Travel to Galtur Silvretta with ski insurance from Essential Travel

Austria’s scenic Paznauntal Valley is home to the resort of Galtur. The resort is the highest of the three resorts situated in the valley, and is part of the Silvretta ski region, which extends as far as the Swiss resort of Samnaun.

The small village of Galtur has a resident population of just 781, giving an uncrowded and relaxed atmosphere. Main attractions at the village are the 14th century church and the new Apinarium. For children, a kindergarten (for ages three and up), and a ski school (for ages four and up) are provided.

Skiing at the resort of Galtur takes place on 40kms of pistes. The runs are mainly for beginners and early intermediates, but the off-piste powder and night skiing are available to experienced skiers. Access to the pistes is from 10 ski lifts.

Alternative skiing is provided by the larger and more famous Ischgl resort, a free Ski bus is provided for travel between the resorts (10-minute journey). In total, the Silvretta area provides 330kms of skiing.

The ski season runs from mid-December to mid-April. Discounted rates are to be found at the beginning and towards the end of the season. The most convenient method of getting to Galtur resort is by flying to Munich or Innsbruck; from either airport, a train takes you to Landeck, and then a bus transfers you to the resort.

Skiing in Galtur Silvretta

The Austrian resort of Galtur offers a relaxed skiing experience away from the crowds. Forty kilometres of pistes are on the doorstep and, with easy access to the Silvretta area; skiers have a wide variety of slopes to choose from.

Intermediate skiers have the greatest choice of runs at Galtur. The pistes have been divided into two blue, nine red and three black runs. The longest of the runs is a little over one kilometre. Advanced skiers will be pleased to note good powder conditions at the resort make for great off-piste skiing. If you stay in the old village, a five-minute bus drive is required to get to the 10 ski lifts. Cross-country trails at Galtur cover 45kms.

Non-skiing activities at Galtur include: snowboarding, parasailing, hang-gliding, curling, sledding, and tobogganing on a 650m floodlit run. Indoor facilities are good with a sauna and spa, an adventure pool, squash, tennis and bowling. Après-ski is livelier at nearby Ischgl; while at Galtur, some pubs, cafés and discos are ready to entertain.

Cheaper prices can be found at mid to late January and at either end of the mid-December to mid-April ski season. Galtur’s busiest times are at Christmas and the New Year, as well as in February and March. The most convenient method of travel to the resort is to fly to Munich Airport, catch a train to Landeck, and then continue by bus to Galtur.

Après-ski in Galtur Silvretta

Better value accommodation can be found at Galtur than its neighbouring resorts. Around 7,000 beds are available in mainly chalet-style hotels. Apartments, inns, guesthouses and private accommodation are also options. Après-ski at Galtur is quiet, with a few popular bars, discos and cafés. To find a more energetic selection of nightspots, a 10-kilometre journey to Ischgl is necessary.

Galtur ski resort is a less-crowded option than nearby Ischgl. Staying in the traditional atmosphere of the village has the disadvantage of requiring a short bus ride to the ski lifts. A varied selection of runs and easy access to the Silvretta ski region make Galtur a relaxing base from which to explore the region.

Transportation to Galtur Silvretta

Galtur is located in the western Tyrol region, an hour’s drive from Innsbruck. The resort is popular with skiers wanting a more relaxed experience than the one provided by its rowdy neighbour, Ischgl. Being close to Munich, Zürich and Innsbruck airports gives the resort many travel options.

By car from Calais, the route takes you through France to Germany, via Reims, Metz and Strasbourg. From the A14 in Austria, exit at junction 61, following the 188 to Galtur. The journey from Calais is about 980kms, taking around 9 hours, 45 minutes. Galtur is at a high altitude and often experiences heavy snowfalls which close the road lower down the mountain, so you may have to park at one of the lower resorts and take a bus the rest of the way.

By train from London (Waterloo), take the Eurostar to Paris (Nord), and then transfer to gare de Lyon for the TGV service to Geneva. From Geneva, take the InterCity to Zürich and the EuroNight to Landeck (14 hours, 36 minutes). A bus transfer to Galtur from Landeck is necessary (1 hour, 10 minutes).

The nearest airport to Galtur is Innsbruck. However, better flight options are available from Munich and Zürich. Trains travel to Landeck (near the resort) from Innsbruck and Munich; from there, you can take a bus transfer to the resort. From Zürich Airport, the journey can be completed using a train/bus combination or car (about 2 hours, 15 minutes).

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