Sporty, digital, global: Sölden takes winter sports to a new level
Last updated on 29.10.2025
Right at the heart of the Alps as well as at the cutting edge: thanks to infrastructure upgrades, top-class events and the already popular advantages of its huge ski area, Sölden will kick off the 2025/26 winter season in a great way. 146 immaculate slope kilometers, 31 mountain lifts and three ski mountains over 3,000 meters above sea level will delight ski aficionados. The new ski piste intersection connecting central valley points directly via easy slopes, AI-assisted lifts and a top modern slope guidance system will provide additional comfort.
For the 32nd time, the Alpine Ski World Cup weekend on 25 and 26 October 2025, will mark the official start of the alpine competition winter by accompanying also the start of the skiing season in Sölden. In addition to international sports events, the destination boasts impressive altitudes ranging between 1,350 and 3,340 meters above sea level, absolute snow guarantee from October to early May and comprehensive infrastructures. Two glacier ski areas, three 3,000 m high peaks accessible by lift as well as countless quaint huts and modern mountain restaurants promise an unparalleled winter sports experience. The glacier ski season already starts in October while the winter ski area at Giggijoch and Gaislachkogl will open as early as mid-November, depending on snow conditions. The coming winter season promises upgrades that will make skiing in Sölden even more impressive and enjoyable.
Quality improvements within the ski area
Due to the new construction of the high-performance Einzeiger and Silberbrünnl chair lifts, winter sport fans enjoy even more efficient uphill ride options and increased safety. The two 8-seater chair lifts replace the former uphill facilities due to state-of-the-art technology, extra-wide seats and increased transport capacity as up to 4,000 people per hour can reach the top stations significantly faster. Artificial intelligence supports staff in terms of safety: seven cameras automatically detect potentially dangerous situations by prompting a rapid response if necessary.
The new ski piste intersection, which connects pistes no. 7 and no. 22, also promises enhanced comfort. Winter sports fans can easily reach all three key points on the valley floor on skis: Gaislachkogl and Giggijoch base stations as well as the village center of Sölden’s Postplatz. A continuous network of slopes is being created from Hochsölden to Grünwald, just perfect for beginners and also an attractive alternative in unfavorable weather. On days with strong winds at higher altitudes, the ski piste intersection close to the valley still guarantees winter sports fun on the slopes.
Another advantage: the connection and accessibility of the most important spots on ski and snowboard will also reduce local traffic.
The completion of piste 1b near Gaislachkogl’s middle station as a continuous blue-marked ski run will also ensure more enjoyable skiing for less experienced winter sportspeople who will particularly benefit from the wider and flatter connecting ski slope section.
Efficient solar power is being used sustainably on Tiefenbach Glacier at 2,850 meters above sea level. Following a successful pilot project, Bergbahnen Sölden Lift Company is implementing an innovative photovoltaic system tailored to the special conditions in the high alpine mountains. The vertical arrangement of all modules – the shape reminds of a tree structure – prevents snow accumulation while reflection maximizes the system’s performance. The first part of the system will be completed by the coming winter season. In the future, it will cover a large portion of the ski area’s energy supply.
Update of ski slope maps
A completely redesigned piste guidance system promises even better orientation in the ski area starting this season. All relevant information is clearly presented using large panels at a total of 60 different locations within the ski region. A specially developed and user friendly ski slope map also presents the actual dimensions of skiable slopes.
Sölden indoors & outdoors: striking and exceptional
Sölden is not only a renowned world-class ski resort, Gaislachkogl mountain itself has also achieved international cult status thanks to its spectacular location and the unique architecture of the glass-covered ice Q restaurant. At this famous location also known from the James Bond movie “Spectre” and in its splendid 007 ELEMENTS multimedia installation, spy film fans can immerse themselves in the secret agent’s universe. A cinematic adventure world featuring original props and interactive technology awaits visitors right inside the mountain at over 3,000 meters above sea level.
Another highlight off the beaten ski slopes is the 7.3 km long toboggan run leading down from Gaislachkogl middle station – one of the longest of its kind in all of Austria. Unique AQUA DOME – Tirol Therme Längenfeld offers relaxation and enjoyment thanks to twelve indoor and outdoor pools, awe-inspiring water and sauna worlds, a large children’s area and the iconic outdoor saltwater pools. Holders of a “Ski & Relax” ticket can enjoy skiing in Sölden first, followed by admission to 007 ELEMENTS (at specified times) and wonderful hours of relaxation thanks to evening entry to AQUA DOME.
Event calendar boasting myriad highlights
The AUDI FIS Ski World Cup Opening featuring women’s and men’s giant slalom races not only kicks off the new racing season, but also a series of spectacular winter events held in Sölden. On 25 and 26 October 2025, thousands of fans will celebrate the ski stars in the Glacier Stadium. Since his comeback last year, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen is also back as Sölden’s famous brand ambassador under the Brazilian flag and with Sölden as official training base for the entire Pinheiro Team.
