Gurtis: Ski Area, Hiking Trails and Walser History

Gurtis combines a ski area with several hiking trails and a rich local history. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Gurtis, these topics can help you decide what to focus on during your stay. The lifts offer opportunities for skiing; hiking routes differ in their starting points, destinations and courses. The church, Walser history and church choir offer another perspective on the village.

Ski area and first attempts on skis

The Gurtis ski area has three lifts located close to one another. The Baliefer Lift, also known colloquially as the Baby Lift, is suitable for first attempts on skis. This lift therefore offers a specific option for anyone who wants to include a first skiing experience in their travel plans.

Hiking trails with different routes

The hikes start at different points and pass through varied landscapes. From Alpencamping Nenzing, the route goes via Latz through the scenic Galina Valley to Gurtis. The Herrenweg leads uphill from Gurtis to Alpe Gamp and follows historic paths through dense mountain forests. Another route starts and ends in Bazora: it leads via Bazoraalpe to Gurtisspitze and back again. The crossing of Hohe Köpfe also starts in Gurtis and follows an alpine trail with secured sections.

One distinction is particularly clear when comparing the routes: one hike ends in Gurtis, while the route from Bazora returns to Bazora. Other options include the ascent to Alpe Gamp and the alpine crossing of Hohe Köpfe, which follow different routes. Gurtisspitze is a distinctive mountain with panoramic views. A hike to Gurtis also offers views of the Drei Schwestern and the striking, terrace-like shape of Goppaschrofen.

Church, Walser history and church choir

The present-day Kuratienkirche Gurtis zu unserer lieben Frau Mariä Heimsuchung has existed since 1791. Walser history is also closely connected with Gurtis: their migration to the area in the 14th and 15th centuries gave the village a major boost, and this population group shaped life in the Nenzing hamlet. Both a specific church building and the history of the local population are therefore among the village’s historical points of interest.

Another story concerns the Gurtis church choir. During the time of Chaplain Battlog, the choir was so well known that Franz Albert Eder, Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, interrupted his journey and walked to Gurtis to hear it. The story connects the choir’s name with two specific people and a visit made expressly to listen to the choir.

A place to stop in winter

Since 2018, Gurtiser Lädele has served as a place to stop and meet for young and old alike. In winter, the Liftstüble there is open for refreshments. If you are planning to stop by on a specific date, check in advance that it is open.

For the broader travel overview: Nenzing.