Where to Ski And Snowboard -

Have you heard ... Sölden rocks?

20th October 2011, by Chris Gill

Sölden, Austria

Austria’s Tirol region has lots of classic ski resorts, usually blessed with an impressive snow record and a reputation for a lively atmosphere. So, why is it that the lovely Öetz valley’s biggest resort, Sölden, has such a low profile in the UK? Most people pass through, heading for Obergurgl.

Sölden hosts the season opener for the FIS Alpine World Cup races. It has two major glaciers, which provide a reliably long winter season, and the nightlife to rival most Austrian ski resorts. Yet in recent years the place has appealed more to German, Russian and Dutch visitors, while Brits take on prominent Tirol neighbours St Anton and Ischgl.

Skiing Sölden’s broad, open slopes, I barely heard another English voice. But for intermediates especially, this resort has some excellent terrain that includes long runs and a big vertical (1880m) – as well as a mostly modern lift system such as the newish Gaislachkogl gondolas. And the area feels much larger than its 150km extent suggests. It lacks expert challenge on piste, but beckons good off-piste in places.

With a nightclub called ‘The Lucky Shag’ and a collection of strip clubs, Sölden’s reputation as a boisterous party town may have put off some potential visitors. It is largely avoidable, though, and ought not to detract from the resort’s appeal as a ski area.

With news of more tour operator interest in Sölden this winter, things may be about to change. Visitors now have something in between a standard guest house and the wealth of hotels: the chalet-hotel. Ski Total now has a property there, having taken over Chalet Hermann – a chalet-hotel sleeping 52-59 guests.

Ski Total’s chalet-hotel Hermann

Quality accommodation on a chalet-board basis is the aim in a resort that boasts a high proportion of 3- and 4-star hotels. This kind of accommodation is scarce in Sölden, so it is likely to prove very popular at a time when holiday costs influence many people’s plans.

Hermann is two buildings, one a contemporary wing. In keeping more with a hotel, there is a wellness and relaxation area, and most rooms are twins with en suite facilities. The chalet is close to the Giggijoch gondola, which takes you up to the main blue slopes. A red run home is possible for competent skiers and boarders. Night owls can take advantage of the evening shuttle to the centre, and there are regular ski buses during the day.

And the Hermann’s claim to fame? World Cup winners Ted Ligety and Lindsey Vonn stayed there this October 2011 – their skis were waxed in the basement, we’re told!

Brochure prices for January start at £726 per person per week. Ski Total operates various ‘crunch busters’ throughout the season, so it’s worth checking them out for reductions and deals. Or go before Christmas, departing on 16 December for £599 (was £749) – see our Bargains section.

Hermann’s dining area

Skiworld now has a property in the resort too. The 30-bed Chalet Eishaus is also in the Giggijoch end of town, about 350m from the gondola. The Eishaus is a former guest house, a little dated but with en suite rooms (singles available) and separate living and dining areas. The town centre is less than half a mile away. Prices start from £589 per person in early December.

Sölden is very accessible from Innsbuck, just a 1.5 to 2-hour transfer. The Oetz Valley has lots to offer those with time to explore too – many visitors enjoy soaking up the surroundings in the Langenfeld thermal baths, a short bus ride away.

Sölden’s official promo video from a few years back, dug out from You Tube. Apart from new lifts, little has changed; so it’s a good resort overview.

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• solden
• otz
• glaciers
• ski total

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