Set in the heart of the Ötztal Alps, Sölden, sitting at an altitude of 1,377m, is a dynamic resort offering fantastic skiing and a lively après-ski scene. The resort forms part of the Sölden-Hochsölden ski area, providing 144km of skiable terrain and is renowned for its typically reliable snow conditions. Sölden is also home to two glaciers – The Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, which allow for skiing from October to May and offer stunning views across the Ötztal Valley.
Connected by a large lift system, Sölden offers a vast terrain to discover. The resort is an ideal destination for intermediate and advanced skiers, offering exhilarating runs and off-piste skiing, while also catering to beginners.
Sölden Ski Area
Sölden’s ski terrain is divided into three main sectors; Giggijoch, Gaislachkogl, and the Glacier area. All three sectors are efficiently connected by gondolas and chairlifts. The Sölden ski area is made up of 70 runs, of which 28% are blue, 48% are red, and 24% are black.
Beginner Skiing in Sölden
While Sölden is renowned for its challenging runs, it also offers a variety of beginner-friendly slopes. The Innerwald area, located at the bottom of the resort, is perfect for beginners with its gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas. Once you have gained confidence, you can venture to the Hochsölden area, known for its wide blue runs like the No. 36 and No. 37.
Intermediate Skiing in Sölden
For intermediate skiers, Sölden offers lots of options. The Giggijoch sector is an excellent starting point with its variety of blue and red runs. The No. 21 and No. 22 runs are particularly popular. For a more challenging experience, the No. 2 run from the top of Gaislachkogl offers a thrilling descent. The glacier area, accessible via the Schwarze Schneide cable car, boasts some exciting red runs, including the No. 30 and No. 31.
Advanced Skiing in Sölden
Sölden is a haven for advanced skiers, with a significant percentage of its runs being black. The notorious “Big 3 Rally” is an absolute must for advanced skiers. It’s a challenging 50km route that covers all three of Sölden’s 3,000m+ peaks (Gaislachkogl, Tiefenbachkogl, and Schwarze Schneide). Another noteworthy run is the No. 14, a steep black run from the top of Gaislachkogl, known for its challenging moguls.
Off-piste Skiing in Sölden
Sölden is renowned for its outstanding off-piste skiing. The Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers offer fantastic off-piste opportunities, with their vast snowy bowls and steep chutes. The Gaislachkogl area is another off-piste hotspot, particularly the Vent-Rofen area, which offers a thrilling 1,500m vertical drop. As always, when skiing off-piste, it’s crucial to hire a local guide or instructor with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure your safety.
Snowparks in Sölden
Sölden is home to the AREA 47 Snowpark, one of the most popular freestyle parks in the Alps. Located on the Giggijoch, the snowpark features over 30 obstacles including kickers, rails, and boxes, catering to all levels of freestyler.
Conclusion
Whatever your ability, Sölden has something for every skier. To maximise your experience on the slopes, we recommend booking an instructor who can guide you to the best runs for your skill level.
