Snowy mountain range viewed through pine treesSnowy mountain range viewed through pine trees

A complete guide to Sölden

Everything you need for your Sölden ski holiday.
24th April, 2025
5 min read time

Nestled deep within Austria's picturesque Ötztal Valley, Sölden stands as a top-tier ski destination. Boasting 144 km (89 mi) 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.

Ready to jump in? Let's get started!

Sölden, Austria - overview

  1. Where is Sölden?
  2. Sölden the resort
  3. Sölden ski area
  4. Skiing in Sölden
  5. Sölden ski season dates
  6. Restaurants in Sölden
  7. Things to do in Sölden
  8. Sölden après-ski, and nightlife
  9. Sölden resort map
  10. Sölden tourist information

Where is Sölden?

Sölden sits in the Ötztal valley of Tirol, Austria, southwest of Innsbruck.


Nearest airport

  • Innsbruck: 84 km (52 mi)

Transfer time

  • Innsbruck: 1hr 15 min

Sölden the resort

  • Resort altitude: 1,350 m (4,429 ft)
  • Resort permanent residents: ~3,168
Sölden, exudes a blend of traditional Tyrolean charm and a bustling town-like atmosphere. While its streets are adorned with age-old churches and timber-framed buildings, the village is more commercialized than your typical quaint Tirolean village. The resort is known for its lively après-ski scene, which comes alive from mid-afternoon, offering a vibrant array of pubs, clubs, and a diverse selection of over 50 restaurants catering to various culinary tastes. Despite its spirited nightlife, Sölden also offers pockets of luxury and tranquility, with upscale hotels like Das Central providing a serene escape. For visitors seeking convenience, it's advisable to find accommodation near the Giggijoch and Gaislachkogel lifts, the two primary gateways to the slopes.
                                                                                                           
ProsCons
Snowsure resortGiven the scarcity of trees, slopes can feel bare during bad weather
Efficient lift systemRuns from Giggijoch can be tricky
Great après ski sceneThe town extends quite a bit along the valley
Great snowmakingNot a quiet resort

Here is how Sölden looks like

This short video provides a glimpse of everything Sölden has to offer.


(Ref: Ski Resort Videos)


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Sölden ski area

  • Summit elevation: 3,340 m (10,958 ft)
  • Kilometres of pistes: 144 km (89 mi)
  • Vertical drop: 2,000 m (6,561 ft)
  • Ski lifts: 31
Sölden, offers 144 km (89 mi) of pistes, composed of 10 green, 30 blue, 22 red, and 8 black runs, all effortlessly connected by 31 lifts. Stretching from an elevation of 1,350 m (4,429 ft) to the dizzying heights of 3,340 m (10,958 ft), Sölden provides a staggering 2,000 m (6,561 ft) vertical drop, ensuring thrilling descents. With 77% of its pistes equipped with artificial snow-making, snow conditions here are consistently reliable. Sölden's key sectors include:
  1. The Giggijoch sector: serving as a primary access point to Sölden's ski area, it features a diverse mix of wide, open slopes that cater predominantly to beginners and intermediate skiers. It's also home to the AREA 47 Snowpark, offering freestyle enthusiasts a range of features to enjoy.
  2. The Gaislachkogl sector: renowned for its challenging red and black runs, this area caters to confident intermediate and advanced skiers seeking thrilling descents and off-piste adventures.
  3. The Glaciers (Rettenbach and Tiefenbach): these glaciers offer a mix of challenging and gentle slopes. Rettenbach is renowned for its steep red and black runs, while Tiefenbach provides more accessible terrain suitable for beginners and families.

Skiing in Sölden

Beginners

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.

Intermediates

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.

Advanced

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.

Off-piste

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.

Glacier skiing

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.

Snowboarding

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.

Sölden ski season dates

The ski season in Sölden typically runs from late September to early May. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Sölden ski deals for the best ski offers available.

Sölden snow history

Sölden offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 33 cm (12.9 in) and 36 cm (14.1 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.7 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 34 cm (13.3 in) 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 (18.8 in) 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 (12.9 in) of snow over 4.1 days.


                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December33 cm3.7 days
January36 cm3.7 days
February34 cm4.1 days
March35 cm4.4 days
April33 cm4.1 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Sölden

  • ice Q: this restaurant offers a fusion of culinary delights with breathtaking panoramas, making it a unique mountain dining experience.
  • Hühnersteign: a traditional alpine setting where you can savor authentic Tyrolean dishes.
  • Eugen’s Obstlerhütte: a cozy hut offering delicious regional specialties.
  • Hotel Bergland: located within the luxurious Hotel Bergland, it promises an elegant dining atmosphere and an exquisite menu to match.
  • Joe's Höhle: a trendy spot with a mix of modern and traditional dishes.
  • Gusto: a culinary gem in the heart of Sölden, it serves a blend of international and local cuisines.
  • Ötztaler Stube: an epitome of fine dining in Sölden, this restaurant offers gourmet dishes in a refined yet welcoming environment.

Things to do in Sölden

  • Swimming pool & spa
  • Tennis
  • Bowling
  • Curling
  • Winter walking
  • Ice rink
  • Paragliding
  • Night tobogganing

Sölden après-ski and nightlife

  • Bubi’s Schihütte: a buzzing après ski hotspot known for its vibrant atmosphere and live music.
  • Eugen’s Obstlerhütte: a rustic ambiance perfect for enjoying traditional Tyrolean beverages and music post-skiing.
  • Fire & Ice: offering themed nights and cool cocktails, it's a place where the night heats up as the temperatures drop.
  • Schirmbar: an iconic après ski bar, great for enjoying live music and mingling with fellow skiers.
  • The Mogul: a lively nightclub known for hosting top DJs and a dance floor that keeps the party going till the wee hours.
  • Marco's: a fusion of sophistication and party vibes, Marco's is a trendy spot that attracts both locals and visitors.

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Sölden resort map

Sölden resort map

Download Sölden resort map here

Sölden tourist information

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