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BLEISURE Remote Work

Ski and computer safe – workation in the Ötztal

“Today, it is no longer that easy to find a ski resort with guaranteed snow. And there is a persistent rumour that most mountain hotels do not have reliable wifi if you want to combine skiing and working. In Hochgurgl, you can’t get any better than this in both disciplines.“ Kai Böcking

 

It is expected that there will be enough snow on the slopes around Hochgurgl, the last and highest ski resort in the Ötztal valley in Tyrol, from the end of November. The season traditionally lasts until mid-April. Up here at 2,000 metres, there is still metres of snow. Not to mention the magnificent ski area, which easily reaches three thousand metres.

Those who come here at the end of the season see the many tired faces of the employees who have been working almost non-stop for months. Hochgurgl is closed in summer. So all their energy is focused on the winter months.
I am staying at the Top Hotel in Hochgurgl. This Alpine hotel towers over the village and, with its long history, looks down on the few other hotels below. Since the Schaller family, who own almost everything up here, parted with the Top Hotel, the 12.18 group from Düsseldorf has become the new owners.

After the takeover, the lowland Tyroleans gently lifted large parts of the house without changing the noble Tyrolean style. The 71 rooms are generously proportioned, furnished in a cosy Alpine style with lots of wood, and offer magnificent views of the slopes and the surrounding 3,000-metre peaks.

The hotel has also thought of the workaholic skiing fans: in addition to a desk, there are also plenty of charging options for digital devices. The wifi works great, even on the huge sun terrace or in the wellness area. 
I make good use of the lift and hut hours and work the rest of the time. But sometimes the calls and meetings also fall during the ski tour, and there are some surprised faces when I dial into a call with a view of the Wurmkogel from the heated chairlift. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the ski area, and it is never overcrowded, even in high season. The enormous lifts carry thousands of skiers up to the 112-kilometre-long slopes without any risk of traffic jams. Ski and work in one go!


Meeting stop directly on the slopes

I am drawn to the slopes early after breakfast. The skis are well prepared in the in-house sports shop, and the entrance to the ski area is at the end of the sun terrace. The advantage for me is that if I urgently need to use my laptop for a meeting, I can quickly change into my ski clothes, go to the meeting and then go back out on the slopes. Tip: they serve little delicacies at lunchtime, so you can top up on calories during your lunch stop.

At some point, every lift is closed and your calves are soft. I can get them back into shape with a few lengths of the pool. 18 metres of indoor pool at 2,150 metres! Respect! Those who prefer to sit can enjoy themselves in one of the various saunas or in the hot outdoor pool. A magnificent 360-degree view is guaranteed.

My laptop makes it to the bar with me before dinner. When darkness falls, the tallest building on the square is transformed from a sports hotel into a culinary experience: breakfast, lunch snacks and the 4-course menu in the evening are included in the price and are of excellent quality. The wine selection is overwhelming and the advice impeccable. And if, like me, you prefer something more rustic, you can order a cheese fondue in the Murmelstube, for example. And the many stuffed mountain animals watch you eat it. Mountain life at its best!

Skiing and remote working is absolutely possible here in Tyrol on the mountain. The mountain air is perhaps particularly inspiring and the short distances up and down the mountain back to the Top Hotel are ideal. The hotel is also a family hotel. But there are enough rooms, parlours, seating areas and quiet areas on the terrace to work in peace or simply let the bleisure traveller soul dangle.

 


Kai Böcking …

… was surprised himself at how much work can be done during a ski trip. Accordingly, he is ready for the coming season.

 

Info Destination

How to get there: To Austria via Innsbruck into the Ötztal, just before the Timmelsjoch (closed in winter), the hotel resort of Hochgurgl is located at over 2,000 metres.

The Top Hotel is open from mid-November to mid-April and is located in the middle of the Obergurgl/Hochgurgl ski resort with 71 rooms and suites, half board and a midday snack. The hotel was awarded two keys by the Michelin hotel guide in 2024.

www.tophotelhochgurgl.com

Fotos: © TOP Hotel Hochgurgl, Kai Böcking