Record Winter In Ötztal: Over 3 Million Overnight Stays For The First Time
With 3,034,734 overnight stays in the 2024/25 winter season, the Ötztal Valley recorded a 3.9 percent increase in overnight stays. This success is based on consistent, goal-oriented development work by all partners in the region that are relevant to the holiday experience. Particularly encouraging: In addition to stable figures from Germany and growth in international markets, demand also increased in the upper accommodation categories.
"This record result is not a foregone conclusion, but a collective effort! Without getting carried away, everyone involved can be justifiably proud. Our motivated member companies and key service providers, such as the mountain railways, make a significant contribution to ensuring that we offer what our guests are looking for in winter: outstanding winter sports expertise and a range of top-quality offerings, coupled with a unique snow guarantee and top-quality slopes," emphasizes Oliver Schwarz, Managing Director of Ötztal Tourism. He attributes the successful season to several factors: focusing on our own strengths, two World Cup events at the start of the season, a favorable holiday calendar, the late Easter date, and effective communication in relevant international markets.
International demand broadened
The top three source markets are Germany (1.5 million overnight stays, +0.2%), the Netherlands (420,000 overnight stays, +11.6%), and the United Kingdom (215,000 overnight stays, +6.3%). At the same time, the Ötztal is also gaining depth and appeal in the country-specific segmentation: Austria (135,000 overnight stays, +3.8%) remains an important building block as a domestic market. The positive development on the international markets is reflected not only in Northern Europe. With growth from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and the Baltic states, the region continues to gain profile in the far north. Poland is also increasingly developing into a dynamic source market with high potential – with an increase in overnight stays of 19.2%. Although Canadian guests do not yet constitute a new core market, the strong increase of 54.3% demonstrates that the Ötztal Valley is increasingly attracting attention from North American ski fans – whether due to its compelling value for money or geopolitical appeal. The USA also recorded solid growth of 7.6% with 16,165 overnight stays.
Quality that lasts
Growth was particularly evident in the 4-star-plus categories (4-star, 4-star superior, and 5-star/5-star superior), with growth of 3.4%. Holiday apartments (+14.5%) and campsites (+10%) also saw significant growth – a sign that breadth and quality are not mutually exclusive in the Ötztal Valley. "Thankfully, the businesses are continually willing to invest in new infrastructure. Guests appreciate this by being willing to pay higher prices for good quality. This strengthens the entire region," explains Schwarz.
End of season with radiance
The Ötztal Valley is also demonstrating its innovative strength in extending the winter season: The Electric Mountain Festival at the beginning of April sent a strong signal. Headliners like Martin Garrix and Steve Aoki attracted 50,000 fans – a stimulus that appeals to both young target groups and new booking windows. After a successful winter, the focus is now on the next steps. "The infrastructure that makes us strong today must also be convincing tomorrow. This includes staying on track and thinking ahead together along the lines of the valley-wide strategy. The commitment of our leading companies such as the cable cars, AQUA DOME, and many accommodation providers goes precisely in this direction," says Schwarz. He thanks all employees and hosts in the region who, with their personal commitment and warm service, make a significant contribution to ensuring that around 650,000 guests spend the best time of their year in the Ötztal Valley every winter.
