Solden
Lively, party atmosphere ski resort with surprisingly good and high altitude glacier skiing
Solden resort guide - a general overview
Solden is no beauty by Austrian ski resort standards but it more than makes up for this by being very lively (mostly German and Dutch revellers) and by also offering some good high altitude, snow sure skiing. The lifts are at either end of the slightly sprawling village but these are connected by a very efficient and free shuttle bus service. There are some long runs from the top lifts and there is some serious 'vertical' that good intermediates will really enjoy. There are a few black pistes for experts but these are not too challenging. However, there is some excellent off-piste terrain and some great touring also to be had. Truly good skiers are well catered for.
Off the slopes there is plenty to entertain those staying in the hotels and chalets in Solden at the Sports Centre which has a swimming pool and ice rink. Ice climbing and sleigh rides can be arranged also. Day trips to Innsbruck are very possible and the Aqua Dome is a thermal spa centre at nearby Langenfeld. There are numerous walking trails for those that are not hitting the slopes.
Resort stats
148km
1,380m - 3,250m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dining
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- Innsbruck
- 1hr 15mins
2 ski chalets in Solden View All
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent snow reliability with access to two glaciers with high altitude slopes
- Very lively apres ski scene and nightlife - rivalling St Anton and Ischgl
- Impressive lift system
- Reasonably large and varied ski area suiting adventurous intermediates best
Cons
- It can get noisy and rowdy in the late afternoons and evenings
- The resort sprawls along a main road with no real centre
- Some of the central hotels and chalets in Solden are some distance from the main lifts
- Inconvenient beginner slopes
Restaurants
Solden Resort Restaurants
Solden is not a large resort but there are enough restaurants from which to make a choice. The Tavola in the Hotel Rosengarten is very reliable; the Corso (for pizzas); Cafe Hubertus and the Nudeltopf are also recommended. The s'Pfandl above the resort at Ausserwald is noted for its traditional Tirolean food.
Solden Mountain Restaurants
As in most Austrian resorts there are plenty of mountain restaurants to choose from. In fact there are 30 different on-mountain eateries the last time we checked. Some of course are large, self serve establishments which are more practical than enjoyable (the Panorama Alm being reportedly the best). However, there are enough traditional and charming restaurants to keep one satisfied. The Gampe Thaya just above Rettenbachtal offers simple but good food, table service and great views across to nearby Obergurgl and the Huhnersteign is justly famous for its chicken dishes.
Solden Apres Ski
Solden would rival any premier league resort for the apres ski (and nightlife) scene. The partying usually starts at Giggijoch towards the end of the ski day and will progress, possibly via the Philipp's Eisbar at Innerwald, to packed bars around the resort's high street.
Solden Nightlife
After dinner there are numerous bars, many with live bands, and nightclubs to choose from. There are plenty of clubs and bars with table dancing, striptease or go-go dancing so you get the general picture. The Shirmbar gets particular note although Grizzly's and the Die Alm are a bit quieter. There are excellent toboggan evenings that start at Gaislachalm and the Rodelhutte also has go-go girls to rev the party atmosphere up.
Funicular
Cable Car
Gondola
Chair lift
Drag lift
Property
