Solden, Austria

After your land speed record attempts, feel safe in the knowledge your hard work will be rewarded. There are many bars waiting to prop you up and many a soft chair for you to sink into, unwind and relive the day’s adventures.

 

Sölden creates one of the best winter playgrounds on offer in the Alps and we say you’re never too old to play!

 

The Big 3 as they are known are 3 mountain shaped giants named, Gaislachkogl (3.058 m), Tiefenbach (3.250 m) and Schwarze Schneide (3.340 m). They tower above the sparkling snow of the lower hills and provide inspiration to the most uninspired skier. We dare you not to want to push yourself harder, faster and better after viewing the magnificent mountain ranges of the Tyrol from the tops of these beasts. With 2 of these white giants hosting glaciers the Big 3 don’t just sit pretty; they offer incredible skiing and plenty of snow the whole season. 

There  are black runs to be had and plenty of guided off piste to explore, however,  it will be the intermediates and advanced intermediates that fall in love with the verticals and long runs all over the mountain. Beginners are also catered for with blues and easier gradients lower down the mountain just above the village at Innerwald.

 

Although the majority of the skiing is above the tree line, when shelter is required there are red and black runs through the trees back down to the village. There are also pistes as long as 12km run from the top of the glaciers to the bottom. If however you are one awesome park rat and it’s air time you crave then fear not. There is a gnarly park just above Gioggijoch Gondola; with beginner and pro kickers, waves, rails, boxes and the all important chill out zone. Here’s where you can admire all of the other riders shredding up the hill, alternatively you can be safe in the knowledge they’ll be watching you!

 

The lift system here is impressive too; with two Gondolas either side of town servicing the mountain and you can easily dodge any interesting looking T bars or buttons if they’re not quite your thing. Even single travellers will love Sölden, it was like the resort was designed for you with a dedicated single chairlift that heads up between the two main gondolas to a lovely blue run and mountain restaurant where you can make friends and find the perfect pal to tear up the Sölden terrain. If you fancy doing something different with your mornings there is a free shuttle bus that runs between the two gondolas, in addition to the neighbouring villages of Vent and Langenfeld. Why you would want to leave the Sölden area we don’t know but the option is there if you wish! 

 

It is likely your arms will work out as much as your legs in Sölden; after all, the place is renowned for its nightlife which seems as much a part of the mountain as the snow. There is a bar for all types, music for all ears, drinks for all tastes and dance floors to get anyone’s feet moving. To be quite honest you don’t even need to leave the hill if a hardcore heel- toe sway in your ski boots is your thing! The ski boot après starts in the afternoon at Gampe Alm. From here it seems there is a gravitational pull to the large indoor/outdoor area at the base of the beginner area next to Ausserwald. Then like every hero, you must strive on to the main strip where the party continues from about 9pm.

 

Now, Sölden does offer other things apart from a very fun day on the hill and a rather raucous night on the town. Maybe you fancy a bungee jump, ice skating, sledging, swimming, saunas, the cinema, tennis, or even a shooting range; Sölden has them all. There is also a bus that if you wish, will take you to nearby towns and spas. Sölden also offers a vast range of restaurants to suit all tastes, maybe try one on your chalet staff’s night off. Sölden really does offer a full package to keep you entertained whatever you’re in to.