- The Ötztal Ski Arena is
made up of Sölden and Hochsölden, and two somewhat
smaller, but charming resorts that sit in the same valley. These,
Zwieselstein and Vent, are marketed with Sölden and Hochsölden
under the above title, and skiers who stay in any of the above
can benefit from the use of one all-inclusive ski pass.
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- As a ski destination, a snowboard
destination, or even as a four-season active lifestyle destination,
these villages have a heck of a lot going for them.
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- The Sölden and Hochsölden
areas make up a big time ski region no matter whose standards
you go by. The village of Sölden lies at the foot of the
Tiefenbach and Rettenbach glaciers which provide not only the
bulk of the skiing in winter, but all of the summer scene. This
is where you will find the majority of the off - slope action,
the largest selection of hotels, shops and ski schools, as well
as all the other locations and services that one needs to make
a ski vacation run just that little bit smoother.
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- Hochsölden, on the other
hand, while having decidedly fewer hotels, and virtually no shopping
or night life other than that found in the hotels, has the distinct
advantage of "ski in, ski out" convenience that is
so coveted by many.
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- But we opened this little narrative
with a note on the skiing, so lets pick up the beat shall we?
Skiing above the village is extensive, varied, and highlighted
by the 365 day factor. In fact, the glaciers from the largest
year round skiable snow covering in Austria. Although national
ski teams use this huge playground as a training ground, recreational
skiers of all sorts of abilities will find terrain to please
them as well.
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- It would be unfair to conclude
any story about this area without recommending that one takes
the effort to pay the region a visit in summer. Besides summer
skiing, Sölden and Hochsölden offer all the other sporting
activities that combine to make up a well rounded vacation area,
plus the fresh mountain air factor. As well this is the opportunity
to enjoy the villages undisturbed by the hoards that winter draws.
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- Sölden of course has all
of the night life and apres ski action that one would expect
from a resort of this size and sophistication. Nine thousand
beds provide accommodation from five star hotels to charming
bed and breakfast in private homes. One should find lodgings
to fit both taste and budget. As well there is an excellent sports
center in town, which features a great swimming pool and other
sporting facilities as well as a popular restaurant/bar. This
serves as a popular meeting place both before and after one's
chosen apres ski activity.
