Sölden: Glaciers and Three 3,000 m Peaks

Why Sölden

Sölden, in the Ötztal, is one of Austria's most snow-sure resorts. The ski area climbs from 1,350 m to 3,340 m and includes two glaciers, so snow is rarely the question. We suggest it for groups who want to ski early or late in the season, and for anyone who wants big mountain scenery from the lift.

Skiing in Sölden

The ski area offers about 146 km of slopes and 31 lifts, linking Giggijoch, Gaislachkogl and the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers. Sölden bills itself as the only ski resort in Austria with three peaks above 3,000 m reached by lift: Gaislachkogl, Tiefenbachkogl and Schwarze Schneide. The BIG3 Rally takes you across all three in a single day.

The glaciers open in early autumn, and the Alpine Ski World Cup traditionally starts its season on the Rettenbach glacier in late October. The 2026 opening races are on 24–25 October. The main winter area opens in mid-November and the season runs into early May.

007 Elements and the Gaislachkogl

At over 3,000 m on the Gaislachkogl summit, 007 Elements is a James Bond installation built into the mountain, with galleries cut into the rock and glass walls over the Ötztal glaciers. Spectre was partly filmed here. It is open only when the Gaislachkoglbahn runs, so check the dates before planning your day.

Sölden in summer

In summer the Ötztal becomes a hiking and mountain-biking valley, with trails to glacial lakes and high huts serving lunch at altitude. Summer stays start from two nights, with any arrival day.

Getting here

Innsbruck airport is about 1 hour 15 minutes by car; Munich is about 3 hours. The nearest railway station is Ötztal Bahnhof, about 45 minutes away. We arrange private transfers from all three.