Sölden

Sölden: A paradise for winter sports and nature experiences

Sölden, a well-known holiday resort in the Tyrolean Ötztal, is one of the most popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Surrounded by an impressive Alpine backdrop, Sölden is not only a hotspot for skiers, but also a true Eldorado for hikers and mountain bikers in summer. With its mixture of modern infrastructure, rustic alpine huts and breathtaking nature, Sölden offers unforgettable experiences in every season.

Short info:

• Where is Sölden? In Ötztal, Tyrol, Austria.
• How do you get there? By car via the Inntal motorway (A12) or by train to Ötztal station and then by bus.
• Height: 1,368 m above sea level.
• Known for: Winter sports, glacier ski area, mountain panoramas.
• Highlights: Gaislachkogel, Rettenbach glacier, Tiefenbach glacier, James Bond adventure world “007 Elements”, Ötztal cycle path.

Winter sports in Sölden: A paradise for skiers and snowboarders

Sölden is one of the most famous and popular winter sports destinations in Europe. It offers winter sports enthusiasts an almost endless variety of opportunities to enjoy the Alpine mountain world. The ski area stretches from 1,350 meters up to over 3,340 meters, making it one of the most snow-sure areas in the Alps. Thanks to the two glaciers - the Rettenbach glacier and the Tiefenbach glacier – skiing in Sölden is possible from October to May, making it one of the few places where you can enjoy an extremely long ski season.

Diverse slopes for every level

With around 144 kilometers of slopes, which are accessible via modern lifts, Sölden offers slopes for every ability. Beginners can feel safe on the wide, well-groomed blue slopes, while advanced skiers and snowboarders can show off their skills on challenging red and black slopes. The slopes on the Gaislachkogel and the glacier runs in particular offer a challenge for experienced skiers. The slopes on the glaciers are a real highlight - wide, untouched firn and a breathtaking backdrop that is second to none.

The “BIG 3”: Three peaks in one day

A special highlight for ambitious skiers is the BIG 3 RallySölden is the only ski resort in Austria that has three mountains, all of which are over 3,000 metres high: the Gaislachkogel (3,058 m), the Tiefenbachkogel (3,250 m) and the Black Edge (3,340 m). The BIG 3 Rally takes you to all three peaks in one day and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains at each station. With the help of the well-connected lifts, you can easily complete this summit tour in one day and enjoy over 50 kilometers of slopes. The experience of overlooking the alpine landscape of three three-thousand-meter peaks is unforgettable.

Glacier skiing: skiing fun at the highest level

The two glaciers, the Rettenbach glacier and the Tiefenbach glacier, are the highlights of the ski area in Sölden. The glaciers are connected by the so-called Glacier Express connected to each other - an impressive ski tunnel connection that is over 1,700 meters long and makes the two glacier slopes accessible. Glacier skiing is characterized by wide, gently sloping slopes that offer perfect conditions for both leisurely skiing and fast-paced descents.

Especially the Tiefenbach glacier, which impresses with its spaciousness, offers an ideal environment for beginners and families. The Rettenbach glacier is particularly popular with professionals due to its steeper slopes and the training course frequently used by World Cup riders. The annual FIS Ski World Cup where the best skiers in the world compete in the giant slalom. This prestigious event often marks the start of the ski season and attracts thousands of spectators.

snow parks and freeride zones

Sölden also offers numerous opportunities for freestylers and snowboarders. Area 47 Snowpark in Giggijoch is the hotspot for anyone who wants to try their hand at freestyle sport. Beginners and professionals alike will find kickers, rails, boxes and much more here to perfect their tricks. For adrenaline junkies, there are also specially designated freeride zones away from the groomed pistes, where you can leave your mark on untouched slopes. The runs are known for their variety and offer everything a freerider's heart desires, from steep couloirs to open powder fields.

après-ski and hut culture

What would a day of skiing in Sölden be without the famous après-ski? After an exciting day on the slopes, numerous huts and bars invite you to end the day in good company. Sölden is known for its lively nightlife, which attracts numerous visitors, especially in the winter season. Whether you enjoy a traditional snack in a rustic alpine hut or turn night into day in one of the après-ski bars - the atmosphere in Sölden is unique.

