Solden in Austria Resort Guide

Sölden used to have a low profile on the UK market. However, after being used for a number of scenes in the recent James Bond file 'Spectre', it's profile has been raised. We’ve always liked its snow-sure challenging red pistes and exceptionally long top-to-bottom runs; the two glaciers pretty much ensure great conditions throughout the season. The village has a busy road and very lively après scene.

Sölden, is in the Ötz valley leading up to Obergurgl, has gondolas from opposite ends of town going up to the peak of Gaislachkogl and the lift junction of Giggijoch, with most of the shops, restaurants and hotels in between them. A road winds its way above the town through various hamlets up to Hochsölden – a group of four-star hotels and little else.

When buying a six-day lift pass you can opt to pay €10 extra for a day in nearby Obergurgl (the half-hourly buses are included in the lift pass). You can also get buses down the valley to Längenfeld where there is a big thermal spa. With a car you could make trips to St Anton or Ischgl.

PLUS Points

Excellent snow reliability, with access to two glaciers and some exceptionally long runs
Fairly extensive network of slopes suited to adventurous intermediates
Impressive lift system
Wide choice of huts for its size
Very lively après/nightlife

Less Positive Points

Towny resort is spread along a road that is busy with through-traffic
You may need a bus to the lifts
Main runs are almost all above the trees; only a couple are sheltered
Town centre can get rowdy (but easily avoidable, say reporters)

Village charm - Not a strong point

Despite its traditional Tirolean buildings, a pretty church among them, Sölden is no charmer. There’s a good selection of shops and bars, but the ambience is towny (prominent ads for strip clubs don’t help) and lacks a central focus. More seriously, it is strung along the valley road running through it and the central strip is badly affected by traffic. The place attracts a lively crowd, and the partying can spill into the street. Across the river there’s a quieter area, mainly of hotels and guest houses. Hochsölden offers splendid traffic-free isolation up the mountain

Convenience - Lifts at either end

It’s a long town, and the gondola stations are almost a mile apart. So you may face a good walk to the lifts, or a ride on the free shuttle-buses. Places over the river from the main street aren’t necessarily remote from the lifts. Hochsölden is ski-in/ski-out.

Scenery

Go for the Big 3

Sölden promotes its Big 3 viewing platforms with spectacular 360° views from peaks over 3,000m. But lower down things are less spectacular.

Accomodation & Après Ski

Apres is lively and varied, with bars and clubs open until the early hours. One thing is for sure - you won't be bored....

Web Cams

Resort Statistics

RESORT HEIGHT	1377	VERTICAL DESCENT	1681	OPENS	Dec - April, Glacier skiing all year
TOP STATION	3058	DRAG LIFTS	11	EXPERT RATING	8
BOTTOM STATION	1377	CHAIR LIFTS	18	INTERMEDIATE RATING	10
				BEGINNER RATING	8