Ski Austria
December 12, 202310 min read1 comment
Experience the thrill of skiing Sölden, Austria’s premier ski resort! Located in the Ötztal Alps, this world-renowned winter sports destination offers over 145 km of groomed pistes and a breathtaking glacier experience. From beginners to experts, skiers of all levels are sure to find their perfect slope here. Step into legendary pistes like Gaislachkogl, Schwarze Schneid and Rettenbachferner that host FIS Alpine World Cup races every year. With state-of-the-art lifts and modern infrastructure, Sölden is also an exceptional destination for après-ski entertainment with 5-star hotels, restaurants, bars and more.
Quick Trip Overview
Is Sölden a good ski resort? Yes, Sölden is one of the top resorts in Austria. This large resort has it all, a variety of run options, fine dining, and even rustic Austrian vibes. A trip to Austrian Alps is not complete without skiing at Sölden Resort.
- Location: Sölden, Austria
- Closest Airport: Innsbruck, Austria
- Price: $$
- Amount of runs: 145km of slopes
- Skiing Sölden Best for: Variety of ski levels welcomed
- Time of Year: December to April
Skiing Sölden’s 007 Run
ice Q restaurant at the top of the Gaislachkogl Peak became the Hoffler Klinik where James Bond meets Madeleine Swann. This location is also where the snow chase began. Villain Hinx, and his henchman, kidnap Madeleine and drive off down the mountain whilst James Bond pursues them in a plane.
Experience the thrill of James Bond’s iconic world with a visit to Sölden, Austria. Known as the location for Spectre’s incredible opening scenes, this stunning ski resort offers visitors a unique taste of 007’s glamorous lifestyle. Explore breath-taking slopes, indulge in luxury spa treatments and take in the stunning panoramic views from your very own futuristic Ice Q restaurant table.
I learned of Sölden because of the James Bond’s “Spectre”. You can trace the famous international spy James Bond’s footsteps through the resort with the identified Spectre run.
On top of hitting the slopes and seeing the views, you can visit the 007 Elements to catch a movie, see the information for the filming at the location in the 9 different dedicated rooms, or grab a martini at the restaurant. Just make sure to plan accordingly with the 007 Element website to purchase tickets for time slots.
If you are interested in more fine dining, Ice Q is a great location for a nice lunch while on the slopes. If you ask for a martini, the waiters will deliver the standard James Bond drink, martini shaken not stirred, and shake and pour at your table.
Crowds at Sölden Ski Resort
The Sölden resort is one of the most popular ski destinations in Tirol, Austria, up amongst famous resorts like Iscghl and Kitzbuhel. This popularity comes with some crowds but is managed well with the variety of slopes. Sölden vast number of runs ensures there is a limit in choke points on the main runs. My trip took place during one of the busiest times of the season: Christmas. Despite the destination being quite bustling, I did not experience any unbearable lift lines, or points on slopes where the crowd was overbearing.
The size of the runs, and the number ensure that you can enjoy some personal space while skiing Sölden.
Good to Know Information for Skiing Sölden
Learn some quick information to make the most of your ski trip to Sölden
Is Sölden good for beginners? Sölden is not just for the pros, beginners are welcome too. With over 70 km of easy and intermediate slopes, beginner-friendly lifts and friendly ski schools, Sölden is an ideal destination for those who are new to skiing or snowboarding. The wide open pistes allow new skiers to perfect their technique and build up confidence in a safe environment. The scenery is breathtaking too, with incredible views of the Tyrol region all around you as you take your first steps on snow.
Where to Rent Ski Equipment
If you are arriving at Sölden without ski equipment then check out these options for rentals at Sölden which are available throughout the area.
Ski Lessons
If just beginning or just interested in sharpening your skills there are a variety of ski schools ready to provide group or private lessons on the slopes.
Nightlife
Exploring the vibrant Sölden night life is an absolute must! With its countless bars, clubs and restaurants, you’ll find something to suit every taste. From laid-back après-ski hangouts to pumping nightclubs, the party never stops in this lively resort town. Sample signature co*cktails, savor hearty Austrian cuisine or dance the night away – there’s always something happening in Sölden after dark! So why not add a touch of excitement to your winter trip and soak up the electrifying atmosphere of this buzzing nightlife destination?
The options for nightlife while at in Sölden is not as wild as some locations like Zermatt, but there are still some great options. A popular club/bar to go to is Fire and Ice. You will find the place bustling at around 9pm until the late hours of the night.
