News: The Peak

The most beautiful nation in the Alps starts the 2022 biking season in the best of moods. BIKE REPBULIC SÖLDEN inaugurates its new lines, pampers its citizens and provides plenty of entertainment.

17 natural trails, 11 well-maintained, sustainably built lines and signposted enduro routes are waiting to be ridden by our bikers again. The Bike Republic Sölden is more than just a bike park, it is the flowiest nation in the Alps. And everyone is welcome: whether trail beginner or enduro pro, touring rider or freerider. 

The spirit is peaceful, flowing and imbued with biking fun, and the infrastructure is simply exemplary: from the Bergbahnen Sölden, which provide the perfect uphill assistance, to the two pump tracks in the valley, from the bike wash to the bike shops and bike hotels. Until the beginning of October, these things will be at your disposal again and will hopefully experience a fitting farewell on the 1st weekend.

More info to follow ...

This year's edition will be held for the last time at the end of August. The 42nd Ötztal Cycling Marathon will then take place next year on 9 July 2023.

The advantages of this:

The start time can already be brought forward to 6:00 am.

With the date in July, the worries about weather slumps and snowfall at the passes should be a thing of the past.

In addition, the days are longer and the participants can still cross the finish line in daylight.

With the Ötztal Inside Summer Card you can enjoy all the highlights of the Ötztal and a full package of premium services on top. The Inside Summer Card gives you free rides on the summer mountain railways, free admission to swimming pools, bathing lakes, museums, leisure facilities and much more.

The Ötztal Inside Summer Card will be handed out to you by us on site. The card is valid from the second day of your holiday until the last day of your stay. 

Validity period: June to the beginning of October

If you are looking for a day's rest and relaxation from skiing, the quiet side of Sölden with the Stallwiesalm is also a worthwhile destination in winter.

As one of the most rustic alpine pastures in the Ötztal with the additional feature of afternoon sun, the Stallwies' (1,850 m), as the Ötztalers call their alp, is a destination for the whole year.

That means: for every single day, because the Stallwies is open almost all year round. Locals also like to make a detour to the Stallwies. The house is already 350 years old.

This hiking route is a rewarding mountain hike in the Ötztal Alps in Tyrol.

From the Freizeit Arena Sölden it goes along the Granbichlstraße (Granbichl district) to the Windachtal valley. The forest road leads through sparse coniferous forest and with every meter of altitude the views of the opposite mountain range of the Geigenkamm become more exciting.

Gradually the forest thins out and opens up onto a wide alpine meadow with old huts made of dark wood. The one with the beautiful sun terrace is the Stallwies.

In winter you can go downhill on a sledge, which can be rented at the alpine hut or you can go back on foot.

There is something calming about alpacas - just the right thing to relax from the daily hustle and bustle during a short hike with them. The charisma of the animals enchants not only children, but also adults and older people quickly find a connection to the animals with their calm enchanting nature and curious manner.

The Brandlehof in Sölden offers the walks from around the beginning of June to the end of September on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. In summer (June-September) YOGA WITH ALPAKAS is offered every Wednesday evening.

From mid-November to the beginning of April, an alpaca walk followed by mulled wine is offered every Wednesday afternoon. 

Be it heavy snowfall, bright sunshine or something in between, a winter hike in Sölden is worthwhile in all weather. Simply choose a winter hiking route based on your preferences and fitness. There is a huge choice in and around Sölden: 19 varied winter hiking trails at all difficulty levels take you not only into the silence of nature, but also a little towards your inner self.

Families with children appreciate the winter hiking route to quaint Moosalm. Covering only 1.5 km and a walking time of around 45 minutes, this winter hike is one of the easiest within the area. Once at the top, you should definitely stop at Moosalm, because the rustic mountain hut is known for its traditional Tirolean cooking. And also offers a fabulous panoramic view of Sölden.

Even more ambitious winter hikers will find their way to happiness in Sölden: For example, on the route to Stallwiesalm in Sölden's so-called "Silent Part", on the mountain slope right opposite the ski area. On a length of 4.5 km you conquer 550 altitude meters, trudging through enchanted coniferous forests before you reach one of the most rustic Alpine pasture huts in the entire Ötztal.

