Ski resort
Around the glacier in Sölden
There are two ski areas on the Ötztal glacier: The Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers, with a total area of 20 km², are among the largest developed glacier areas in Austria. Absolute snow reliability is already guaranteed in the pre-winter months. In addition, the Ötztal Alps are the most glaciated area in the Central Alps. Skiing and snowboarding can be done here at an altitude of between 2,670 and 3,340 meters. If you don't have your own equipment, you can rent it from one of the three ski rentals.
There are 22 kilometers of easy, 8 kilometers of medium and 6 kilometers of difficult slopes. The 3 gondola lifts, 2 chair lifts and 5 surface lifts carry over 20,000 people per hour. So you can also get to the 3 restaurants and ski huts.
Tiefenbach Glacier
The Tiefenbach glacier stretches southwards at an altitude of between 2795 and 3249 meters. It is located on the Tiefenbachkogel, one of the most powerful mountains in the Ötztal Alps. At 3309 meters, it is the second highest mountain in the BIG3. These are three mountains in Sölden with heights in the 3000-meter range: Gaislachkogel, Tiefenbachkogel and Schwarze Schneid. The Tiefenbach glacier was mostly developed for the Sölden/Hochsölden ski area and consists of 1 kilometer of difficult, 4 kilometers of medium and 13 kilometers of easy slopes. These are rather wide and gentle and therefore very suitable for less experienced winter sports enthusiasts and those who do not like it so steep. 8,230 people can be transported by the 6 lifts per hour. For snowboard lovers, there is a half pipe and the fun park for practicing tricks. This includes, among other things, boxes, jumps, slides, rails and waverides.
Rettenbach Glacier
The Rettenbach glacier is located near the municipality of Sölden between the BIG3 and is at an altitude of 2,675 to 3,250 meters. 11 kilometers of slopes are divided into 5 kilometers of easy, 4 kilometers of medium and 2 kilometers of difficult slopes. Advanced and sporty skiers will get their money's worth, as more challenging and steeper slopes are offered here than at Tiefenbach Glacier. Up to 7,160 people can be transported on the Rettenbach Glacier by the four lifts. Since the Sölden region is one of the largest winter sports centers in Tyrol, the glacier is not only used for skiing but also for many other events and happenings, including some Ski World Cups. As a result, the popularity of the ski resort increased and today it is one of the largest ski resorts in the Ötztal. World Cup races are held annually in various disciplines. The FIS Ski World Cup Opening of the men and women at the end of October is already legendary. The world cup winter of snowboarders is also opened at the Rettenbach glacier. In addition, events with free product tests are held almost weekly in autumn and sometimes even open-air events, such as plays.
Connection of the ski resorts
The two glacier ski areas are easily accessible by the "Golden Gate to Glacier" glacier ski lifts. Europe's highest road tunnel is located at 3,250 meters above sea level. It is 1.8 kilometers long and connects the Rettenbach Glacier with the Tiefenbach Glacier. From the town of Sölden there is a direct road connection to the glacier ski area. Up to the Rettenbach Glacier, the approach on the federal road (toll road) is about 13 kilometers and from there to the Tiefenbach Glacier another 3 kilometers. This access is also possible for heavy vehicles up to 38 tons and all types of buses, but you have to take snow chains and track chains with you. The glacier ski bus runs regularly from Sölden to the glacier ski areas. By connecting these with the Sölden winter ski area, there are a total of 150 kilometers of slopes and 34 lifts.