Content
Solden
The splendid Otztal Valley made international headlines in 1991
when its most diehard patron, a 5,300 year old man, was uncovered
perfectly preserved though with “the skin of a roasted turkey” in a
high Alpine snowdrift. Otzi, the Neolithic era hunter, found out the
hard way that Solden’s terrain is a formidable thing. Stretching to
3,249 metres, the Otztal Arena Solden is impressive by Austrian
standards and even by Swiss ones, a winter playground accessed by a
state of the art lift system and lined with 48 snow guns for good
measure.
Each October, the winter ski and party season officially blasts from the start gate. At the first World Cup meeting of the season the likes of Hermann Maier attack the savagely iced technical courses on the Rettenbach Glacier. The Rettenbach and the Tiefenbach glaciers, connected to the wider ski area in 1998-99, make a superwide playing field for the fastest skiers in the world. You’ll be impressed too.
The Big 3
Their tagline, Big 3 Think Big Think Solden, has the goods to back up the enthusiasm. Ringed by sparkling ripples of snowy peaks, Solden’s three skiable 3,000ers are each showcased by an impressive observation point that highlights the delights that await. The first is at the Gaislachkogel gondola, a round deck at 3,058 metres. The next, at Tiefenbachkogl, is a harrowing gangplank that hovers over thin air and peers hard into the face of the Wildspitze, Austria’s second highest peak. The third, Schwarze Schneid, is a 10-minute hike up to an imposing column -- read phallus -- with an excellent 360 map detailing more than 20 peaks that surround. With a view from here to eternity and all that skiing at your feet, who wouldn’t be excited?
Each October, the winter ski and party season officially blasts from the start gate. At the first World Cup meeting of the season the likes of Hermann Maier attack the savagely iced technical courses on the Rettenbach Glacier. The Rettenbach and the Tiefenbach glaciers, connected to the wider ski area in 1998-99, make a superwide playing field for the fastest skiers in the world. You’ll be impressed too.
The Big 3
Their tagline, Big 3 Think Big Think Solden, has the goods to back up the enthusiasm. Ringed by sparkling ripples of snowy peaks, Solden’s three skiable 3,000ers are each showcased by an impressive observation point that highlights the delights that await. The first is at the Gaislachkogel gondola, a round deck at 3,058 metres. The next, at Tiefenbachkogl, is a harrowing gangplank that hovers over thin air and peers hard into the face of the Wildspitze, Austria’s second highest peak. The third, Schwarze Schneid, is a 10-minute hike up to an imposing column -- read phallus -- with an excellent 360 map detailing more than 20 peaks that surround. With a view from here to eternity and all that skiing at your feet, who wouldn’t be excited?
Solden at a glance
On the mountain
Ski area
Solden's ski area, on the west side of the valley and nearly all
above tree line, is serviced by two gondolas at opposite ends of town.
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Lift system
Solden's many high-speed lifts will impress anyone, but it can take a while to get up the mountain in the morning.
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Advanced
Only a fraction of Solden’s pistes are black, but there's also
accessible off piste skiing in Wasserkar and the area's signature Big 3 Rally ski journey.
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Intermediate
Solden is an ideal spot for intermediate cruisers to rack up the
miles on splendidly groomed red and blue pistes.
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Beginner
The gentle wide slope at the top of the Innerwald chair, with a restaurant and
après ski bar at its base, is a great place to start.
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Boarding & freestyle
A boardpark, an easycross and a racecourse operate
in winter, and there's also plenty of activity in summer.
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Mountain restaurants
More than 20 on-mountain eateries mean you’re never far from your next sausage break. more...
Ski Map
- open Ski map
Off the mountain
Village
Solden buzzes with people and traffic, with hotels, restaurants, bars and shops all within easy walking distance from each other.
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Accommodation
Solden has a near equal
distribution of two, three and four/five star hotels, plus an
assortment of bed and breakfast pensions.
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Restaurants & bars
The 40-odd restaurants in and around Solden cater for all. more...
Apres-ski
Save some energy for Solden’s other specialty – full on euro après ski. more...
Other information
No sleepy Alpine hamlet this: a BMW ice driving course, a Hannibal light and music spectacle and a pleasuredome of
outdoor thermal saltwater pools are vying to tempt you away from the skiing.
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Getting there
Solden is a hop and a skip away via direct flights from Gatwick and frequent UK charter services. more...
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Navigation
Quick access
Resort shortcuts
Solden facts
Ski Area
| Base | 4,518 ft 1,377 m |
| Summit | 10,569 ft 3,249 m |
| Elevation | 6,141 ft 1,872 m |
Trails/runs
| Number of trails | 0 |
| Advanced | 18 % |
| Intermediate | 42 % |
| Beginner | 40 % |
Lifts
| Gondolas/Cable cars | 7 |
| Surface lifts | 8 |
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