Sölden Ski Resort

The local landscape is truly grandiose. It counts two glacier ski areas, three giant mountain peaks (Gaislachkogl, Tiefenbachkogl, and Schwarze Schneide) interconnected by the ski trails, and a winter sports area. There are 143,4 kilometers of slopes available for skiers and snowboarders of any level. Even though it is not that long as the terrain in the 3 Valleys, the pistes of Sölden are certainly more reliable in terms of the snow. Thanks to its altitude, glaciers, and powerful snow machines, deep powder is guaranteed. These conditions are extremely favorable for winter sportsmen, which enabled the resort to host the Alpine Ski World Cup annually at the end of October.

Another reason why Sölden is usually so crowded is an installation dedicated to the cinematic universe of James Bond. The film Spectre was shot here in 2015, featuring not only the stunning mountain panorama but also a glass-sided Ice Q restaurant at the Gaislachkogl peak. Visiting these highlights is a must!

In Sölden, the ski season usually lasts from late September to early May. However, due to the pandemic, this year’s operating times are 24.12.2020 - 02.05.2021.

Weather in Sölden

Like many other resorts in Tyrol, Sölden boasts a temperate continental climate. All seasons are distinct: the winters are cool, and the summers are warm. Located at a height of more than 1300 m above sea level, it has weather conditions that are suitable for skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, etc. The temperature in winter usually drops below zero, and the coldest month is January, with an average figure of -5°C. Even though February is the driest month, you can expect snow falls during the whole winter which makes Sölden a great destination for fresh powder hunters.

The best thing about Sölden ski pistes is that the major part of them is facing north and east. It means that you will not be exposed to the direct sunlight, but will not be in the cold shadow as well. This particularity also has a good impact on the snow quality.

Tip: To be sure that the local weather is suitable for skiing, check Sölden’s live cams before going on a trip.

Sölden interactive piste map

Source: winter.intermaps.com/soelden

Tip: In case you need a more detailed scheme with the indication of trail difficulty levels, places for stop-offs, and the points where you can practice other activities, see this official interactive 2D/3D piste map.

Sanitary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Sölden

With more than 37,000 confirmed cases in total, Tyrol had to face stricter quarantine measures, joining the rest of the country. Applied by the Austrian Federal Government in the period from October 14th up to December 6th, this three-week lockdown was quite severe. The main limitations included a curfew, closure of all non-essential shops and ski resorts – Sölden was not an exception. From December 7th, Austria has eased its second lockdown. However, the ski areas in Sölden are currently closed, and the operations are expected to be resumed from December 24th, 2020. Hotels and restaurants will be reopened a little bit later, starting from January 18th, 2021.

Practicing skiing or snowboarding is considered safe, as this is an individual outdoor activity. However, there is a string of measures that was developed by the administration of the Sölden ski resort. Here are some new safety rules and regulations that will be introduced during the winter season:

Please note that stricter lockdown rules will take place again in Tyrol, starting from December 26th. All non-essential shops will be closed, and the requirement to stay at home around the clock will be in full force.

How to get to Sölden

Located in the West of Austria, Sölden is settled in the Ötztal valley of Tyrol, Austria. Its convenient location allows reaching local ski resorts by any means of travel. The closest airport is Innsbruck, and the nearest train station to the resort is Ötztal Bahnhof. Whatever means of transport you choose, your journey will be comfortable and pleasant thanks to the impeccable beauty of the local landscapes.

Getting there by car

While planning your travel itinerary, we suggest consulting Google Maps, but here is a hint on how to get to Sölden by car:

● When driving from the West, follow the Vorarlberg - Tyrol route via Arlberg Pass or Arlberg Tunnel, then change to A12 motorway and drive to Sölden via B186 Federal Road;

● When driving from the North, choose the Bad Tölz - Achen Pass, and follow the B181 Federal Road. Then drive to Jenbach, and after that follow the A12 motorway towards Innsbruck. You will be able to reach Sölden via B186 Federal Road. There are also several routes with starting points in Pfronten and Garmisch-Partenkirchen;

● When driving from the East, you can start in Munich or Salzburg, then go to the route A93 and change to motorway A12 via Innsbruck. Finally, you will be able to reach Sölden via B186 Federal Road;

● When driving from the South, you can choose between such starting points as Bozen/Bolzano towards Brenner Pass (paid road). Then you will need to reach Schönberg toll station towards Innsbruck, and after that follow the A12 motorway towards Bregenz. You will be able to reach Sölden via B186 Federal Road.

Getting there by train

As we have already mentioned, Ötztal Bahnhof railway station is one of the main gates to this ski resort. It is located on the course of the Innsbruck suburban network, and you may need to change trains on your way. There are a lot of transfer options available to those who decided to choose this means of traveling. You can get to Sölden from the Ötztal Bahnhof railway station by shuttle bus, by taxi, or by minibus.

Getting there by plane

Traveling by plane is, undoubtedly, the fastest way of getting to Sölden. In total, there are three airports that allow easy access to the ski heaven of Tyrol. These are:

• Innsbruck airport
• Munich airport
• Salzburg airport

Transfer from Innsbruck to your hotel will take you less than 1h provided that there will be good weather conditions. There is a certain freedom of choice, as you can find a good deal of scheduled and charter flights in Innsbruck. A journey from Salzburg or Munich airports, in its turn, may sometimes take you much more time than expected, as they are located quite far from the destination point. Besides, delays are possible due to the unfavorable weather conditions, on major holidays, etc. The benefits of these options include a great number of holiday charter flights in Salzburg and a great variety of scheduled arrivals from any corner of the world in Munich.

Tip: If you are in doubt about which way of getting there to choose and have questions, you may contact the Ötztal Tourismus support team online or by phone.

