The local mountain of Oetz · top station 2,020 m
Hochoetz — the mountain above Oetz.
A ski area that starts in the village: the gondola leaves from the centre, the ski bus stops outside our door. In summer the same mountain turns into a playground.
The short answer: Hochoetz is the mountain area directly above the village of Oetz in the front part of the Ötztal. In winter it is a family ski area with 41 kilometres of pistes and 15 lifts between roughly 1,400 and 2,270 metres; in summer it becomes an excursion mountain with play stations, a climbing park and hiking trails. You get up there with the Acherkogelbahn, whose valley station stands in the middle of Oetz.
For us this is the local mountain in the literal sense: from Urlaubsplatzl it is a few minutes to the valley station, and in winter the ski bus stops right outside. Staying with us, you can leave the car parked all week — and that is exactly what sets Oetz apart from the villages further up the valley.
- 2,020 mTop station of the Acherkogelbahn
- 41 kmOf pistes in winter
- 15Lifts and cable cars
- 36Play stations at the WIDIVERSUM
Going up: the Acherkogelbahn
The Acherkogelbahn is the reason mountain days from Oetz are so easy. Its valley station is not on the edge of the village and not three kilometres outside it, but right in the centre — within walking distance. At the top it ends at 2,020 metres, in the middle of the area.
In winter the ski bus stops directly outside our door, roughly every half hour, and with the guest card you get from us it is free. No loading the car, no hunting for parking — and the skis stay overnight in the ski room with boot heating.
Two dates shape the year on the mountain: the cable car runs in summer 2026 from 4 June to 18 October (daily 9:00–16:15, last descent 16:30) and in winter 2026/27 from 4 December to 11 April (daily 8:45–16:30). In November and in spring it stands still — that is when the hiking starts down in the valley.
In winter: a ski area built for families
Hochoetz is considered one of the most family-friendly ski areas in Tyrol, and that is down to the terrain rather than any marketing claim: wide, sunny slopes without awkward bottlenecks, a dedicated children's area with a magic carpet, and manageable distances between the lifts. If you are learning to ski or travelling with children, the day is simply calmer here than in a large glacier resort.
The 41 kilometres of pistes and 15 lifts spread between roughly 1,400 and 2,270 metres. If you want more, the ski pass can be combined with Kühtai — and further up the valley the glacier areas of Sölden and Gurgl are within reach. How the five ski areas around Oetz differ is in our guide to ski areas around Oetz.
In summer: same mountain, different character
Once the snow is gone, Hochoetz turns into a day-trip destination. Right by the top station lies the WIDIVERSUM with 36 play stations — entry is free, which is remarkable for an adventure area at 2,000 metres.
A few minutes' walk further, at the reservoir, waits the Ninja Park: Austria's first floating climbing park, 28 obstacles arranged as a low ropes course over the water, at more than 2,000 metres. Everything worth knowing — times, ages, equipment — is in our separate guide to the Ninja Park Hochoetz.
If you would rather walk: themed trails and high-level paths start from the top station, with the Bielefelder Hütte among the places to stop. The high trails around Hochoetz are usually clear of snow from around June to October — the routes in detail are under hiking in Oetz.
Frequently asked questions about Hochoetz
Where is Hochoetz?
Hochoetz is the mountain area directly above the village of Oetz in the front part of the Ötztal. The ski area runs from around 1,400 to 2,270 metres. You get up there with the Acherkogelbahn cable car, whose valley station stands in the middle of Oetz and whose top station sits at 2,020 metres.
How do you get to Hochoetz?
By the Acherkogelbahn cable car from the centre of Oetz — no car needed. From Urlaubsplatzl it is a few minutes' walk to the valley station, and in winter the ski bus stops right outside our door, roughly every half hour. With the guest card you ride it free of charge.
How big is the Hochoetz ski area?
Hochoetz offers 41 kilometres of pistes and 15 lifts between roughly 1,400 and 2,270 metres. It is considered one of the most family-friendly ski areas in Tyrol: wide, sunny slopes and a dedicated children's area with a magic carpet. The ski pass can be combined with Kühtai.
What is there to do at Hochoetz in summer?
At the top you will find the WIDIVERSUM with 36 play stations and free entry, and the Ninja Park at the reservoir — Austria's first floating climbing park, with 28 obstacles at over 2,000 metres. Plus themed trails, hiking routes and the Bielefelder Hütte for a break.
When does the Acherkogelbahn run?
In summer 2026 from 4 June to 18 October, daily from 9:00 to 16:15, with the last descent at 16:30. In winter 2026/27 from 4 December to 11 April, daily from 8:45 to 16:30. In November and in spring the cable car stands still — that is when hiking starts down in the valley.
Can dogs ride the Acherkogelbahn?
As a rule yes. A lead, a muzzle and a separate ticket for the dog are customary. This is not binding — the conditions currently in force are confirmed by Bergbahnen Oetz, or simply ask us.
Also worth a look: Where is the Ötztal? · All holiday tips · Ski areas around Oetz · Ninja Park Hochoetz · Hiking in Oetz — 18 routes · Family holidays in the Ötztal · Prices & offers
Image credits: Hochoetz ski region © Ötztal Tourismus / Rudi Wyhlidal · Ninja Park Hochoetz © Ötztal Tourismus / Jochen Müller
Book directly with your hosts
Gondola in the village. Ski bus at the door.
Five holiday apartments in Oetz — minutes from the valley station, ski room with boot heating and the guest card included.