Austrian Tirol

(Ötztal Tourismus)

If you can’t get enough of winter, enjoy the wonderfully long season in Ötztal’s ski resorts. From October to May, you can cruise this high-altitude corner of the Austrian Tirol and get to know the peaks and pistes of Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and Sölden. Pick up the Ötztal Super Skipass, your ticket to all Ötztal ski areas.

Discover the Diamond of the Alps

They call Obergurgl-Hochgurgl the Diamond of the Alps, and its 112km of snow-sure pistes will leave you dazzled. At altitudes from 1,800m to 3,080m, you can bask in breathtaking views of the Ötztal Valley. It is also where British slalom racer Dave Ryding loves to train.

One of the most magnificent views is from Top Mountain Star, a panoramic restaurant above 3,000m where vistas stretch as far as the Dolomites. While you’re there, pop into the motorcycle museum – the highest in Europe.

Early birds can join a select group for First Line, where you can ski fresh tracks in Obergurgl from 7.30am and finish the morning with breakfast in the cosy surroundings of Hohe Mut Alm.

Ötztal has plenty of off-piste options for freeriders (Ötztal Tourismus)

Powder fans and freeriders have vast areas of off-piste terrain to carve, but there’s plenty of variety for less experienced skiers, too. Both Obergurgl and Hochgurgl have snowparks and funparks for budding freestylers and daredevils in search of aerial action.

Sold on Sölden

You’ll find much to explore on Sölden’s 144km of pistes, too. This venue for the Alpine Ski World Cup is also Austria’s only ski resort with three accessible peaks above 3,000m. Nicknamed the Big Three – Schwarze Schneide (3,340m), Tiefenbachkogl (3,250m) and Gaislachkogl (3,048m) – these magical mountains can be covered in one day. Or just savour the wondrous views from each peak – all accessible via ski lifts.

Celebrate all things James Bond at 007 Elements (Bergbahnen Sölden)

If you can’t wait till winter, head to Sölden in October to ski the glaciers at Rettenbach and Tiefenbach. Or, if you want to test your fitness, take the 15km trail from Schwarze Schneide to Rettenbach – the longest in the region.

More than slopes

There’s as much to enjoy off the slopes, starting with the excellent cuisine in Tirolean mountain huts. Then there’s the party atmosphere at the monthly Electric Mountain Parties, which culminate in the two-day Electric Mountain Festival in April.

Even James Bond fans are catered for, with the new 007 Elements. This fascinating installation is like stepping inside a Bond villain’s lair, with high-tech galleries celebrating Ian Fleming’s spy. It’s right by the gleaming glass ice Q restaurant, which had a starring role in the 2015 movie Spectre.

Indulge yourself at Aqua Dome (Aqua Dome)

As a final indulgence, plunge into the warm, bubbling waters of Aqua Dome in Längenfeld.

Take your pick from indoor and outdoor thermal pools – all against a dramatic backdrop.

With daily scheduled flights to Innsbruck from London Heathrow and London Gatwick, as well as services from Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool, it’s easy to discover the Austrian Tirol. For more details see oetztal.com and visittirol.co.uk