Skiing in Sölden and ski pass prices 2020/2021

With its two glaciers and 3 mountains of an altitude of more than 3,000 m, Sölden’s ski area is truly unique. Here, the skiers of all levels will find something exciting or challenging for them. The red and black pistes of Sölden are most likely to cater to sportsmen of advanced or intermediate level. For those who are new to this kind of sport, there is a variety of easier blue trails in the areas of the Hainbachjoch and the Giggijoch. The lovers of freestyle riding will be fascinated with the opportunities for off-piste in the Gaislachkogl, and with its “hängender Ferner” trail that leads down to Rettenbach valley.

And for all those who want to admire the beauty of Sölden, there is an opportunity to gain an exhilarating experience of the Big 3 Rallye. This tour lasts for 4 hours and is 50 km long. During this adventure, you will see the famous Big 3, admire the views of the Wildspitze, and ski down one of the longest slopes in Austria! This is an experience not to miss!

Sölden ski pass prices 2020/2021 (peak season)

Sölden ski pass prices 2020/2021 (high season)

Sölden ski pass prices 2020/2021 (low season)

● Please, note that during the Electric Mountain Festival (08-09 Apr 21), ski passes from 2 days+ will cost a little bit more.
● Discounted tickets are only available if you have a valid photo ID with you.
● Ski passes and day tickets are not transferable, as they are meant for personal use only.
● There will be no refund in case of loss, bad weather conditions, etc.

Special offer for season 2020/2021 (24.12.20-07.01.21)

The following rates for 1-Day passes will apply starting from December 24th, 2020:

• Adults - €35,00
• Youth - €27,00
• Children - €18,50

Operating times of the ski lifts in Sölden are the following:

• 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Note that the operating times are subject to change according to weather conditions, day of the week, and on major holidays.

Other activities in Sölden

With an array of activities available in Sölden, even the most discerning guests will be fully satisfied with their holiday. Parents can be sure that here they will be able to provide the most fun-filled winter holidays for their kids. And each of the visitors will find an exciting side activity up to their liking.

The choice is truly amazing: the Big 3 offers all the necessary conditions for tobogganing, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hiking, and more.

An impressive length of the toboggan run near the Gaislachkogl cable car station is just thrilling! 7,3 kilometers of ultimate fun awaits kids and grown-ups, who would like to have a chance to return to childhood for a while. You can speed down as many times as you want, enjoying the adrenaline rush and a true sense of freedom. If you have a valid ski pass, or a toboggan/single-ride ticket, you can use the Gaislachkogl gondola to return to the starting point of this run. This kind of activity is included in the day or seasonal ski passes.

In case you are here for the tobogganing only, the price of a day ticket is the following:

• Adults - € 31.00
• Children - € 16.00

For those who would like to reach new highs and are eager to improve their skills, Sölden offers impressive cross-country pistes. If you have a ski pass, then you can ski on these 3 challenging trails for free! Here you can find a gentle run across the flat valley (Hofer Boden-Windau), an intermediate trail with several descents (Untersölden), and a little bit more tricky pistes near Zwieselstein.

Maybe you are fond of ice skating and hockey? Then search for the Eislaufplatz Sölden skating rink, situated just 6 minutes walk from the Gaislachkogl cable car station. In the evening, this place acquires a new kind of charm. With the lights on and dreamy music in the background, it resembles a true fairytale. All necessary equipment and hot drinks can be found in the facilities nearby.

Accommodation in Sölden

Sölden boasts a great variety of accommodation options. In fact, around 15,000 guests can be accommodated in the village, which is 5 times the number of its population! Here you can find luxurious hotels with upscale service, as well as great 3- star properties with rooms and suites at reasonable prices. The center of the town boasts a greater number of upmarket options. However, if you are longing for some rest in a more secluded location, you can choose from the hotels and chalets on the outskirts of Sölden. If this variant is not your cup of tea, you may also search for alternatives in the hamlets near Gaislachkogl cable car, and near the Ausserwald area.

Upmarket hotels

Even though the village of Sölden does not have that many 5-star properties, you can still indulge yourself in some luxury! Here you will find such sumptuous places as the hotel Das Central. It offers not only a large selection of stylish rooms but also a wide range of top-notch services and amenities. The properties of this type can be found in the very heart of the village, on both sides of the local river.

Hotels with the best value for money

For all active holiday lovers who want to save up on accommodation, there is an abundance of decent options to book. For instance, a 4-star Die Berge Lifestyle Hotel with a wellness center and seasonal pool, available for weary sportsmen after their ski practice. Or a 3-star Andre Arnold with a convenient location, spacious family rooms, and modern yet cozy furnishings. The choice is up to you!

Stylish “Alpine chic” places

“Alpine chic” is what anyone who comes to this region is looking for. This kind of interior design combines rustic motives with the elegance of European mountain chalets to achieve the balance between comfort and opulence. It can also be characterized by the usage of natural materials in decoration – such as wood, stone, and wool. The 4-star complex Castello Falkner Chalets & Residences is a great option for those who want to stay in such a setting during their holiday.

Hotels with ski-to-door access

The great news for all skiers is that the majority of properties in Sölden can be found near the local ski lifts. And some of them are located just on the slopes! The 3-star Hotel Waldcafe is one of the finest examples of such property. It combines comfort and a great value for money, making a great starting point for your winter adventure.

Hotels for the best apres-ski experience

Sölden is often called “the Ibiza of the Alps”, and this nickname suits well to the local ambiance. Each year, the swarms of tourists flock to the village to witness such grandiose events as the Electric Mountain Festival, or a“Hannibal” glacier spectacle. To be at the center of the latest local events, we recommend staying in the central part of the city.