Linked ski areas in the eternal ice

The glacier slopes in the upper Ötztal, towering high above the skiers village, offer perfect snow conditions already in September. That's the time when usually the valley's meadows and forests wear their most colorful dress – ranging from yellow to russet and dark red. The highest panoramic road in the Eastern Alps takes skiers and snowboarders effortlessly by car or coach from Sölden to the slopes of Tiefenbach and Rettenbach glacier, one of Austria's largest glacier ski areas.

The two glaciers are linked by a road tunnel and a separate skiers tunnel. Therefore Sölden boasts the only interconnected glacier ski area in the Alps. 36 kilometers of immaculate slopes and 10 mountain lifts with an hourly capacity of 20,000 persons guarantee unlimited skiing fun for all ages and preferences. Additionally, Sölden's Rettenbach glacier boasts the only European Test and Exhibition Center where winter sports fans can test the latest materials and equipments of all renowned sports brands from September to November.

Swinging Sölden

A free ski and snowboard equipment test of several top brands is available on the occasion of the official glacier season kick-off: "Maxxx Mountain Glacier Start“ from 09 to 11 October 2009. DJ shows and live acts, bag jump contests and entertaining nightlife events in the village's bars and pubs are scheduled as well.

Even more fun and entertainment is waiting at the traditional Men's and Women's Ski World Cup Opening in late October. Holders of a valid ski pass enjoy free admission to the races in the standing area. On 24 October the race season will be opened by the Women's Giant Slalom while the Men's Giant Slalom is scheduled one day later.

Great fun and action await you at the Fan Club Parade and its Prize Giving Ceremony, or at the ultimate World Cup Oktoberfest taking place in Sölden. What's more, every Wednesday from 30 December 2009 to 17 March 2010, Sölden sees the truly breathtaking "Stars & Fire Night Emotions" night skiing event. The Fun Zone at Giggijoch hosts the unique "Maxxx Mountain Sölden Party" every Friday afternoon between New Year 2009 and mid April 2010.

Sports arena of superlatives

The opening of the Sölden and Hochsölden winter ski area is expected for 21 November 2009. Skiers and snowboarders can choose from no less than 148 kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes for all levels and abilities, 34 mountain lifts with absolutely no lift lines and an hourly capacity of up to 70,000 persons. Of course, snow is also guaranteed between 1,350 and 3,340 meters above sea level from October through May – thanks to a top modern snow making system covering some 80 percent of all slopes.

Sölden has another unique attraction: Three mountain peaks beyond 3,000 meters which are easily accessibly on skis - Gaislachkogl (3,058 m), Tiefenbachkogl (3,250 m) and Schwarze Schneide (3,340 m). A tour of all three summits called "BIG3" can be made on one day. This spectacular "BIG3 Rally" starts at the base terminal of Giggijoch mountain gondola and ends at the base terminal of Gaislachkogl mountain gondola. A truly challenging experience: In four hours you conquer 50 kilometers of slopes, 10,000 meters of difference in altitude while enjoying three awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Alpine scenery from the "BIG3" viewing platforms.

"Schmarr'n" means...

…scrambled pancake – it's delicious! A perfect snack for hungry winter sports fans. Light, fluffy and plenty of powdered sugar. This typical Tirolean delight ranks among the favorites. Many more regional specialties and hearty snacks are served in 20 serviced huts and mountain restaurants spread over Sölden's ski area. On prior arrangement at the Gaislachkogl "BIG3" platform (weather permitting) small groups of 4+ persons can enjoy not only substantial Tirolean breakfasts or hearty snacks but also fine gourmet dishes, Asian delights, fresh-caught oysters, caviar with champagne or Mediterranean style seafood.

Snowy future

The fundament for Sölden's vision of a snow-white future in tourism as one of the top destinations and Hot Spots in the Alps were already laid in summer 2009 as the construction works for the new Gaislachkogel mountain gondola started. It will be in operation from the 2010/11 winter season. At the same time also the reconstruction works for the new mountain restaurant at Tiefenbach Glacier began: The complete indoor and outdoor area will be redesigned and enlarged, doubling the total capacity of seats.

Last but not least, heavy construction machines started their mission at some 2,900 meters above sea level in summer 2009. In the course of the next three years a new water reservoir will be built at Tiefenbach glacier, boasting an incredible capacity of 405,000 cubic meters and 35,000 square meters of water surface with a depth of 17 meters. This giant reservoir is meant as the central pillar of Sölden's high-tech snow making system which covers the whole ski area, by reducing energy consumption and costs. What's best, at the same time snow reserves for the decreasing glacier surface can be produced.