Sölden

Sölden is one of Austria’s best-known ski resorts, famed for its high-altitude reliability, glacier skiing, and lively après-ski. Sitting at 1,377 m in the Ötztal Valley, Tirol, the resort offers 144 km of pistes up to 3,340 m, including two glaciers (Rettenbach and Tiefenbach) and the iconic BIG3 peaks above 3,000 m.

Sölden is also a regular feature on the international stage: it hosts the FIS World Cup season opener each October and doubled as a filming location for the James Bond movie Spectre. Its modern lift system, snow-sure conditions, and big vertical (almost 2,000 m) make it a favourite with ambitious intermediates, freeriders, and party-seeking groups.

If Obergurgl is quiet and refined, Sölden is its louder, more energetic neighbour — big skiing and big nightlife in equal measure.

Skiing & Snowboarding

The Sölden ski area offers variety across glaciers, high-altitude bowls, and long valley runs.

• Beginners: Nursery slopes at Innerwald and Giggijoch are well-suited to learners, though the main ski area is better for confident skiers than complete first-timers.

• Intermediates: This is paradise. Wide, long blues and reds dominate, from high glacier runs to valley descents like the Schwarze Schneid (15 km top-to-bottom). The BIG3 rally circuit takes in all three 3,000 m+ peaks for a spectacular tour.

• Experts: Challenging blacks like Schwarzkogel and Harakiri II (not to be confused with Mayrhofen’s Harakiri) test technique, while off-piste routes on the glaciers and Gaislachkogl offer excellent freeride terrain with a guide.

• Freestylers: The AREA 47 Snowpark Sölden is one of Austria’s best, with kickers, rails, and lines for all levels.

Thanks to its glaciers, snow reliability is outstanding — skiing runs from late September to early May.

Ski Lift Passes

Lift passes cover the full Sölden area, including glaciers.

• Adult: ~€70/day | ~€350 for 6 days
• Child (6–15): ~50% reduction
• Under 6s: Free

Deals:

• Family and youth discounts.
• Optional Ötztal Superskipass covers 356 km of pistes across Sölden, Obergurgl, Kühtai, and Hochötz.

Details at the Sölden ticket page.

Resort & Infrastructure

Sölden’s infrastructure is state-of-the-art:

• Modern gondolas like the Giggijochbahn (one of the world’s highest-capacity lifts) and Gaislachkoglbahn whisk skiers up quickly.
• Two glaciers (Rettenbach & Tiefenbach) are linked by a ski tunnel, creating a vast high-altitude area.
• Snowmaking covers all pistes down to the village.

The village is compact but spread along the valley road, with lifts from the centre and shuttle buses connecting outlying areas.

Accommodation

Sölden offers a broad mix, from simple pensions to luxury spa hotels.

• Budget: Guesthouses and apartments in the village and nearby hamlets like Zwieselstein.
• Mid-Range: 3★–4★ hotels such as Hotel Tyrolerhof with half-board and wellness facilities.
• Luxury: Spa hotels like Das Central – Alpine. Luxury. Life., Bergland Hotel Sölden (featured in Spectre), and Hotel Regina.

Browse via the Sölden accommodation search.

Dining & Après

On the slopes, mountain huts range from rustic Tirolean stube to modern venues like ice Q — the glass-walled gourmet restaurant at 3,048 m, famous as a Spectre filming location.

Après-ski in Sölden is legendary. From early afternoon, bars like Philipp, Marco’s Treff, and Schirmbar fill with dancing skiers, while nightclubs like Fire & Ice and Katapult keep the party going until dawn. The vibe is lively, youthful, and international.

Non-Skiing Activities

Sölden has plenty for non-skiers and off-slope fun:

• The 007 Elements James Bond cinematic installation at Gaislachkogl.
• Spa and wellness centres in most hotels.
• Ice skating, tobogganing, and winter hiking.
• Day trips to Innsbruck or Obergurgl for a contrast in vibes.

Village Character & Access

Sölden is a lively alpine town rather than a quiet village. The main street is lined with shops, après-ski bars, and hotels, creating a bustling, energetic atmosphere. It’s less quaint than Alpbach or Lech, but it makes up for it with energy and modern convenience.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Innsbruck Airport (1 hr 15) is closest; Munich and Zurich (3 hrs) are alternatives.
• By train: Rail to Ötztal Bahnhof, then 45 mins by bus or taxi.
• By car: Around 11 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Sölden offers big skiing, big altitude, and big après-ski. With glaciers, the BIG3 peaks, and guaranteed snow, it’s a dream for ambitious intermediates and freeriders. Add in its legendary nightlife and James Bond cachet, and it’s one of Austria’s most complete — and most energetic — resorts.

For skiers who want serious terrain and serious nightlife, Sölden delivers on both fronts.