Sölden

The Sölden ski area

Sölden offers a diverse range of skiing for all skills and levels of ability. Skiers and snowboarders will love the high-speed lifts and long, linked runs. In fact, Sölden is home to two of the most powerful feeder mountain gondolas in the world. 

The other benefit of skiing in Sölden is the excellent snow conditions throughout the whole season. This is due to its two glaciers, effective snow-making systems on 77% of the ski slopes, and the fact that most of the ski area sits above 2,000m. It’s the only ski resort with three peaks over 3,000m high! 

There are a number of wide, gentle blue slopes which are suitable for beginners. But Sölden is definitely best suited for intermediate skiers, with its wide range of fun red runs and playful off-piste sections.

For the more experienced skiers, there are a handful of challenging blacks throughout the resort. Although advanced skiers and snowboarders may be better off exploring the off-piste opportunities when the snow conditions allow.

What lift pass do I need?

In terms of ski areas, there are two different types of lift pass pass: Sölden Only Ski Pass and Ötztal Super Ski Pass. The latter allows you to ski in Sölden, Gurgl, Hochötz-Kühtai, Vent, Niederthai, and Gries.

Beginners will be fine with a Sölden-only ski pass, but intermediates and advanced should definitely consider the Ötztal Valley Area Pass.

Other than the different area passes, there are a range of different ski pass types on offer too. These include beginners’ tickets, day passes, multi-day passes, flexible passes, and season tickets

Best ski runs

Intermediates will love piste #11. It’s a long and wide red run which can be accessed from the top of the Silberbrünnel chairlift. It’s the perfect piste for getting those satisfying carving turns in.

For unbroken skiing, you can ski from the highest point in the resort, Schwarze Schneide at 3,340m, all the way to the bottom of the resort.

In bad weather, there are a handful of tree-lined runs lower down in the resort. One of the best is piste #21, which offers super fun twists and turns, as well as some wider sections which are perfect for carving down. This run is best done in the morning, as it can get pretty icy and a little crowded in the afternoon.

Off-piste and backcountry

Due to its excellent snow record, Sölden is a popular European resort for ski touring and backcountry. Even better, much of Sölden’s best backcountry offerings are extremely accessible. All it takes is a short hike from the top of the lifts – and it’s time to shred!

Some of the best off-piste skiing in Sölden can be found in the Wasserkar bowl, which is situated underneath the Gaislachkogl lift. There’s also more to discover on the Rettenbach glacier from the top of the gondola down to Tiefenbach. From here, go left at the top of the T-bar and follow the ridge to find a deep bowl of powder.

Of course, remember that it’s always best to explore the backcountry with an experienced mountain guide. Be sure to have the appropriate avalanche equipment on you too.

Snow park

Sölden is home to the AREA 47 Snow Park, which is easily accessible from the Hainbachkar and Silberbrünnel chairlifts at Giggijoch. There are a variety of jumps and obstacles on offer, with a range of elements for different abilities.

Aside from the snow park itself, kids and adults alike will love the 60m long Fun Slope. Whizz through tunnels, turns and over jumps until your heart’s content.

Heli-skiing

Heli-skiing is only allowed in two locations in the whole of Austria: Schneetäli and Mehlsack in the Arlberg region. Therefore, if you’re keen to go heli-skiing then you’re better off heading to the ski resorts of Lech or St Anton.

Nevertheless, it is still possible to charter a helicopter from Sölden. Although freeriders are probably better off exploring the resort’s backcountry via the lifts or ski touring.

Beginners and ski-school

Sölden is a reasonable ski resort for beginners, with a manageable slope offering and a beginner’s area. The Tiefenbach glacier provides a number of wide, gentle slopes for beginners to hone their skills on. Beginners can access plenty of easy blue slopes from the top of the Giggijoch lift.

Nearby Hochgurgl and Obergurgl offer some excellent slopes for beginners and are more suitable for beginners than Sölden. Both Sölden and Gurgl offer excellent ski schools with experienced, certified instructors.

Good to know: The Sölden resort run down to Giggijoch is quite steep (the last section is a black) and can get icy. There is an alternative route that ends a little further into town, right next to some lively après ski bars (don’t mind if we do!). It may be worth bearing this in mind when booking accommodation.