A modern Alpine resort in the Ötztal Valley, with year-round glacier skiing, mountain biking trails, and a James Bond filming location at Ice Q restaurant.
In Austria's Ötztal Valley, Sölden stretches across 467 square kilometers of Alpine terrain. You can ski down 144 kilometers of runs from three peaks above 3,000 meters, including the Schwarze Schneide at 3,340m. Stop at the Klebe Alm mountain hut at 2,015 meters for Tyrolean specialties like Kaiserschmarrn, explore the 007 Elements James Bond installation carved into the mountain, or cycle down the challenging Ollweite mountain bike trail.
Winter Sports in Sölden
From September to May, you can ski on Sölden's two glacier areas - Rettenbach and Tiefenbach. The 144 kilometers of slopes spread across three interconnected areas: Giggijoch, Gaislachkogl, and the Glacier sector. Snow machines cover 76% of the slopes, maintaining good skiing conditions throughout the season. Beginners will find gentle slopes at Innerwald, while expert skiers can tackle the challenging off-piste sections on Gaislachkogl peak.
Getting Around Sölden
The village runs along the main road of the Ötztal Valley at 1,377 meters above sea level. Two high-capacity gondolas can transport 8,100 people per hour to the ski areas. Free ski buses connect all parts of the village and nearby hamlets. If you want to ski directly from your accommodation, stay in Hochsölden at 2,090 meters, where most lodgings have ski-in/ski-out access.
Mountain Activities Beyond Winter
In summer, you can explore Sölden by mountain bike or on foot. The Bike Republic Sölden network includes both natural trails and specially constructed cycling routes. Hiking paths lead to alpine lakes like Wannenkar at 2,639 meters and traditional mountain huts. Families often choose the Naturerfahrungsweg (nature trail) for its educational stations and manageable difficulty level.
Unique Attractions
Inside Gaislachkogl mountain, you'll find the 007 Elements cinematic installation, which highlights Sölden's appearances in James Bond films. The BIG3 platform lets you view three peaks over 3,000 meters - the only such viewpoint in Austria. Each October, international athletes compete in the FIS Ski World Cup opening event. The "Hannibal" mountain performance and Electric Mountain Festival add to the winter entertainment schedule.
Practical Information
You can reach Sölden from Innsbruck Airport, 85 kilometers away. Regular buses run from Ötztal Bahnhof railway station. The village accommodates up to 15,000 visitors in four-star hotels, apartments, and traditional guesthouses. Ski lifts operate from 9:00 to 16:00 daily, with restaurants and bars in the village staying open late into the evening.