Other Activities
Winter in Sölden is a season of thrilling outdoor activities that will leave you breathless. Whether you’re skiing down the slopes, snowshoeing through stunning alpine scenery or discovering the region’s winter wonderland on a husky sled ride, there’s something for everyone.
007 Elements
Ice skating at Solden Rink
Shake not stirred martinis
Sölden is home to the famous 007 Elements exhibit. After being a shooting location for the James Bond “007” film, Spectre, a interactive informative exhibit was created. Homed at the top of the mountain, the 007 Elements is located right next to the famous Ice Q (also featured in the film).
The museum takes roughly an hour to go through – with a handful of sections that include video clips and information on where exactly the film was shot at in Sölden.
If you buy a 6 day ski pass – entry is free to the exhibit you just have to reserve a time slot in advance. If you are not visiting Sölden for that length of time (or not skiing) then purchase a ticket online and schedule a time slot. The exhibit is accessible to pedestrians – and if the top of the mountain is closed due to weather for skiing then you can still visit the exhibit. I personally visited on a very very poor weather day, and it was a great way to break up the day when visibility was poor and the wind was atrocious.
Want a full experience? Check out the Ice Q next door and order a Vodka Martini – the waiter will shake and pour your James Bond co*cktail at your table.
Snow Forecast at Sölden
The average annual snowfall in Sölden is 400 centimetres each year. Natural powder is augmented with 158 cannons along 90.2km of piste which equates to approximately 60% of all Sölden runs.
Powder Days
With an average snowfall of 500cm, it’s a skier’s paradise. And when it comes to powder days, Sölden delivers – offering majestic runs and breathtaking views to make your ski trip one you’ll never forget.
On average while skiing Sölden you will find about 2 powder days a week. The snowiest part of the year historically tends to be in February to March.
Bluebird Days
Bluebird days are more likely in the beginning of the season in January with approximately 2 bluebird days a week in the month of January. During the months of February and March the average decreases to on average one day a week – however the days of skiing powder at Sölden increases in those months.
Off-Piste
Discover the thrill of skiing off piste in Sölden. With vast open terrain, pristine powder runs and breathtaking views, there’s no better way to experience the Austrian Alps than carving your own path.
While those skiing Sölden typically do not go for backcountry and freeriding skiing there is 70km of backcountry skiing available. Those who are interested can learn more about ski tour companies offer backcountry tours.
Getting toSölden
Where is Sölden ski resort? Sölden is located in the southern part of Tyrol close to the Austria border with Italy. The Sölden ski resort is 1-hour away from Innsbruck, 3 hours from Salzburg, and 3 hours from Munich.
I found that there was a lot of vehicle traffic in Sölden, with most being visitors from Germany and Belgium.
If you do not reside in Europe, no worries as there is a very reliable train service to Sölden. You will have to plan to arrive at Ötztal-Bahnhof and either take a public bus or shuttle service to Sölden.
To Ötztal-Bahnhof there are seven daily direct connections take skiers from Zurich to Ötztal-Bahnhof in only 3 hours without having to change trains. Also the Railjet towards Bludenz via Arlberg pass stops in Ötztal-Bahnhof every two hours. In winter, there is even an additional route from Munich to St. Anton am Arlberg, which stops in Ötztal-Bahnhof.
Interested in making it into a ski trip? These ski resorts are reachable by train from Ötztal-Bahnhof: Ischgl, St Anton am Arlberg, and Innsbruck.
Where to Stay in Sölden
I stayed at the Designhotel Bergland Sölden. A 5-star hotel located centrally in Sölden. The hotel was enjoyable due to the easy walking distance to the lift. An added bonus for those driving is that it has an indoor parking garage. Additionally, the hotel claim to fame as it was the location that Daniel Craig stayed at while filming James Bond. The hotel offers half-board and the breakfast and 5 course dinners are delicious.
When booking a hotel, book well in advance as the number of hotels in Sölden proper is limited and will fill up fast.
Price for a Ski Trip to Sölden
Of ski areas in Europe, Austria is known for being one of the most affordable alps experiences. Sölden is no different in that manner. There are plenty of affordable places to stay at in Sölden, and there are options of dining on the mountain that are great for those on a budget.
I enjoy that hotels in Austria offer half-board. If you are looking to budget, indulging in a hotels half-board is an affordable way to have breakfast and dinner provided. The food is quality, and the price more manageable than dining out on the town.
However, Sölden does cater to those looking pull out all stops. There are some fine dining restaurants on the mountain such as Ice Q, and the co*cktails are quite pricey too.
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