Solden is one of Austria’s largest and most lively resorts which is a short one hour transfer from Innsbruck. As a result it is a very popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.

Hotels in this resort

• Alm Ferienclub Silbertal
• Bergland
• Bergland Hotel Solden (CRYH-ATIN0098)
• Central
• Chalet Hotel Hermann
• Chalet Karl Riml
• Chalet Paul Gruner
• Das Central - Alpine?. Luxury?. Life (CRYH-ATIN0091)
• Die Berge Lifestyle Hotel (CRYH-ATIN0095)
• Erhart
• Erhart Hotel (CRYH-ATIN0093)
• G.haus Kneisl
• Gaestehaus Kneisl (CRYH-ATIN0094)
• Garni Viktoria
• Glazner Homes
• Granat
• Grauer Bar
• Haus Serafin
• Hotel Grauer Baer
• Hotel Soelderhof & Residenz Tamara
• Hotel Tyrol
• Hotel Tyrolerhof
• Hotel Tyrolerhof (CRYH-ATIN0138)
• Pension Waldheim
• Regina
• Regina Hotel
• Regina Hotel, Solden (CRYH-ATIN0090)
• Riders In Soelden (INGH-ATSD104ACC)
• Rosengarten
• Sporthotel Alpina Solden (CRYH-ATIN0096)
• Sporthtl Alpina
• Sunny Hotel
• Sunny SöLden (INGH-ATSD105ACC)
• Tyrol Hotel
• Tyrolerhof Hotel

Solden Guide

Solden has a long winter ski season thanks to its high altitude (1380m at its lowest) which means it has an excellent snow record. Summer skiing is also available on Solden’s two glaciers and this means that when the snow is not so good on the main piste, glacier skiing is always available as a back-up.

The Solden-Hochsolden-Gaislachkogl Ski Area has over 100km (60 miles) of trails. There is an extensive array of slopes suited to a range of abilities, but most suited to adventurous intermediate skiers with 61 Red Runs over 62km. There is less to keep expert skiers busy with a smaller number of Black Runs (31 runs over 23km).

Snowboarders will also find much to entertain them at Solden, with two terrain parks at Giggiioch, including half pipes and challenging kickers. There is also a testing boardercross course with exhilarating jumps and waves to tackle.

Significant investment has been put towards the resort’s lift system with 33 Ski Lifts which are able to carry over 60,000 skiers and snowboarders an hour. Many of them are state of the art gondolas and chair lifts. Solden has gondolas on three mountains above 3000m in height and each of these has a viewing platform so that you can relax and take in the breathtaking view.

One unique element of Solden is the Euro Test area where several high profile ski and snowboard manufactures allow you to rent their latest equipment so that you can try before you buy.

The first northern hemisphere World Cup Races can be seen here every October and November and are a thrilling experience.

There are a choice of good ski schools with three in Solden and a further school in Vent, offering good quality teaching for all experience levels, as well as guiding around the mountain.

Cross-country skiers are also catered for with 20km (12 miles) of trail over three loops.

Nightlife

Solden is known for having a real party atmosphere and the nightlife here is lively with a wide variety of bars and nightclubs to choose from. There are 45 lively apres ski bars to choose from. The Almrausch is a rustic and friendly place to relax after a long day on the piste and the Snow Rock Cafe is another popular choice.

There are also several nightclubs to enjoy. Fire & Ice is a very trendy bar which hosts some great nights and top DJs, providing somewhere that is a great venue to dance until the early hours with friends. Other nightclubs to try include Rodelhette and Moguls.

There is also an annual gay event at Solden every March, which has proven quite a hit. 2010 will be the 12th annual Gay Snow Happening with plenty of events planned both on and off the mountain including several parties.

Activities

There is plenty to keep you entertained at Solden when you are not on the piste. It is home to an exciting 5km toboggan run and Paragliding centre for the more adventurous. Alternatively, the Freizeit Arena has a pool, saunas and steam rooms or the Aquadome Spa in Langefield is great if you just want to relax and soothe those aching ski muscles.

In addition, there are great family activities including sleigh rides and ice-skating, to keep the little ones amused.

30km of cleared winter trails provide a great backdrop to some scenic walks through Solden if walking or hiking is more your style.

Eating Out

You will find a real mixture of restaurants in Solden to suit every taste. Many of them provide a traditional Tirolean style menu with many local specialties, which you are recommended to try. Saitensprung is one not to be missed and offers traditional fondue.

There are also plenty of restaurants offering a more international menu. Mounty Burger is a great example of this and a popular choice at the end of the day’s skiing and the Corso Restaurant is a great pizzeria.

There are also 20 on-mountain restaurants so that you are never far from a great lunch on the piste. You can choose from self-service or table-service restaurants so that you can grab something quick or have a more relaxed lunch and take in the views on the mountain.