Austria
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Región: Tyrol
The ski resort Sölden – Ötztal offers 69km of blue runs, 51km of red runs and 2km of black runs. It is prepared to welcome expert skiers so that they can enjoy incredible off-piste areas from Gaislachkogl (located at around 3000m of altitude).
- Sölden – Ötztal ski resort
- Sustainable development of the Sölden – Ötztal ski resort
- Unforgettable experiences in Sölden – Ötztal
- Sölden – Ötztal mountain resort in summer
- Hotels in Sölden – Ötztal
- Skiing in Sölden – Ötztal : the resort’s main strengths
Sölden – Ötztal ski resort
Sölden is located in the Ötz Valley (Ötztal) in the Tyrol, at 1,368 metres above sea level. This small Austrian town of just over 3,000 inhabitants is Austria’s top ski destination and one of the most visited ski resorts in the world. The resort has created a paradise for skiers and après-ski enthusiasts.
The ski area is formidable. In fact, since 1993, the Sölden ski resort has been hosting the first Alpine Skiing World Cup on the Rettenbach glacier. Expert skiers can enjoy incredible off-piste runs from Gaislachkogl, at an altitude of more than 3,000 metres, and areas specially designed for beginners.
This resort is the only one in Austria, which has within its ski area, mountains of more than 3,000 metres, called BIG3: Gaislachkogl (3,058 metres), Tiefenbachkogl (3,250 metres) and Schwarze Schneide (3,340 metres).
The ski slopes
The ski area of the Sölden ski resort has a minimum altitude of 1,350 metres and a maximum altitude of 3,340 metres. Sölden is known for its 148 kilometres of slopes, 15 blue (69 km), 14 red (51 km) and 7 black (28 km). In addition, it has 33 state-of-the-art ski lifts, including cable cars and gondolas, which provide access to the slopes without waiting.
Located at both ends of Sölden, the two access routes to the ski area are the Giggijoch (10-person cabin) and Gaislachkogl (8-person cabin) lifts. Sölden has a modern artificial snowmaking system covering 80 % of the ski area to guarantee the entire ski slope, from 1,350 metres at the base of the resort to 3,340 metres at its highest point.
Ski resort activities
The main activities at the Sölden ski resort are skiing and snowboarding, which attract the most tourists to the resort. For cross-country skiers, it is a good place to practice your favourite sport, with an area of about 50 kilometres of trails, perfect for the practice of this sport.
It is a very popular winter destination, thanks to its off-piste activities. If off-piste is your thing, you have more than enough options in Sölden, which has several snow parks and special areas for off-piste and freestyle skiing.
One of the best things is the off-piste entertainment which starts very early, around three o’clock in the afternoon. Many skiers choose the most famous areas of Sölden where you can find the best party atmosphere in the Alps. Nearly a hundred bars, restaurants, discos and huts offer many options until late at night. Various festivals are held in the open air in Sölden so that you can have fun even without your skis.
Sustainable development of the Sölden – Ötztal ski resort
In order to achieve their environmental sustainability, ski resorts must formulate clear environmental objectives and place them at the top of their “to do” list.
Among the main objectives to be considered by our destinations, such as the ski resort Sölden, are: creating environmental awareness, integrating environmental considerations into the management of the ski resorts and maintaining environmental standards in all stages of the management process.
Environmental issues should have priority in the economic framework of the operation of ski resorts. For ski resorts, the environment is an intangible asset, as they are located in areas of outstanding natural beauty.
They should work with the objective of
REDUCING THEIR DIRECT ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR FREQUENT INTERACTIONS WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO ENCOURAGE THEIR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION.
They will also have to plan more environmentally friendly leisure activities. Energy, water and biodiversity management are the three key challenges for the ski industry.
Electricity represents the main energy carrier for ski resorts, mainly used in the operation of ski lifts and snowmaking systems. One of the first short- and medium-term goals for ski areas should be that 100% of the electricity consumed should come from renewable sources.
Unforgettable experiences in Sölden – Ötztal
Simply wow! The hiking destinations in and around the ski resort of Sölden promise unforgettable holiday moments. Set on an area of 6.5 hectares, the AREA 47 is Austria’s largest outdoor leisure park. It opens up an exciting universe for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers of all ages.
Unlimited outdoor action on land or water, top-class themed gastronomy or platform for commercial incentives – no less than 30 fun summer sports are waiting to be tried! If you like to be on the move, this is the right place for you. An experience not to be missed, what are you waiting for?
Sölden – Ötztal mountain resort in summer
The 300 km of hiking trails in the Sölden resort lead along mountain streams, through lush alpine meadows to a world of granite and ice. The wide variety of hiking trails and convenient ski lifts will facilitate your visit to the mountains.
The resort of Sölden is home to probably the most extraordinary base for mountain bikers: BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN. Whether with narrow or big tyres, professionals or beginners, cycling sports are celebrated in all facets. They expect freeriders or e-bikers, ambitious road cycling fanatics or leisurely trekking cyclists; simply people who share a passion for cycling.
Not only mountains, but also water and air elements play an important role: recreational adventurers can discover the authentic Ötztal nature by kayaking, canoeing, rafting, canyoning or paragliding.
Hotels in Sölden – Ötztal
Hotel Das Central ****
This 5-star hotel in Sölden with an award-winning restaurant and large spa area is surrounded by the stunning mountain scenery of the Ötztal Alps. In winter, it offers a free shuttle bus service to the Giggijoch and Gaislachkogl cable cars of the Sölden ski area, both 500 metres away.
The rooms and suites are fully equipped. Das central’s restaurant has been awarded the Toque d’Honneur by the Gault Millau guide. There is also a spacious and well-equipped fitness centre. Everything you need to enjoy your stay.
Hotel Enzian Hochsölden ****
The 4-star Hotel Enzian is located in Höchsölden, at 2,090 metres above sea level. This hotel is located right next to the slopes of the Sölden ski resort. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped.
There is a 1,500 m² spa area with indoor pool, outdoor pool, saunas, infrared cabin, steam room and relaxation areas.
Half-board accommodation includes breakfast, afternoon snack and dinner. In addition, the hotel restaurant features a solarium and a dining room with panoramic mountain views.
Hotel die berge lifestyle-hotel Sölden ****
This hotel is located in the centre of Sölden, 350 metres from the Giggijoch Cable Car of the Sölden Ski Area. It offers a year-round outdoor pool and the Sky Spa area. The rooms have a private balcony and are fully equipped.
Guests have free access to the spa and fitness centre area, which includes a swimming pool, saunas, an aromatic steam bath, and an indoor and outdoor relaxation pool.
Guided tours, hiking poles and backpacks are available free of charge, and information on hiking and cycling routes is provided.
Skiing in Sölden – Ötztal : the resort’s main strengths
✅ Ski resort with state-of-the-art ski lifts that avoid long waits.
✅ A multitude of services adapted to families, 365 days a year. For both adults and children.
✅ In addition, the proximity of high quality accommodation (3 to 4 stars) to the slopes of the Sölden ski resort.
✅ Bus line that avoids having to take your own car.
✅ It also has incredible off-piste areas, with more than enough freestyle options.
