Sölden is not only one of the top wintersports destinations in the Alps but also hosts the traditional opening event of the FIS Ski World Cup every year in October. From the village itseld, the Gaislachkoglbahn and the newly opened Giggijochbahn, the most advanced 10-person cable car of its kind in the world, give skiers and snowboarders direct access to the huge selection of pistes catering for all abilities.
Another reason why Sölden is so popular is the fact that betwen October and May it has guaranteed snow thanks to its location high in the Ötztal Valley. And even if there is a shortage of the white stuff, the resort has a large network of snow-making machines to keep conditions tip top. Most of the resort, including the snowpark and funslope, are above 2,000 metres. And, in fact, the slopes extend all the way up onto the Rettenbachferner and Tiefenbachferner glaciers stretcing all the way up to 3,340 metres above sea level. The "Big 3" – Tiefenbachkogel, Schwarze Schneide and Gaislachkogl – make Sölden the only ski resort in Austria with three peaks over 3,000m in altitude accessible via cable car. The longest run in the resort leads 15km down from the Schwarze Schneide and descends 2,000 metres on its way back into the valley.
Exploring so many pistes is hungry work, so it is a good job that there are so many huts, bars and restaurants throughout the resort. The village of Sölden itself is relatively small, so most visitors will have only a short walk from their accommodation to the lifts. There are a number of ski and snowboard schools in the village with friendly and professional instructors. Those who don't have their own equipment can hire skis, snowboards, boots, etc. from one of the local rental shops.
