Worldwide Ski Resorts • Austria • Hochsolden
Overview
The small resort of Hochsolden is a satellite village of the larger Solden resort that lies in the Austrian Tyroll. The two resorts share the same ski area and neither can be described as charming although the breathtaking mountain scenery makes up for this deficiency. The skiing however is good with a large variety of slopes that will provide plenty of sport for all levels of skiers and boarders, particularly the better standard of intermediate. The area is very popular with the younger Dutch and German tourists who enjoy the lively atmosphere. Accommodation of all standards is available, although the resort does get quite busy and there are a number of restaurants in and around the resort that come highly recommended.
Profile
Standing above Solden at 2090 m, Hochsolden has an excellent snow record and the resort provides access to glacier skiing at two locations. Most of the runs are above the tree line and there are pistes that take you directly back to the village. Free shuttle buses operate between the more outlying hotels in the village and the lift stations. Experts and especially the more confident intermediates will find plenty to keep them on the ball all over the mountain.
Beginners are less well catered for. Whilst the schools are of a reasonable standard, the nursery slopes are in awkward locations and there are few slopes that are suitable for progression. Snowboarders have two terrain parks at their disposal, both of which are well equipped with features on which both to learn and perfect skills. Unfortunately, the resort has little to recommend it to cross country skiers. Child care facilities consist of a small ski kindergarten for children of 3 years and over. Off slope there is a sports centre, swimming pool and skating rink to be found in Solden.
Mountain Information
There are some 149 km of pisted runs on slopes that range from 1380m to 3250m and which are served by 34 lifts The lift system is good and has recently been upgraded. The ski areas nearest to the resort are Hainbachjoch and Rotkoglhutte. The Tiefenbach glacier and the Rettenbach glacier areas lie further away but are connected by a combination of lifts and the return is made by a chair lift.
Experts will find the local blacks a little tame, but the off-piste possibilities are pretty much endless — particularly around the Gaislachkogl area and at the head of the valley. Intermediates will find some of the reds a stiff challenge due to their generally steep gradients, although more comfortable- but less challenging sport is to be found below Giggijoch. Intermediates and less advanced experts alike will find that the unusually steep verticals near to the Schwarz Schneid lift something to remember. Mountain restaurants are plentiful and generally very good, but are inclined to get a bit crowded.
Apres Ski
Hochssolden itself is fairly quiet, although it does have some good bars. However Solden itself is famously raucous with the nightly après ski ‘event’ starting well up the mountain and gradually working its way down. Live music clubs, discos, table dancing and striptease — its all there.
Austrian Resort Guide
Resort Information • Hochsolden
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Resort Height | 2090m |
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Top Station | 3058m |
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Bottom Station | 2090m |
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Vertical Descent | 968m |
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Drag Lifts | 22 |
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Chair Lifts | 9 |
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High Capacity | 3 |
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Opening Dates | Dec - April |
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Rating Expert | 8 |
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Rating Intermediate | 7 |
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Rating Beginner | 7 |
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Apres Ski Rating | 7 |
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Snow Reliability | 7 |
