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Ötztal, Austria |
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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. 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. 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.
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.
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.
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