The three ski lifts located close to one another, several hikes with clearly defined routes, and the history of the Walser give Gurtis a variety of attractions. When planning your visit, it is worth first deciding whether skiing, a particular hike, or local culture and landscape should take centre stage. For the hikes, the starting point, destination and type of trail help distinguish between the options.
Skiing and a Winter Stop
The Gurtis ski area has three lifts located in the immediate vicinity of one another. The Baliefer Lift, colloquially also known as the Baby Lift, is suitable for first attempts on skis. Since 2018, the Gurtiser Lädele has served as a place to stop and meet for young and old alike; in winter, the Liftstüble is open there. If you plan to stop at the Liftstüble, check the current opening hours before your visit.
Hikes with Different Routes
The hike from Alpencamping Nenzing via Latz through the scenic Galinatal ends in Gurtis. The Herrenweg, by contrast, starts in Gurtis: it climbs to Alpe Gamp and follows historic paths through dense mountain forests. The two routes therefore differ both in direction and in character. One leads to Gurtis; the other starts there and heads to the alpine pasture. This comparison helps when choosing a route if a particular destination or starting point is important.
The crossing of the Hohe Köpfe from Gurtis follows an alpine trail with secured sections. Compared with the Herrenweg, with its historic paths through dense mountain forests, the defining difference here is the alpine character of the trail, with secured passages. Another route leads from Bazora via Bazoraalpe to Gurtisspitze and back to Bazora. This route starts and ends in Bazora, making it different from trails that start or end in Gurtis.
Gurtisspitze is a distinctive mountain with panoramic views. A hike to Gurtis opens up impressive views of the Drei Schwestern and the striking, terraced shape of Goppaschrofen.
Church, Walser History and Church Choir
Gurtis brings together two historical timeframes. The present-day Kuratienkirche Gurtis zu unserer lieben Frau Mariä Heimsuchung has been in existence since 1791. The arrival of the Walser in the 14th and 15th centuries gave Gurtis a major boost and shaped life in the hamlet of Nenzing. The church thus points to a specific year, while Walser history reaches further back and shaped life in the hamlet.
The church choir is also part of the village’s history. In the time of Chaplain Battlog, it was so well known that the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Franz Albert Eder, interrupted his journey and walked to Gurtis to hear it.
For the overall travel overview: Nenzing.
