Solden Ski Resort
Long a favourite of fun-seeking German-speakers with powerful ski legs and drinking arms to match, Sölden has two glaciers and multiple peaks above 3,000m, guaranteeing year-round skiing. The Ötztal Super Skipass and bus connections to Obergurgl further enhance its appeal.
Sölden, which in English is simplified to “Solden” although “Soelden” is occasionally seen, used to be as Germanic as its umlaut. It first made international headlines in 1991 when its original diehard patron, a 5,300 year old man, was uncovered perfectly preserved but with “the skin of a roasted turkey”. And then in 2016 a James Bond film was released with key scenes shot in Solden. Ötzi the neolithic hunter and Spectre the movie are both still widely commemorated in the resort, but its growing global profile is not just the result of canny marketing: Solden delivers what winter holidaymakers want.
For a start it’s high enough to be snowsure. The main resort is located at only 1377m (Hochsolden the satellite resort up the mountain is significantly higher at 2090m), but the ridge between the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers is over 3000m high and there is skiing on both sides, as well as at Schwarzkogl (3020m) and Gaislachkogl (3060m). Some spectacular observation points have been built so even non-skiers can appreciate the high mountain views, but for skiers the main benefit is in the quality of the snow. No wonder that the World Cup ski races start here as early as October.
Then there is the extent of the ski area. The official stats suggest it’s only mid-sized (145kms of piste, 33 lifts), but it seems larger, because of the length and vertical of the runs. Keen confident skiers who want more more can buy the Ötztal Super Skipass which gives access to 5 other ski areas, including Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, which is just 25 minutes away by bus. And there is a decent variety of runs in Solden too: none of the black pistes are very scary, but there is plenty of off-piste for experts, lots of steepish red runs to challenge intermediates and no shortage of blues for novices and nervous skiers. The ski schools are good too.
And lastly there is the typically Austrian après ski. This starts early in the mountain bars and continues into the small hours back in the resort with live concerts and loud pulsating clubs, and ensures Solden’s hotels and apartments are filled with youthful party-seekers. Hochsolden, the semi-isolated ski-in, ski-out suburb higher up the mountain, is much quieter.
Helpful Links
Accommodation in Solden and Hochsolden. Hotels, Chalets, Self-Catering Apartments, Package Holidays, Where to stay… Read more >
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Discounted Ski & Snowboard Rental in Solden:
ALPINRESORTS.com works with several shops in Solden and Hochsolden, and can secure discounts of up to 35% if you book online in advance here
SKISET also has outlets in Solden and Hochsolden and gives discounts if you book online
Ski holidays in Solden, Austria with Iglu Ski.
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Solden Pros & Cons
+ Snowsure
+ Mid-sized local ski area
+ More skiing in other bus-linked Otztal resorts
+ Intereresting, steepish red runs
+ Lively après ski & nightlife
– Resort is rather large and strung-out
– Après ski can be too rowdy.