SÖLDEN: Winter sport meets alpine lifestyle.

Last updated on 08.10.2026 | Ötztal

Sölden stands for high alpine winter sports but also for an alpine world that extends far beyond that. The winter season kicks off on Friday, 9 October, with the opening of the first glacier slopes. Skiers can take advantage of a discounted early-season ticket priced at €36.50.

Spanning altitudes between 1,350 and 3,340 meters above sea level, the destination combines two glacier ski mountains and 147 slope kilometers with exceptional architecture, international events, fine dining and unique mountain exploration. Landmarks such as 007 ELEMENTS and ice Q restaurant at 3,048 meters have shaped the destination’s image far beyond the Alps. The winter season of 2026/27 will see the addition of the Infinity Studio, a new venue that consistently continues this vision. The sporting season kicks off with the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup at Rettenbach Glacier on 24 and 25 October 2026, followed by the opening of the winter ski area in mid-November. New features for the season include the Gratl 6-seater chairlift, further investments in snow reliability and slope quality as well as the Sölden Ski Rally launching on 05 December 2026.

Skiing from 1,350 up to 3,340 meters

The slopes in Sölden span altitudes between 1,350 and 3,340 meters above sea level, including two glacier ski areas. This high altitude, combined with 31 top modern mountain lifts, promises ideal conditions for fun-packed winter sports from autumn well into spring. Thanks to 147 slope kilometers across all difficulty levels, there are runs to suit every preference and skill level.

A special highlight are the BIG3: three skiable peaks higher than 3,000 meters accessible by mountain gondola make Sölden unique in all of Austria. Viewing platforms at Tiefenbachkogl, Schwarze Schneid and Gaislachkogl boast panoramic views of the alpine scenery. These three peaks also lend their name to the 50 km BIG3 Rally that traverses the entire ski area and includes stops at all three vista platforms.

New chairlift, enhanced comfort, absolute snow guarantee

For the 2026/27 winter season, Bergbahnen Sölden Lift Company is continuing to invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure, ski slope quality and technical snowmaking. The largest project is the new Gratl 6-seater chairlift on Gaislachkogl. It cuts the uphill riding time of the previous lift from eight to around 4.2 minutes. Weather-protection shields, comfortable seats and top modern safety technology enhance comfort while the repositioned top station makes it much easier to get off the ski lift.

Another key focus is set on snow reliability. The slopes at Gaislachkogl have been equipped with a high-performance snowmaking system featuring a pipeline network nearly four kilometers long. It ensures reliable snow coverage for about ten hectares of ski slope area.

Snowmaking systems at Schwarzkogl and Wasserkar have been expanded and modernized. Additionally, the slope near Wasserkar base station has been widened by reducing also its gradient, an extra benefit especially for less experienced winter sports fans.

The reconstructed Mutkogl lift at Tiefenbach Glacier is now more than 50 percent shorter and technically optimized for operation on glacial terrain. The considerably reduced uphill riding time makes the T-bar lift much more attractive, particularly for those wishing to make repeated runs.

Sölden is also adopting new solutions for its energy supply: the huge photovoltaic system at Tiefenbach Glacier has a total peak output of 6.5 megawatts. It is therefore designed to cover approximately 35 percent of the total electricity needs of Bergbahnen Sölden Lift Company in the future.

Event premiere: Sölden Ski Rally on 05 December

The Sölden Ski Rally makes its debut on 05 December 2026. The focus is absolutely not on record times, but on skill, fun and shared experiences. Several challenges await participants as they make their way through the ski area, ranging from guessing games and target shooting to the task requiring them to hit a specific speed as accurately as possible on skis or a snowboard.

All those who complete all the stations receive a finisher’s goodie and will automatically be entered into a prize draw. Prizes will also be awarded for the best performances in the individual challenges. The event is open to winter sportspeople aged six to 99 who can confidently master blue, red and ski black slopes. The event concludes with an awards ceremony and the Sölden Party.

Ski World Cup, Sölden Parties and special evenings on the mountain

The Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Opening on Rettenbach Glacier traditionally marks the season’s first major sporting highlight. On 24 and 25 October 2026, the men’s and women’s giant slalom elite will gather on the challenging World Cup slope – cheered on by a total of 30,000 fans and accompanied by an extensive event program down on the valley floor.

The Sölden Parties return on a weekly basis from 21 November 2026. From 13:45 to 16:30, the area in front of Giggijoch Restaurant will turn into a dance floor in the snow. Additional dates are scheduled for Tuesdays: 16 February, 23 February and 02 March 2027.

