A Holiday with Your Dog in Obergurgl

A holiday in Obergurgl with your dog? Absolutely. 🐾

Obergurgl is a special place for anyone who wants to head into the mountains with their dog: snow-covered trails, quiet stone pine forests, fresh mountain air and plenty of nature right on your doorstep. In winter in particular, it does not always have to be about skiing. Those who travel with a dog often discover Gurgl from a quieter and at least equally beautiful side.

Dogs are warmly welcome at Chalet Obergurgl. So that you can plan your stay in a relaxed way, we have put together our favourite options, practical tips and the most important information for a holiday with your dog.

Winter holidays with your dog: lots of snow, lots of nature

Anyone coming to Obergurgl with a dog certainly does not have to spend the whole day in the apartment while the others are out on the slopes. There are lovely options for walks and winter hikes all around the village.

The winter hiking trail through the valley floor is particularly beautiful. Around twelve kilometres of paths lead through the snow-covered landscape and can be wonderfully divided into smaller loops. That way everyone finds the right length — from a leisurely stroll to an extended winter round.

The nature trail through the Zirbenwald, the stone pine forest south of Obergurgl, is another lovely spot. The old stone pines, the snow and the quiet make the path a special experience — especially early in the day, when few people are out.

Further options for outings together:

the Schönwieshütte, which can be reached on foot in winter
the Romantikweg in Hochgurgl
selected snowshoe tours, provided both dog and human are well prepared
walks through the snow-covered valley floor around Obergurgl

And there is even a way to get a little higher up together with your dog:

Dogs are allowed to ride the Hohe Mut Bahn. So you can experience the mountain world from above together as well.

Two people with two dogs on a mountain meadow at sunset

Obergurgl with a dog and a ski holiday – how does that work?

Anyone coming to Obergurgl to ski can of course plan the holiday with a dog as well. The only important thing is to organise the days a little differently.

Dogs are not allowed on the ski slopes in the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area. This serves the safety of all winter sports enthusiasts and is a rule of the entire ski area.

For couples or families this is usually uncomplicated, though: while one person skis, the other goes for a walk with the dog or sets off on a winter hike. Then you swap.

An apartment is especially practical for exactly this: the dog has its own familiar place, and the day can be arranged flexibly.

And perhaps after two days you will even find that your dog has nothing at all against you skipping a day of skiing.

Out and about with your dog: lead and muzzle

So that bus rides and mountain railways work smoothly, your dog should be used to a lead and a muzzle.

For public transport in Tyrol the general rule is: dogs are led on a short lead and wear a bite-proof muzzle. Assistance dogs are exempt from this.

The good news: this can easily be prepared at home. If your dog has never worn a muzzle, we recommend getting them used to it slowly, some time before the journey. The first gondola or bus ride in Obergurgl is then far more relaxed.

On the regional buses your dog travels free of charge. With the mountain railways, each operator decides on the fare — it is best to ask briefly at the ticket desk.

When out walking: wherever a lead is required, your dog stays on the lead. And of course a few waste bags belong to the basic equipment of every dog jacket — in the snow you really do see everything otherwise.

Mountain railway in the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area

In summer: hiking with your dog and grazing livestock

Obergurgl and the surrounding area are of course not only beautiful in winter. In summer, too, the region is a wonderful destination for a hiking holiday with a dog.

On the alpine pastures you will then encounter cows and other grazing livestock, however. That is why special rules apply here.

The most important recommendation: keep your distance and always keep your dog well under control.

On pastures the dog should generally be led on a short lead. At the same time it is important to know what to do in an emergency: if a grazing animal really does attack, the dog should be let off the lead immediately, so that it can get out of the way and you do not end up between dog and animal.

Beyond that: do not feed the animals, keep your distance, stay on the marked paths, and leave pastures calmly and promptly at any sign that the animals are unsettled.

That way the alpine pasture remains a beautiful place for people, dogs and grazing animals alike.

Alpine pasture with a hut above Obergurgl in summer

Dogs at Chalet Obergurgl

For us, a relaxed holiday includes your four-legged companion being welcome too.

Dogs are welcome at Chalet Obergurgl. Please let us know in your enquiry that you are travelling with a dog. That way we can check together which apartment is best suited to your stay, and whether everything fits for the period you have in mind.

There are nevertheless a few things we would like to say transparently:

A dog fee applies, which we will quote in your enquiry.
In individual apartment categories or periods, bringing a dog may be restricted.
Our wellness and pool area remains dog-free. Your apartment, on the other hand, is the retreat for you and your dog.
Please supervise your dog during your stay. Damage or extraordinary cleaning can be charged accordingly.
If you would like our team to enter the apartment while you are out, it is best to discuss this briefly with us at reception.

We do not mean these points as prohibitions, but as what they are: small arrangements so that dogs, owners and other guests all feel equally comfortable.

What belongs in your dog’s luggage?

For a winter holiday in Obergurgl it is worth packing a few things for your dog:

a warm towel for wet paws
paw care for snow and road salt
a lead, and possibly a longer one for suitable areas
a well-fitting harness
the familiar muzzle
enough food
waste bags
a favourite blanket or dog bed
the EU pet passport

With a lot of snow and temperatures well below what you are used to down in the valley, walks should be adapted to the dog, its age, breed and fitness.

And on the day of arrival: after several hours in the car, it does not have to be a big mountain tour straight away. We are at 1,930 metres above sea level. A quiet loop through the valley floor, water, food and a little sleep are usually the best start to the holiday — for dog and human alike.

If something does happen

Of course everyone hopes not to need it — and still, on holiday it is reassuring to know where to turn in an emergency.

There is a veterinary practice in Längenfeld, down the valley:

Mountainvet
Unterlängenfeld 88
6444 Längenfeld
Tel. +43 676 3411496
Tel. +43 676 3411497

The dispensary is currently open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 to 11:30. X-rays and ultrasound are handled via the Tierklinik Imst.

For veterinary emergencies outside consulting hours there is also the Tyrolean veterinary emergency service.

We recommend checking the current contact details once more before you travel, as consulting hours and on-call arrangements can change. If you need support making a call during your stay, our reception will gladly help.

Travelling to Austria well prepared

The familiar EU regulations apply when entering Austria with a dog. These include in particular:

a microchip
an EU pet passport
a valid rabies vaccination

In the case of a first rabies vaccination, the corresponding waiting period also has to be taken into account. If you are booking at short notice, or travelling abroad with your dog for the first time, it is best to clarify the requirements with your vet in good time.

A mountain holiday where the dog gets to belong

A holiday with your dog in Obergurgl does not have to be a compromise.

Perhaps your day looks like this: a loop through the snow-covered valley floor in the morning, then breakfast in the warm apartment while one of you heads for the slopes and the other takes the dog on a longer round. A walk together in the afternoon, and later a quiet evening at the chalet.

Or you simply leave the skis where they are for once and explore the winter landscape together.

Obergurgl is a wonderful place for that.

And at Chalet Obergurgl we are delighted when you arrive not only with your suitcases, but also with your four-legged family member.