Nestled deep within Austria's picturesque Ötztal Valley, Sölden stands as a top-tier ski destination. Boasting 144 km of high-altitude pistes, including two remarkable glaciers, the resort guarantees snow-filled adventures. While the breathtaking landscapes, featured in James Bond's Spectre, offer cinematic vistas, the resort is equally renowned for its lively après-ski scene. A short journey from Innsbruck, Sölden has evolved to focus on a sophisticated, family-friendly experience without losing its vibrant spirit.
As one of the best Austrian ski resorts, Sölden offers an exceptional mix of adventure and atmosphere. We've put this practical guide together to make planning your Sölden ski holiday a breeze. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best places to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
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Sölden sits in the Ötztal valley of Tirol, Austria, southwest of Innsbruck.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Snowsure resort | Given the scarcity of trees, slopes can feel bare during bad weather |
| Efficient lift system | Runs from Giggijoch can be tricky |
| Great après ski scene | The town extends quite a bit along the valley |
| Great snowmaking | Not a quiet resort |
(Ref: Sölden)
Beginners will find a nursery slope and several blue pistes at the top of the Giggijoch gondola, perfect for building confidence. Additionally, Innerwald, located just above the resort center, provides a selection of gentle slopes, ideal for honing technique and gaining skiing proficiency.
Intermediate skiers from tranquil valley trails to expansive mountaintop pistes, are treated to a plethora of choices. The Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers promise wide slopes, while the descent from the peak of Gaislachkogl to the valley challenges with its length.
Sölden is an adventurer's playground with its 28 km of challenging black runs and rewarding off-piste opportunities. For freestyle enthusiasts, the BASE park presents an adrenaline-filled experience, peppered with attractions for all levels.
Boasting 70 km of off-piste trails, Sölden, together with its sister resort Hochsölden, is an off-piste dreamland. Deep powder snow and abundant backcountry runs set against the backdrop of majestic 3,000m peaks make for an unforgettable experience. From the gentler terrains of Hainbachjoch and Giggijoch to the challenging descents of Gaislachkogl, there's something for every adventurer here.
The accessible Tiefenbach and Rettenbach glaciers provide 34 km of immaculate runs. Their interconnection through the Rosi Mittermeier Road Tunnel offers an unparalleled skiing experience, complete with state-of-the-art facilities like the unique international winter sports Test Center.
The gentle blue runs near the Giggijoch gondola are perfect for beginners, while the expansive glacier slopes cater well to experienced snowboarders. Freestylers will find their adrenaline fix at the Area 47 snow park, which is made even more appealing by the addition of free coaching sessions.
The ski season in Sölden for 2024/25 is expected to start on November 29th and run until May 1st. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Sölden this season, be sure to explore our Sölden ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Sölden offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 33 cm and 36 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.7 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 34 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 4.1 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of February, traditionally the snowiest week in Sölden, with an impressive 48 cm of snow over 4.6 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 33 cm of snow over 4.1 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 33 cm | 3.7 days |
| January | 36 cm | 3.7 days |
| February | 34 cm | 4.1 days |
| March | 35 cm | 4.4 days |
| April | 33 cm | 4.1 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Download Sölden resort map here
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