Sölden is located in the valley of Ötz (Ötztal) in Tyrol at 1,368 meters above sea level. Sölden/Solden is a big place with big ambitions, so it is somehow fitting that this village is the official European training base of the US Ski Team.
Sölden ski resort
There are a few distinct areas of Sölden. The main resort runs north to south along the main road and river. The majority of the entertainment and hotels are located here, as are the ski lifts that access the twin mountains above Sölden. Innerwald is a settlement just above Sölden which is connected by a short funicular and offers ski-in, ski-out accommodation and easy access to the resort amenities. Much higher on the mountain is Hochsölden which is a totally ski-in, ski-out resort which is connected to Sölden down in the valley by a steep road and ski pistes. At 2090m Hochsölden offers a real alpine feel in the serenity of the peaks.
Sölden ski area
Every October, Sölden attracts the world's best skiers to the Ötztal Valley for the now traditional opening event of the FIS Ski World Cup. After all, Sölden ski resort offers a wide range of pistes (over 140 km) for all abilities and snowsure conditions on a glacier reaching up to an incredible 3340 metres above sea level.
From the village itseld, the Gaislachkoglbahn and the newly opened Giggijochbahn, the most advanced 10-person cable car of its kind in the world, give skiers and snowboarders direct access to the huge selection of pistes catering for all abilities.
Another reason why Soelden is so popular is the fact that betwen October and May it has guaranteed snow thanks to its location high in the Ötztal Valley.
Winter ski area in Sölden has a direct connection to the Glacier slopes by a number of ski lifts and gondolas (36 km slopes and 10 mountain lifts ). The slopes extend all the way up onto the Rettenbachferner and Tiefenbachferner glaciers stretcing all the way up to 3340 metres above sea level. The two glaciers are linked by a road tunnel and a separate skiers tunnel. Therefore Sölden boasts the only interconnected glacier ski area in the Alps.
The "Big 3" – Tiefenbachkogel, Schwarze Schneide and Gaislachkogl – make Sölden the only ski resort in Austria with three peaks over 3,000m in altitude accessible via cable car.
Additionally, Sölden's Rettenbach glacier boasts the only European Test and Exhibition Center where winter sports fans can test the latest material and equipment of all renowned sports brands from September to November.
The longest run in the resort leads 15km down from the Schwarze Schneide and descends 2,000 metres on its way back into the valley.
Sölden snowpark Area 47
The six hectare large Area47 Snowpark in Solden is a haven for freestylers and passionate snowboarders. This highlight for snowboarders is located at 2,450 metres above sea level.
The snowboard&freeski haven is located directly at the Giggijoch underneath the Hainbachkar and Silberbrünnl chairlifts. Here you find a six hectare large territory of snow elements: eleven boxes, six rails, five kickers, three of which are for beginners and two for real pros. After so much power on the board, freestylers are warmly invited to enjoy the magnificent views of the Alpine scenery at Giggijoch. A hearty snack and fine drinks are available in the restaurant which can be found right at the end of the park.
Sölden apres ski
Sölden village
Most of Sölden’s best restaurants are found in its hotels with a really wide range of cuisines - from traditional Tyrolean and mountain specialities to Italian and even Japanese. A lot of places have a mixed menu that includes both local and international dishes. After dinner there are numerous bars, many with live bands, and nightclubs to choose from. There are plenty of clubs and bars with table dancing, striptease or go-go dancing so you get the general picture. The Shirmbar gets particular note although Grizzly's and the Die Alm are a bit quieter.
Sölden may not be one of the best resorts for non-skiers, but there is still quite a bit to do off the slopes. Its Freizeit Arena is a state-of-the-art leisure centre, with a swimming pool (with waterslides), tennis courts and bowling. There is also an ice-rink and several winter walks in and around the valley.