From autumn 2021 Sölden offers the unique opportunity of a permanent ski test for end customers.
In autumn from 01.10. to 05.12.21 and in spring from 09.04. to 08.05.22 open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (depending on the opening of the glacier road).

More than 600 pairs of skis of the latest models from renowned manufacturers such as Atomic | Fischer | Head | Völkl | K2 | Kästle | Rossignol | Stöckli - exclusively the latest models from the top segment - are available for hire at the test centre on the Rettenbach glacier.
The daily rental price is € 40 and entitles you to test as many models as you like. In addition to skis, ski poles, helmets and boots can also be rented at the test centre.

More information and online booking here: Glacier Test Centre

From today's point of view, the following lifts and ski runs will start operating on Friday 10.09.21 on the Rettenbach glacier:
- Black cutting edge I + II
  Ascent daily: 08.00 - 15.00
  
- SL Karleskogl 08.00 - 15.00
- Slope 32 Ski operation until 15.00

The following rates apply until further notice:
- Adults: € 26.00 per day
- Youth (JG 2001 - 2005): € 21.00 per day
- Children (born 2006 - 2012): € 16.00 per day
plus € 3.00 deposit for Keycard

Ticket office opening hours at the Rettenbach: 07.30 - 16.00 h

The glacier road is open daily from 07.00 - 16.30 hrs.

Free use of the Glacier Bus with valid ticket.

Free parking at Rettenbach.

The Rettenbach Market Restaurant is also open.

A summer holiday in the Ötztal has a lot to offer. But the following things should be on every list:

AREA 47:

Here surfers' hearts beat faster, tumble over obstacles or chill in a deck chair with a mountain view. But the wakeboard lake is only the beginning of Area 47, because it continues with a huge outdoor pool with fun things like blobbing air cushions, water slides, diving boards and various climbing possibilities. You can also book guided canyoning & rafting tours or visit the airy high ropes climbing garden under the motorway bridge. As we all know, life begins at the end of the comfort zone, and Area 47 is the place to push the limits.

PIBURGER SEE:

There are actually quite a few mountain lakes in the Ötztal, but only one in which the warm water temperatures invite you to swim extensively: Lake Piburg. Its water temperatures rise to up to 26 degrees in summer. It is located in the middle of a landscape conservation area above Oetz and has also made a name for itself on Instagram in recent years.

STUIBENFALL IN UMHAUSEN:

An all-natural air-conditioning facility is the Stuibenfall near Umhausen. With a drop of 159m, it is the highest waterfall in Tyrol. The finely atomised water drops provide cooling on hot summer days and have been scientifically proven to have a positive effect on health. You can either hike to the waterfall via a total of 728 steps over a platform system or seek direct rock contact on the via ferrata. The via ferrata is perfectly suitable for beginners and, thanks to additional steps and handholds, can be used by children as young as 10. Absolute highlight: the airy suspension bridge over the waterfall.

AQUA DOME LÄNGENFELD:

Whether it's the Ötztal herb infusion in the gorge sauna or the salt peeling in the steam bath - here you can really take a deep breath. A special eye-catcher: the three outdoor bowl pools from which you can enjoy the view of the mountains.

JAMES BOND IN SÖLDEN:

True 007 fans can enjoy a very special exhibition with original pieces from the Bond films at the top station of the Gaislachkogl at 3040m above sea level. The multimedia installation "007 ELEMENTS" shows scenes from Spectre as well as parts from the other 24 Bond films. It is even one of the few authorised Bond exhibitions worldwide! A must-see for film fans and anyone who wants to change their perspective.

Don't miss it: the ice Q restaurant next door was also a setting in Spectre and has been awarded two toques. 

TIMMELSJOCH HIGH ALPINE ROAD:

The Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road leads over the 2509m high pass from Tyrol to the Passeier Valley in South Tyrol. It is not unusual to drive past metres of snow even in July. Along the way, a stop at the Top Mountain Motorcycle Museum and the architecturally outstanding information stations is recommended. (The motorbike museum was completely destroyed by a major fire in January 2021. The private collection fell victim to the flames. The twin brothers Alban and Attila Scheiber are busy rebuilding. The plan is to open in autumn 2021).

