Sölden is a ski resort that is rightfully called the concentrated power of winter. It is a center for international competitions, as well as one of the most popular and visited ski resorts in Europe. It offers modern slopes of various difficulty levels, and a special area for snowboarders.
General information about the Sölden resort
If you move up the Otztal valley, after about 40 minutes you can get to the resort of Sölden, in addition to it in the valley is located the village of Obergurgl, from where it is easy to get to the resort of Kutai. Not far from the ski resort, the construction of a new thermal complex “Aqua Dom” has been completed recently.
An interesting fact! According to experienced tourists, only those who are overly picky and dissatisfied with the resort’s proximity to the highway are unhappy with Zeldin.
In 2018, another interesting architectural and cultural object appeared on the resort grounds – James Bond returned to Sölden. On the top of Gaislachkogl, not far from the restaurant «ice Q», they opened a film installation based on one of the films about the famous special agent. Do you remember the movie «Spectrum»? It was in it that the Hoffler clinic was located in the Alps, in the Sölden valley, and the scene with the chase was filmed.
Who will enjoy a vacation at the Sölden ski resort in Austria? First of all, mountain ski and snowboard enthusiasts, as well as tourists who prefer a fun and lively atmosphere.
It’s good to know! The Sölden ski area is formed by two glaciers, which make it the longest ski season in Europe, from the second half of October to May.
If you have enough energy for skiing, drinking in bars and going to discos, the resort of Sölden in Austria is a great solution. However, in this part of the Alps, there is a place where you can fully devote yourself to sports, skiing, – a small village Hochsoelden. From here, a picturesque view of the valley opens up, and the slopes go down directly to the hotels. Another advantage of Sölden is that it is a pedestrian area, there are no cars here.
The advantages of the city of Sölden and the Austrian ski resort:
- the longest ski season, the snow is dense and the cover is stable;
- high-speed lifts;
- a glacier ride is provided;
- party atmosphere;
- you can combine sports and recreation;
- The Sölden tracks are well-marked, so it’s almost impossible to get lost.
Disadvantages:
- during the peak tourist season, the main ski lifts are in high demand;
- the descent areas are connected by elevators, which can get crowded during the high season;
- the resort is quite expensive;
- Most of the hotels in Sölden are located along the highway, so there are almost no places to walk with children.
The Austrian ski resort of Sölden in numbers:
- the resort is 1,377 meters high;
- the elevation difference is 1380-3250 m;
- There are 144 tracks, including 79 red tracks (medium level), 45 black tracks (professional), and 20 blue tracks (for beginners).
- There are 34 lifts, including 19 chairlifts, 10 cable cars, and 5 cabin lifts.
The nearest airport to Sölden is 1 hour away. From the resort, you can directly reach other ski areas – Obergurgl, Lengenfeld.
Trails and lifts
Sölden is, first of all, one of the largest glaciers in Austria, thanks to which you can ski here almost all year round. Recently, two lifts were built at the resort, they connect all the tracks of the region into one zone, and every tourist can make an exciting ski safari.
The Zölden trail map features predominantly red descents, which are of medium difficulty. There are also simple blue trails and challenging black routes.
It’s good to know! The longest descent is almost 13 km long. Come to Sölden in October and enjoy skiing.
The Austrian ski resort is changing every year, with the addition of modern ski lifts and an expanding ski area. However, the resort still retains its traditional Tyrolean architecture, including colorful houses, ancient churches, and traditional Austrian chalets. The resort is accessible from any point in the village via a ski lift located in the lower area of the resort. The lower slopes of the resort are equipped with snow cannons, ensuring a consistent snowfall throughout the season.
There are two ski lifts in the city that take tourists to certain areas of the slopes. The main one is the ski lift that goes to Gigioh. Here is the main training area of the Austrian resort, several spacious, simple trails, and nearby-several more difficult, black descents. This part of the resort is crowded. There is a snowboard park nearby. From here, you can go down through Hochselden, which offers tourists a red (medium) or black (difficult) route, the height difference is about 1 km.
Another area for skiing is Gaislachkogl, with its highest point at an altitude of 3 km. It is easily accessible by lift directly from the valley. This part of the ski resort offers a balance between medium and easy trails. Additionally, there is a restaurant at an altitude of almost 2 km, where you can enjoy a meal before returning to the valley through the forest.
It’s good to know! There are few forest descents in Sölden, no more than 20%, and most of them are open high-altitude routes.
The two areas are connected by slopes and lifts, and if you have the energy to ski late at night, head to the Mittelstation area, which features black and blue slopes.
The dessert of the ski resort in Austria is a large region that combines two glaciers – Tiefenbach and Rettenbach. Routes are located at an altitude of 3250 m, and the height differences do not exceed 500 m.
It is useful to know! It is in Sölden that the most extensive area for skiing, equipped on glaciers – 29 sq.km.
One of the most popular ski routes, the BIG 3 Rallye, has viewing platforms where you can feel like a speck of dust above the snow-capped mountains. It’s a perfect place for daydreaming and letting go of worries. It’s best to choose clear weather for your trip, as the area is well-ventilated and can be windy, making skiing uncomfortable.
Infrastructure
Skiing in Sölden is not the only activity available at this resort in Austria. It offers everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable vacation. Tourists can enjoy the following activities:
- a state-of-the-art sports complex with swimming pools, steam rooms with stone benches, a restaurant, and a bowling alley;
- SPA centers;
- there is a large selection of stores, but their products are rather monotonous and mostly consist of sports equipment;
- restaurants and bars are everywhere, as are discos and nightclubs;
- five centers where you can rent equipment;
- There are six schools where you can take lessons in skiing and snowboarding.
If you’re not a fan of noisy parties, visit the Extreme Driving Center or go sledding.
