Sölden Resort Overview
Located in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Sölden is a quaint ski resort sitting at a height of 1,377m, with the highest ski lift reaching up to 3,340m. The resort provides access to the expansive ski area of the Ötztal Arena, which boasts 144km of diverse, skiable terrain.
Constructed in the 20th century, the charming pedestrian-friendly resort offers a blend of modern and traditional accommodation, including luxury ski chalets, guest houses, hotels, and self-catered apartments, many offering convenient ski-in-ski-out access. Sölden is known for its reliable snowfall, with its ski season typically spanning from October to May.
Skiing in Sölden
Sölden provides exceptional skiing opportunities for all skill levels. The resort offers two lift pass options: a Sölden-only ski pass, which grants access to Sölden’s 31 lifts and over 144km of pistes and the full Ötztal Super Ski Pass, which covers the entire Ötztal Arena.
The resort has plenty of gentle, wide slopes perfect for beginners, including two dedicated nursery slopes. Intermediate skiers have a wealth of red runs to explore across the Ötztal Arena, with the scenic Tiefenbach and Gaislachkogl areas being particularly recommended.
Advanced skiers can challenge themselves on Sölden’s high-altitude skiing and challenging terrain, featuring steep black runs and off-piste opportunities. The resort is also known for its snow parks, with the Swatch Snow Park Sölden being a popular choice for freestyle enthusiasts.
Is Sölden Family-friendly?
Sölden is an excellent ski resort for families, with its pedestrianised centre and a range of ski-in-ski-out accommodation to choose from. The resort caters to skiers of all abilities and is equipped with family-friendly amenities, including child-friendly restaurants, an ice-skating rink and a toboggan run. Sölden also offers discounted lift passes for children under the age of 16.
Après-Ski Scene in Sölden
Sölden boasts a lively après ski scene, with a diverse blend of bars, restaurants and cafes to enjoy. The resort offers a range of nightlife options, from quiet wine bars to lively nightclubs.
One of the most iconic après ski venues in Sölden is the Philipp bar, famed for its live music and bustling atmosphere. Nearby, the Fire & Ice bar offers a cosy atmosphere with a wide selection of cocktails. For those looking to party into the early hours, Katapult Club offers a vibrant music scene and regular themed nights.
Dining in Sölden
Sölden offers a variety of dining options both on and off the slopes. In the resort, the Grauer Bär serves traditional Tyrolean cuisine, while the s’Pfandl offers a gourmet menu in a rustic setting. For a lunch with a view, the Sonnblick mountain restaurant boasts panoramic mountain views and a delicious menu.
How to Get to Sölden
The quickest way to get to Sölden from the UK is to fly into Innsbruck Airport, which is a 1h20m transfer from Sölden. Other nearby airports include Munich Airport (2h45m) and Zurich Airport (3h20m). If you’re travelling by train, the nearest station is Ötztal Bahnhof (35m transfer). If you choose to drive, there are several car parks available around the resort.
Sölden Insider Tips
- Enjoy a drink at the iconic Schirmbar, located at the bottom of the Giggijoch gondola.
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides are a popular mode of transport in the resort.
- Be sure to visit the Ice Q restaurant, the filming location for the James Bond film Spectre.
- For an unforgettable experience, try night skiing on the floodlit pistes.
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