The short answer: Obergurgl-Hochgurgl sits at 1,930 m to 3,080 m in the Austrian Tyrol and is open from late November to late April. Apres-ski starts at 14:00 on the mountain and peaks at 16:00. Flights from London take roughly 2 hours to Innsbruck, followed by a 1.5-hour transfer. Budget from €8 per drink on the slopes and from €1,100 per person per week including flights, lift pass, and accommodation in early December.
Which mountain bars are worth stopping at before skiing back to the village?
The mountain venue most visitors mention first is the Nederhütte at 2,400 m on the Hochgurgl side. It holds several hundred people on its terrace, plays a mix of Austrian folk and pop, and the first rounds are pouring by 14:00. On the Obergurgl side, the Top Mountain Star at 3,080 m is technically the highest apres-ski point in Austria, though the crowd thins out above 2,800 m and the atmosphere is more relaxed than rowdy.
The table below lists the main on-mountain options with factual details gathered from the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
| Venue | Altitude | Opens | Music type | Average beer price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nederhütte | 2,400 m | 14:00 | Live band + DJ | €9 |
| Top Mountain Star | 3,080 m | 13:30 | Background / acoustic | €11 |
| Schermerbahn terrace | 2,250 m | 14:00 | Recorded pop | €8 |
| Auslaufbahn bar (Obergurgl) | 1,980 m | 15:00 | DJ | €8 |
Ski back to the village on groomed runs so that you are in Obergurgl by 16:00, which gives you at least two hours before the mountain lifts close for the evening.
What happens in the village after the slopes close?
Obergurgl village (1,930 m) has a compact centre where most bars are within a five-minute walk of each other. The Josl Keller is the most frequently cited spot for dancing, running DJ sets from 20:00 until 01:00 on peak nights. Several hotel bars open their terraces from 16:00 onward and serve Gluhwein from €6 a cup.
Hochgurgl is quieter after dark. It has a handful of hotel bars but no dedicated nightclub, so guests who want a longer evening typically take the free shuttle to Obergurgl. The shuttle runs until 23:30 on most days in January and February.
| Venue | Type | Opens | Closes (peak weeks) | Entry fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josl Keller | Nightclub | 20:00 | 01:00 | None |
| Krump'n Stadl | Bar with music | 16:00 | 23:00 | None |
| Hexenkessel | Cocktail bar | 17:00 | 00:00 | None |
| Various hotel bars | Lounge | 16:00 | 22:00 | None |
Drink prices in the village are slightly lower than on the mountain. A half-litre of Austrian lager costs €6 to €8, a Jagermeister shot runs €4 to €6, and cocktails start at €10.
How does the apres-ski scene compare with other Austrian resorts?
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is quieter than St. Anton am Arlberg, which has a louder and larger scene centred on the Mooserwirt and Heustadl, but it is livelier than Solden or Mayrhofen on a typical weekday. The resort attracts a mix of families, couples over 30, and groups looking for good snow rather than a primarily party-focused trip.
Snow reliability is the resort's main selling point. Obergurgl holds the record for one of the longest guaranteed seasons in Austria, with an average base depth of 80 cm in January and 110 cm in February at village level. Apres-ski and good snow in the same package is the core offer, which keeps the crowd loyal and the atmosphere friendly rather than aggressive.
| Resort | Apres-ski intensity (1-5) | Guaranteed season | Village altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Anton am Arlberg | 5 | Dec to Apr | 1,304 m |
| Obergurgl-Hochgurgl | 3 | Late Nov to late Apr | 1,930 m |
| Solden | 3 | Oct to May | 1,377 m |
| Mayrhofen | 4 | Dec to Apr | 630 m |
A score of 3 out of 5 means a lively but manageable evening scene: enough bars to fill two or three nights with different atmospheres, but no queue-outside nightclub culture.
For a full overview of ski resorts with strong apres-ski, snow records, and package prices, visit the wintersport section of this site.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best apres-ski bar in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl?
The Nederhütte at 2,400 m and the Josl Keller in Obergurgl village are consistently rated the liveliest spots, with live music from around 15:30 and DJ sets running until 22:00.
When does apres-ski start and end in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl?
Most mountain bars open for apres-ski from around 14:00 and the party peaks between 15:30 and 18:00. Village bars continue until midnight or later during peak weeks.
How expensive is apres-ski in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl?
Expect to pay €8 to €12 for a beer or Jagermeister shot on the mountain and €6 to €9 in village bars. A round of four drinks with a snack typically costs €45 to €60.