An interesting fact! There are storage rooms next to the elevators where you can leave your equipment so that you don’t have to carry heavy items on your shoulders.
In addition to skiing, Sölden offers water activities. The most affordable option is to visit the sauna at the hotel. If you prefer a more advanced way of recreation, visit the modern sports and recreation complex “Freizeit Arena”. Of course, the best way is to relax in the thermal complex “Aqua House”. The complex is located 12 km away, and buses, cars, and taxis can be used to get there. Here, you can lie under the open sky and admire the snow-capped peaks.
An interesting fact! The water, which is heated to +36 degrees Celsius, comes from a well that is almost 1,900 meters deep.
Sölden is known as the most party-friendly town in Austria, and some tourists even refer to it as the Ibiza of the Alps. During peak season, it is essential to book tables in entertainment venues in advance.
Types and prices of ski passes in Austrian Sölden
The prices for ski passes at the Sölden ski resort in Austria are quite high, but they are not different from the prices at other European resorts.
Ski pass
| Validity period | Adult | Teen Age | Child | For pensioners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | 54,50 | 43,50 | 30 | 46,50 |
| 1.5 days | 99 | 79 | 54,50 | 84 |
| 3 days | 158,50 | 127 | 87 | 135 |
| 6 days | 293,50 | 235 | 161,50 | 249,50 |
Official websites of the Selden Ski Resort in Austria:
- ski-europe.com/resorts/solden/;
- www.soelden.com/winter.html
Places to stay in Selden
Sölden is located along a river that meanders at the foot of the mountains. Most of the ski lifts descend directly to the central streets of the village and hotels. Many tourists choose to stay in the valley, closer to the ski lifts. Skibus transportation connects the ski lifts to various parts of the valley.
It is useful to know! Some hotels and apartments are located not in the lower part of the resort, but slightly higher – at an altitude of about 100 m. Living here can cause certain inconveniences – the lifts connecting the area with the center of the valley are closed at 22-00.
If you are not just a fan of skiing, but a real fanatic and ski from morning until late in the evening, book accommodation in the village of Hochselden. In addition to luxurious hotels, there is a large selection of affordable accommodation.
In general, Sölden in Austria is a resort that offers accommodation for every taste and budget, from 5-star hotels to budget apartments.
Prices for accommodation at a resort in Austria:
- 5-star hotel – from 2250 euros for 6 nights;
- 3-4 star hotels – from 1800 euros for 6 nights;
- Apartments in Sölden – from 700 euros for 6 nights;
- Guest house – from 657 euros for 6 nights.
We have selected several hotels in Selden, Austria, which have received a rating of more than 8 from Booking users:
- Garni Fiegl Aparthotel is built on a hill, guests can relax in peace and enjoy the nature, rating 9.0, accommodation from 1158 euros for 6 nights;
- improved 3-star hotel “Elisabeth”, located on the Gaislachkogl ski lift, rating 9.0, from 1433 euros for 6 nights;
- The 4-star Regina Hotel is located near the Gaislachkogelbahn ski lift and has its own spa. The hotel has a rating of 9.0 and costs from 1,900 euros for 6 nights.
Weather and climate in Sölden
The weather in Sölden, in the mountains of Austria, is typical for a temperate climate zone. The seasons are clearly defined, and the temperature is influenced by the altitude difference. The closer to the mountain peaks, the colder and windier it gets. However, in winter, a natural anomaly occurs: cold air lakes form in the valley, and warm currents rise up.
Important! The continental climate of Sölden in Austria is characterized by high temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter. The highest temperature in the resort is +21 degrees Celsius, and the lowest temperature is -15 degrees Celsius.
The southern slopes and peaks receive the most sunlight, while the rest of the area is shaded. Additionally, there are frequent foggy and cloudy conditions.
Any precipitation – rain or snow – falls from fronts that form between cold and warm air masses. Most precipitation falls on the edges of the Alps, while precipitation is rare in the central part.
How to get to the Sölden Ski Resort
The resort in Austria has a unique location – in this area for skiing there are three three-thousand, accordingly, the slopes here are suitable not only for beginners, but also for athletes of the middle level and experienced professionals. In addition, for snowboarders also equipped for skiing area – fan park.
There are several ways to get to Sölden in Austria, and they all start from different European cities. Let’s explore the most popular routes.
Innsbruck – Sölden route
The road from Innsbruck is the shortest, as the distance between the two cities is only 88 km. You can reach Innsbruck by plane all year round, with a stopover in Vienna or Frankfurt. In winter, you can purchase a direct flight ticket, which will take you 3 hours.
You can get to Sölden from Innsbruck:
- by train to the village of Etzal, and then by bus, the journey takes about 2 hours;
- take a taxi;
- You can rent a car at several offices located in the airport building.
The most convenient way is to book a transfer, and the car will be waiting outside the airport. The drive takes about one hour. Follow routes 12 and B186.
How to get from Munich to Sölden
The distance between the two cities is about 200 km, so it’s not very convenient to get here, and you’ll need to make several transfers. Additionally, you’ll need to spend time getting from Munich Airport to the train station. If you’re in Munich, you can rent a car, and it’s best to do so at the airport. Munich and the Austrian resort are connected by the A95 expressway, which takes about 3 hours to drive. If you’re planning to use public transportation, it will take twice as long.
To rent a car, you will need a passport, a driver’s license, and a card with the required amount for the service.
Important! If you want to book a transfer, do it in advance, as the service is in demand.
In conclusion, we would like to mention that Sölden is a ski resort for athletes who enjoy skiing several times during the season. Starting from the second half of October, you can come here and explore the mountain slopes. You can combine your vacation at the resort with a visit to a World Cup stage, allowing you to witness the achievements of great athletes firsthand.
