SOLDEN, AUSTRIA

I was very impressed with Solden after spending a week there at the end of March. For a ski area that is listed as 150km of pisted runs, it feels much larger as most of these are well suited to intermediate/advanced skiers. There is a good range of steep pistes and almost endless off-piste for the advanced skiers (well worth getting a guide if conditions are good!). As a snowboarder, I never had to unstrap on a flat so a huge plus for us! There is enough for beginners, especially up on the glacier where it’s mostly blues but to make the most of the full ski area, it’s more suited to red run skiers. The lift system, restaurants, toilets and general infrastructure is some of the best I have experienced in Europe. We did question why the lift pass was as high as some of the larger ski areas in Europe but it’s clear to see the benefits. Lunch on the mountain was reasonably priced. There are plenty of traditional Austrian huts to stop by which serve some hearty portions! The lift pass covers skiing in Obergurgl. We didn’t realise how easy it was to go there for a day. There were buses leaving every 5/10 mins for the short 15-minute journey. Well worth a trip or two (and a few drinks at the legendary Nederhutte apres bar before heading back!). Also, your ski pass covers a free bus to the luxurious Aqua Dome spa. If you’re having a half day on the slopes (or whole day off), it’s an incredible place to unwind in the thermal pools with a stunning backdrop.

Apres Ski: 4/5

Leo Blake
Iglu Staff

I have just returned from a fantastic week in Solden. Solden town is split-level and is spread over a large area with the 2 main gondolas at each end. The main bars and restaurants are situated near the gondolas so everything is well located. There are regular buses that run up and down the main street allowing quick access between both gondolas and to neighboring towns and ski areas. I would definitely recommend taking the bus (15 minutes’ drive) for a ski-away-day to Obergurgl & Horchgugrl (which is included with lift passes for 3 days or more). Make sure that you have a few drinks at the Nederhutte apres bar in Obergurgl before getting the bus back to Solden. The ski area in Solden is mainly suited to intermediate and advanced skiers as there are many red runs and ‘extreme’ blue runs. If you are a regular skier or snowboarder, you will love Solden - the ski area is really varied with lots of high altitude ski areas and snow-sure slopes. The snow was still great at the end of March! I would love to go back and hire an off-piste guide as the ski area is extremely extensive. The ski area is suited well to snowboarders with barely any flats so you won’t have to unstrap when you don’t need to. The facilities and restaurants are all fantastic, Solden has heavily invested in the infrastructure so many of the lifts are fast and there are plenty of bathroom stops and rest areas around the mountain! My top recommendation would be to go for a drink in the IceQ bar at the top of the Gaislachkogl lift station as this is where they filmed the latest James Bond film Spectre. There are incredible views from the bar and the perfect spot for a great photo. If you haven’t done a ski holiday in Austria before, Solden is the perfect choice for your first try!

Apres Ski: 4/5

Krystelle
Iglu Staff