A breath of fresh air on the mountain: Sölden kicks off the summer season on 04 June 2026
Last updated on 21.05.2026 | Ötztal
Ötztal’s top holiday destination remains true to its vision and is once again setting new standards at the start of the season. The Bike Republic Sölden is opening two new trails and celebrating the sporting highlight of early summer on occasion of the Bike Republic Sölden Festival taking place from 18 to 21 June. Hiking and nature enthusiasts will enjoy around 300 kilometers of marked routes, including the newly expanded Gampe Hiking Trail. And those who want to explore the mountains in a completely different way can look forward to the 1st Mountain Cart Games in September.
Summer kickstarts on 04 June
Starting 04 June, the Heartbeat of the Alps will again be unmistakable. The summer mountain lifts, the Bike Republic Sölden and the Ötztal Summer Card are all available simultaneously. Nine lifts comfortably transport guests to higher altitudes. Whether as part of lift-assisted hiking, trail adventures, a visit to 007 ELEMENTS James Bond Adventure World or ice Q, Austria’s highest gourmet restaurant nestled on the summit of Gaislachkogl at over 3,000 meters altitude.
The ultimate key to many adventures and activities is the Ötztal Summer Card. Guests receive it free of charge when staying overnight at one of the approximately 400 partner accommodations or can regularly purchase it for three, five, seven or ten days. Included: use of all summer mountain lifts in Sölden and the neighboring holiday villages, public bus rides and admissions to lakes, swimming pools and museums.
More information: Summer Card
Bike Republic Sölden: More flow, more possibilities
Bike Republic Sölden is consistently expanding its position as one of the leading bike destinations in the alpine region. 2026 is all about maximum biking fun and improved connectivity, right from day one. Two long-awaited lines were completed at the start of the season. Splendid Hupfar Line is a jump line over 1.6 kilometers long with perfectly shaped takeoffs and generous landing areas. Ideal for all those wanting to take their airtime to the next level. This section was developed and built in collaboration with Matthias Garber. International MTB stars Veronique Sandler and Sam Hodgson contributed to the second section (opening in spring 2026). Comfy Drimmle Line creates a strategically important link between Gaislachkogl and Giggijoch mountains. Similar to the ski slope connection in winter, it allows for direct access between the two mountains without having to go down to the valley floor. Additionally, the red Traien Trail was extended by 1.7 kilometers to a total length of 2.3 kilometers. Another new feature awaits bikers at Gaislachkogl gondola middle station: a pump track over 100 meters long. The first of its kind at this altitude in Sölden.
Milestone: Exploring the entire area on blue trails
With the further extension of Troalen Line uphill and Drimmle Line, the entire BRS area can now be explored on blue trails for the first time. Perfectly beginner-friendly, from the very top down to the valley floor, from one side of the valley to the other. This so-called “Bike Swing” opens up the Bike Republic Sölden to an even broader public and makes the area particularly attractive for beginners and recreational bikers.
Bike Republic Sölden Festival: Bike extravaganza in early summer
From 18 to 21 June, Sölden will become the epicenter of the international bike community. The Bike Republic Sölden Festival moves from autumn to early summer, combining opening day vibes and spectacular biking into a multi-day highlight. The program includes the following:
- 18 Jun: Swatch Nines Night Show – an evening feast for all senses
- 19 Jun: Bike Republic Sölden Rally – the iconic FUNduro team competition
- 20 Jun: Swatch Nines Public Day & Expo Party – get up close to the world’s best MTB athletes in the “Dirt District”
From 19 June, a varied program of events will take place in the event area on Gaislachkogl all weekend long, including bike expo, riders’ party, biking technique courses and other side events.
Further information at: Bike Republic Sölden
Hiking, cycling & biking with even more comfort
Sölden is also making targeted investments in the quality of its hiking network. Gampe Hiking Trail is being developed into a continuous route thanks to the newly created ski slope connection in winter (piste junction). The upper section is already complete while the lower part is scheduled to open in early July 2026. The result: more flexible tour options and smoother connections between different altitude levels.
With around 300 kilometers of marked hiking trails, ranging from challenging summit tours to leisurely panoramic paths, Sölden remains a top-notch destination when it comes to hiking holidays. If you get hungry, Alpinarik Sölden once again brings the culinary variety of the region to the mountain huts and alpine pasture inns in 2026. At the partner huts and alpine inns – more than ever before – regional products, creative signature dishes and close collaboration with local producers will shape the tasty offer.
Good news for everyone who wants to explore the valley by bike: the scenic Ötztal Cycle Trail is being extended from Gaislachkogl gondola lift up to Hotel Sportlers, allowing for relaxed biking through the village starting in July 2026.
Mountain Cart Games Sölden premiere
A trendy event format will be launched on the over 7 kilometer long mountain cart track at Gaislachkogl on 11 and 12 September 2026. At the 1st Mountain Cart Games Sölden, teams compete against each other and must complete several tasks along the track. The fastest time is not the deciding factor, but rather skill, teamwork and strategy. The popular mountain cart track itself remains a fixture in the summer program, boasting an action-packed alternative for everyone who wants to experience the mountain in a completely different way.
A truly varied event program
Following the Bike Republic Sölden Festival, the event calendar is packed with highlights throughout the summer season. Every Friday from 03 July to 21 August, it’s time to unwind at the Bike Afterwork as the first section of Gaislachkogl gondola runs until 19:15 and selected trails are open until 20:00 – just perfect for extra flow and sunset rides after a long work week.
At the Festival on the Mountain on 02 August, games, activity stations and music will transform Gaislachkogl middle station into a great festival area.
On 30 August 2026, some 4,000 cycling enthusiasts will again take part in the legendary Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. In its 45th edition, the 227 km long course covering 5,500 altitude meters, will fully challenge participants to achieve their dream of finishing the race.
The Bike Republic Sölden National Holiday on 03 and 04 October 2026, is the crowning finale of the entire bike season. Bike parade, bike shows, fun-packed contests and a lot more promise a fitting end to the season.
More detailed information and events: Sölden Events
Car-free holidays
The most relaxed and sustainable way to travel is by train to Ötztal-Bahnhof station at the entrance to the valley. From there, you can easily and comfortably continue your journey into the valley to Sölden using public transport. The new Adventure Ticket allows you to conveniently combine train travel with digital tour planning. The ticket includes train travel on a daytime train or ÖBB Nightjet to Ötztal-Bahnhof or Innsbruck stations, onward travel on regional bus no. 320 and a voucher for one month of premium access to the komoot navigation app. Once arrived in Ötztal, the public transport network – in combination with the Ötztal Summer Card – ensures maximum flexibility without needing a car on site. Mobility in Ötztal
Further information: www.soelden.com
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