From 23 December 2026 to 17 March 2027, Wednesday evenings are all about Wednesday Night Fever at Gaislachkogl. Night tobogganing and night skiing take place on the illuminated sled run and ski slope.

There are also special culinary experiences on the mountain: the newly conceived ice Q Summit Dinner presents fine dining as a first-class flight, combining exceptional cuisine with a unique evening on the mountain. At FALCON Restaurant, the focus is on a sharing concept centered around fire kitchen cooking with dishes prepared over an open flame, smoky aromas and regional ingredients.

NEW: Infinity Studio – Above the noise

In December 2026, Infinity Studio – an extraordinary high-end recording studio, creative retreat and exclusive event venue – will open its doors at an altitude of 2,600 meters above Sölden. This is where international artists, producers and top DJs come together to create, record and perform music. Professional studio infrastructure, striking architecture and a high alpine setting make a perfect space for creative productions, content creation, brand experiences and select events. As part of the Electric Mountain Festival, Infinity Studio will host an exclusive Premium Party featuring international DJs – with limited access and an intimate atmosphere high above the main festival action.

Electric Mountain Festival: International top acts in the mountains

From 12 to 17 April  2027, the unparalleled Electric Mountain Festival will bring international electronic dance music and top acts to Sölden. For an entire week, the festival combines music, spring-time skiing in prime conditions and extraordinary venues set amidst the mountain scenery. The Main Days at Giggijoch take place on 15 and 16 April 2027. To ensure a high-quality event and a safe party atmosphere, admission tickets are once again limited. Special festival packages bundle all the main highlights: the Full Festival Package includes seven nights’ accommodation, a 6-day skipass, tickets for the Main Days on 15 and 16 April and additional vouchers. The Half Festival Package combines four nights’ lodging with a 3-day skipass and festival tickets for the Main Days. Both package deals can be booked directly at: soelden.com

Sölden off the beaten slopes

At the 007 ELEMENTS multimedia experience on Gaislachkogl summit, fans can immerse themselves in the universe of James Bond.

Original props, interactive technologies and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the filming of Spectre in Sölden blend cinema and architecture in a high alpine setting.

Another great option is the toboggan run – freshly groomed every day and easy to master – starting at the middle station of Gaislachkogl gondola. At 7.3 kilometers long, it ranks among the longest of its kind in Austria.

After an active day, splendid AQUA DOME – Tirol Therme Längenfeld offers perfect relaxation thanks to twelve indoor and outdoor pools, expansive sauna parlors, a large children’s zone and iconic outdoor brine bowls. The Ski & Relax ticket allows visitors to combine skiing in Sölden with evening admission to AQUA DOME – available with or without accommodation.

For a sporty option in case of bad weather, the Indoor Bike Park at AREA 47 at the entrance to the valley makes an ideal choice for winter training sessions or preparation for a future summer trip to the BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN.

Culinary treats ranging from ski huts to fine dining

More than 30 mountain huts, inns and restaurants across the ski area offer a wide range of culinary options. Scenic ice Q at 3,048 meters atop Gaislachkogl peak enjoys a truly spectacular location. Austria’s highest toque-awarded restaurant combines panoramic views with highly acclaimed gourmet cuisine, boasting two Gault&Millau Toques (2025) as well as three Forks and a score of 92 Points in the Falstaff Restaurant Guide.

At the middle station of Gaislachkogl gondola, the fine FALCON Restaurants offer two distinct concepts under one roof. The upper level focuses on à la carte dining and selected wines, while the ground-floor market restaurant serves well-known classics alongside international food trends.

Even on Giggijoch at 2,285 meters above sea level, the choice ranges from Wirtshaus am Giggijoch à la carte restaurant to modern self-service eateries.

A relaxed journey to Ötztal

Sölden is easily accessible by car via the direct Ötztal motorway exit, as well as by train and bus via Ötztal-Bahnhof express train station. Direct ICE connections from Hamburg and Hanover, along with the Railjet service from Munich, make traveling by train a very comfortable option.

Alternatively, you can fly to Innsbruck and book the comfy Ötztal Shuttle transfer, which takes around one hour. With a valid guest card or skipass, you can use all public transport lines within the valley free of charge.

Skipasses can be purchased already in advance via the online shop and then collected using a QR code at the ticket counters or automated machines.

Tickets for 007 ELEMENTS are also available online.

All information details and events: www.soelden.com

Pictures: HERE

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