MOUNTAINEERING VILLAGE VENT:

If you need a little more distance from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you've come to exactly the right place with your hiking boots. Alpine hikers, pleasure hikers, alpine hikers and art hikers - in Vent there is something for everyone. Wait a minute, art hikers? These are all those who hike along the art hiking trail to the beautiful, old Rofen farms. Along the way there are several stone sculptures from the ARTeVENT international sculpture symposium to marvel at.

Did you already know? There is now more in your Ötztal holiday!

We are happy to provide you with the Ötztal Inside Guide, your personal travel companion for the Ötztal, at check-in. It offers everything you need for a top-organised, relaxed holiday - free of charge & conveniently on your smartphone. Whether activities and events during the travel period, bookable adventure offers, digital guest cards and tickets and much more. Already included is your Ötztal Inside Card with many attractive benefits such as backstage visits to regional producers, discounts on tickets, tours and courses as well as the unbeatable low-cost alpine safety upgrade. In addition, from the end of May to the beginning of October you can enjoy the premium upgrade included with us: with the Ötztal Inside Summer Card, from the second day of your stay you can also use all the summer highlights of the valley such as mountain railways, swimming pools, museums, leisure facilities, public transport and much more.

You can find more information at www.oetztal.com/inside.

Temperatures up to +10 degrees, a closed snow cover and pure sunshine. The high winter in the Ötztal could not be more beautiful this week.

These days are perfect for exploring beautiful ski tours in the Ötztal Alps.

One of the most beautiful and widely visible tours is in the area of Obergurgl on the Schalfkogel (3,537 m).

A difficult and racy ski peak with a wonderful steep descent directly to the Gurgler Ferner.

The starting point is the Langtalereckhütte, from where you first descend into a deeply snow-covered gorge.

At the end, you reach the beginning of the Gurgler Ferner from where it goes up over the Kleinleitenferner to the summit of the Schalfkogel from where you have a fantastic panoramic view of the Dolomites, Zillertal, Ötztal, Stubai peaks, the Bernina group, etc.

To the other worthwhile ski tour destinations - ski tours in the Ötztal valley

Winter in the Ötztal has much more to offer than skiing and cross-country skiing. Winter hiking is at the top of the list of winter activities away from the ski resorts. Hike in the sun and only hear the soft crunching of the snow under your shoe soles. Breathe in the fresh, cool air and enjoy the day in the untouched winter landscape. Always with the snow-covered mountain peaks and the Kaiserschmarrn in the next mountain hut in mind. 

The Ötztal has 250 kilometres of winter hiking trails to offer, stretching from Haiming to Obergurgl - Hochgurgl and Vent.

Let yourself be surprised by the winter hiking possibilities during your next winter holiday with us and as a little insider tip, we can highly recommend the winter hiking trail from Untergurgl to Obergurgl all the way to the Zirmwald.

From the coming 2020/21 winter season, there will be a new price system for the Sölden ski area. The online prices for the ski passes are no longer fixed, as was previously the case, but depend on the date of purchase and demand.

The new dynamic pricing model offers attractive prices (up to -20%) and rewards those who secure the desired ski passes early in advance in the online ticket shop.

Ferner Trail

The BIKE REPUBLIC’s new alpine natural singletrack starts at the Tiefenbach glacier and carves its way down through super demanding terrain to Gaislach – it’s as spectacular as it is challenging!

The trailhead of the Fernar Trail High is located in the heart of a jaw-dropping scenery high up at 2.800 m. From the top to the bottom it requires all of your skills, powers and focus as the rocky route is very exposed. Via the Petznersee you face super-steep terrain, tight switchbacks and boulders blocking your way. At the end in Gaislach stop to recover before hitting the the Löple and then the Nene Trail. Chill on the BROATE LINE and then finish with the Schtecklar Trail.

Shuttle

From 04th of July every Saturday, Sunday & Tuesaday a shuttle will take you to the Tiefenbach glacier if the weather conditions are good.

• You meet at 8:15 Uhr at the Gaislachkoglbahn car park
• In case of bad weather conditions, the shuttle is moved to the next fixed day. You receive a voucher. If it’s not possible to shuttle you will receive your money back.
• Registration until 16:30 o’clock the day before, booking only possible at the ticket office of the Gaislachkoglbahn
• Limited to 20 riders per day • Price: 29,– €