For those who want to take a more relaxed approach to the day, there are also cosy panoramic restaurants and huts with breathtaking views that invite you to take a break. Here you can enjoy the mountain landscape with a hot drink or a hearty Tyrolean dish.

Sölden offers you as a winter sports enthusiast an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to explore the well-groomed slopes, master the steep glacier descents or simply enjoy the panorama at over 3,000 meters - Sölden offers the right winter adventure for every taste.

Summer in Sölden: An Eldorado for hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers

Sölden is not only a mecca for sports enthusiasts in winter, but in summer it turns into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers and all those who seek the peace and beauty of nature. The impressive mountain landscape of the Ötztal, the fresh Alpine climate and the almost endless possibilities for outdoor activities make Sölden an ideal destination for an active summer holiday. Here you can explore the high alpine landscape in many different ways - be it on foot, by bike or even following in the footsteps of old traditions.

Hiking in Sölden: Exploring the mountains

Sölden offers a well-developed network of hiking trails of over 300 kilometers, which leads through a variety of alpine landscapes. There is something for every level of difficulty - from leisurely walks along lush green alpine meadows to challenging mountain tours at over 3,000 meters altitude. The hike to Gaislachkogel (3,058 m) is a highlight. The panoramic view from above of the surrounding three-thousand-meter peaks, the deep valleys and snow-capped peaks of the Ötztal is simply breathtaking.

For less experienced hikers or families, there are numerous easier tours, such as the Gampe Thaya, a rustic alpine pasture known for its hearty Tyrolean specialties. On the way there you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and maybe even spot a wild animal or two in the woods.

The Almzeit hike, a themed trail for families, is a great way to explore the region in a playful way. There are interactive stations along the trail that familiarize children with the secrets of the mountains, while you as an adult enjoy the beautiful view. Here you will also learn a lot about the traditional alpine culture that is still alive in Sölden today.

Via ferratas and alpine tours: For the adventurous

For the adventurers among you, Sölden also offers numerous via ferratas and opportunities for full speed ahead. The Via Ferrata on the Reinhard-Schiestl-Steig is one of the most famous in the region and takes you on spectacular routes through the steep rock faces of the Ötztal. If you want to go even higher, you can take one of the guided high-altitude tours to one of the many glaciers and peaks. This gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the high alpine world in the midst of the rugged nature and seek out the challenge.

Bike Republic Sölden: A Mecca for Mountain Bikers

Sölden is known for its Bike Republic, a paradise for mountain bikers, which is famous far beyond the country's borders. 17 different trails with a total of over 800 kilometers As a biker you have the opportunity to explore the diverse mountain landscape on two wheels. The trails offer everything - from flowing descents to technically demanding passages.

A special advantage of the Bike Republic is the well thought-out lift and shuttle system, which allows you to be comfortably taken to higher altitudes and then enjoy the spectacular descents to the fullest. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you are guaranteed to find the right route here. The Teäre Line is particularly popular and offers you 7 kilometers of fun and pure adrenaline. But more leisurely rides through the picturesque Ötztal, past streams, meadows and alpine huts, are also available.

For those who are particularly ambitious, there is the opportunity to Ötztal Mountain Bike Marathon – one of the toughest bike races in the Alps, with over 5,000 meters of altitude and 238 kilometers to overcome.

James Bond meets the mountains: The 007 Elements Adventure World

A very special highlight in Sölden is the James Bond adventure world "007 Elements", which is located on the summit of the Gaislachkogel at over 3,000 m. The multimedia installation offers exciting insights into the world of the secret agent and was built on the occasion of the film "Spectre", which was partly shot in Sölden. The futuristic building blends seamlessly into the alpine landscape and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks - a must for film fans and adventurers alike.

Tips for arrival and parking

Sölden is easy to reach by car and public transport. There are regular bus connections to the town from the Ötztal train station. If you arrive by car, you will find numerous parking spaces in Sölden directly at the valley stations of the lifts.

A place for every taste

Whether you want to hit the steep slopes in winter or explore the untouched nature of the Ötztal in summer - Sölden offers the right adventure in every season. Combined with an excellent infrastructure, culinary delights and unique experiences such as the James Bond world, Sölden is the perfect destination for your next holiday in the Alps.