Where to Ski And Snowboard - Shuttle for Sölden

Shuttle for Sölden - and first snows

13th September 2010, by Chris Gill

Waiting for the World Cup to begin ... not long to go now

It has been snowing in Sölden today, Monday 13 September, and the race is on to get new developments completed before winter arrives properly. This year that includes a modern new gondola and a new shuttle to benefit beginners.

The resort opened its glacier for limited skiing last week, almost a month early following the recent chilly end to the summer. Since then, another 15-20cm new snow has fallen above 2500m, with more forecast for the end of the week.

We recently reported on the new Gaislachkoglbahn, a highly modern two-stage system that is designed to look good as well as speed-up access to that sector. There is still work to be done, but fingers are crossed for it to open for the new season.

But there is also another new attraction for the resort: the “Zentrum Shuttle” – better connecting the village to the Innerwald beginner area. The nursery slopes there are rather inconveniently positioned, so the shuttle should help; and it is a ‘lift’ that novices can use.

The mini-people carrier is a fully automated shuttle that runs on rails; each of the cabins holds 40 people. Because it does not rely on people-power, the system can operate at any time too.

Sölden in Austria is usually one of the first resorts in the Alps to kick off the new season, and more traditionally in October when the FIS racing season starts its series there. At present, the glacier slopes have increased their base depths from 34cm to 46cm. And there are three lifts open, serving a 3km blue run.