Wednesday Night Fever: During the winter months, “Night Fever” breaks out at Gaislachkogl ski mountain every Wednesday (except: Thursday, 25 Dec 2025 & New Year’s Day, 01 Jan 2026) until mid-March. Here night tobogganing and night skiing meet culinary treats at the Summit Dinner in the ice Q gourmet restaurant or the FALCON à la carte restaurant. For all James Bond fans, outstanding 007 ELEMENTS will also open its doors midweek in the evening – “ELEMENTS by Night” promises a truly special experience under the stars.
Sölden Parties: Starting on 02 Nov 2025, the legendary Sölden Parties will take place weekly again. From 13:45 to 16:30 in the afternoon, the forecourt of Giggijoch Restaurant will turn into a great electronic dance music floor. Additional dates will be on Tuesday, 17 Feb & 24 Feb & 03 Mar 2026.
Hannibal: On 10 Apr 2026, scenic Rettenbach Glacier will once again become the stage for the dramatic open-air theater performance of a mystical alpine crossing: “Hannibal” – The Glacier Spectacle will thrill the audience as usual due to spectacular show effects and the unique natural backdrop at over 3,000 m above sea level.
Electric Mountain Festival (EMF): When thousands of people dance to the beats of top DJs at over 2,000 meters altitude, the winter season is almost over. The ultimate Electric Mountain Festival, taking place from 13 to 18 April 2026, unites both fans and the most sought-after international acts. To ensure the high quality of this signature event and an exclusive festival experience, a limited number of tickets will be introduced for the first time during the two 2026 Main Days at Giggijoch.
New cooperations: Epic Pass and Kids on Ski
Since June 2025, Sölden has been part of the international Epic Pass network, giving skiers from all over the world access to more than 80 top destinations. The Epic Pass entitles holders to enjoy five freely chosen days of skiing in the Sölden ski area. This partnership not only strengthens global presence but also opens up new opportunities for regional tourism in the growing US market.
Sölden is also once again supporting the “Kids on Ski” initiative, which offers 200 children a high-quality introduction to skiing at the Heartbeat of the Alps. With free winter sport lessons and ski rentals, the program encourages young skiers to take their first steps on the wintry slopes. Guests planning a family stay in Sölden can register their 3 to 5 year old children for ski lessons. The costs for these lessons, as well as for the appropriate equipment, lift ticket and accommodation for the child are covered. Early reservations are recommended as the coveted promotional package is fully booked in a short time.
Top-notch culinary excellence
More than 30 alpine huts and mountain restaurants spread across the Sölden ski area offer delightful breaks with superb alpine panorama. For example, in Austria’s highest toque-awarded gourmet restaurant “ice Q” at the summit of Gaislachkogl. In 2024, the excellent kitchen team was awarded two Gault&Millau toques and two Falstaff forks.
Also the FALCON Restaurant at Gaislachkogl middle station attracts visitors thanks to its exclusivity: on the upper floor, guests can look forward to creative à la carte dishes while the Market Restaurant on the ground floor offers modern self-service and high-quality food and drink.
Further proof of Sölden’s top culinary excellence is the award-winning “Ötztaler Stube” at 5-star Das Central Hotel: in 2025, the gourmet restaurant received Sölden’s first Michelin star. Kitchen chef Stefan Speiser particularly impresses with a range of creative dishes that combine fine regional ingredients with international standards.
Ötztal Super Skipass is a valley-wide ticket
All those looking for even more variety in skiing can purchase the unrivaled Ötztal Super Skipass that gives access to 368 slope kilometers and 90 mountain lifts – and thus to the Sölden, Gurgl, Hochoetz-Kühtai, Niederthai, Gries and Vent ski areas. The upgrade to the Ötztal Super Skipass is already included from 3-day ski tickets. Ski tickets of 6 days or more also comprise admission to the spectacular 007 ELEMENTS James Bond Adventure World in Sölden and Top Mountain Motorcycle Experience in Hochgurgl.
Stress-free and sustainable journey to Sölden
Skipasses can be conveniently purchased in advance in the new web shop, for both individuals and groups. Tickets for 007 ELEMENTS are also available online. Winter sports fans can then collect their tickets either at the ticket offices or ticket machines using QR codes.
Getting there is also quite easy as Sölden can be reached by car (Ötztal autobahn exit) or by environmentally friendly train and public bus via Ötztal-Bahnhof express train station. Alternatively, you can also fly to Innsbruck, followed by an Ötztal Shuttle transfer (approx. one hour).
Those travelling without a car can use all valley-wide public transport lines free of charge with a valid guest card or skipass – you can look forward to frequent intervals and excellent connections.
Special tip: direct connections by ICE trains from Hamburg and Hannover or by Railjet from Munich make train travel particularly convenient and comfortable.
All information and events: www.soelden.com
