In Ötztal's renowned skiing paradise the winter term already has three seasons made to measure for early winter fans, passionate endurance sportsmen and après-ski aficionados.

Linked ski areas in the eternal ice The glacier slopes in the upper Ötztal, towering high above the skiers village, offer perfect snow conditions already from early September.

That's the time when usually the valley's meadows and forests wear their most colorfuldress – ranging from yellow to russet and dark red. The highest panoramic road in the Eastern Alps takes skiers and snowboarders effortlessly by car or coach from Sölden tothe slopes of Tiefenbach and Rettenbach glacier, one of Austria's largest glacier ski areas.

The two glaciers are linked by a road tunnel and a separate skiers tunnel. Therefore Sölden boasts the only interconnected glacier ski area in the Alps. 36 kilometers of immaculate slopes and 10 mountain lifts with an hourly capacity of 20,000 persons guarantee unlimited skiing fun for all ages and preferences. Additionally, Sölden's Rettenbach glacier boasts the only European Test and Exhibition Center where winter sports fans can test the latest material and equipment of all renowned sports brands from September to November.

Sports arena of superlatives

In addition to the glacier ski slopes, the opening of the Sölden and Hochsölden winter ski area is expected for November. Skiers and snowboarders can choose from no less than 148 kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes for all levels and abilities, 35 mountain lifts with absolutely no lift lines.

Of course, snow is also guaranteed between 1350 and 3340 meters above sea level from October through May – thanks to a top modern snow making system covering some 80 percent of all slopes.

Sölden has another unique attraction:

Three mountain peaks beyond 3000 meters which are easily accessibly on skis - Gaislachkogl (3058 m), Tiefenbachkogl (3250 m) and Schwarze Schneide (3340 m). A tour of all three summits called "BIG3" can be made on one day. This spectacular "BIG3 Rally" starts at the base terminal of Giggijoch mountain gondola and ends at the base terminal of Gaislachkogl mountain gondola. A truly challenging experience: in four hours you conquer 50 kilometers of slopes and 10,000 meters of difference in altitude while enjoying three awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Alpine scenery from the "BIG3" viewing platforms.

Every Wednesday evening all Sölden fans can look forward to a special attraction, the new multi-media “Night Ski Show" taking place at the middle station of the Gaislachkogl mountain gondola. The local ski schools and the traditional Sölden Ski Club perform a truly breathtaking winter sports show, giving an insight into the roots of winter sports up to the modern age.