CMSC Europe Trip to Target Sölden in Austria’s Tyrolean Alps

By Bill Gleason

Located approximately half way between Innsbruck and St. Anton, high in the mountains of the Ötztal Valley, the longest side valley off the main Inn Valley, you will find Sölden. Highly favored by the Europeans, but largely unknown by Americans, Sölden is Austria’s largest developed area of glacier skiing.

With reliable snow cover, two glaciers, three peaks above 10,000 feet and 60% snowmaking, good skiing is guaranteed. It is a big resort with a vertical drop of over 6,000 feet. You’ll find an extensive network of slopes for the adventuresome intermediate, plus numerous slopes for the beginner and expert (not the same slopes). Also, we intend to ski one day at the neighboring ski resort of Obergurgl/Hochgurgl just up the valley.

There are numerous mountain huts for lunches and breaks for morning coffee and afternoon tea, all in magnificent settings.
For the non-skier, or those who wish to take some days off from skiing for sightseeing, Innsbruck is a short transfer and train ride away. Options for these side trips include a visit to the old mountaineering village of Vent or hot thermal spa at Langenfeld.

Sölden is also famous for its après ski parties and nightlife. However, this is just one of the many reasons to go on CMSC’s European Trip this year. Here are a few more reasons:
1. Two ski resorts, Sölden and Obergurgl/Hochgurgl in one ski trip.
2. High elevation and 60% of slopes with snowmaking equipment guarantee snow.
3. The “Big 3.”. (You’ll have to go to know!)
4. The “Big 3 Rallye.” (Ditto!)
5. The mountain huts.
6. The après ski.
7. The nightlife. (If you can handle it!)
8. Night skiing. (Ditto!)
9. The Rodelbahn. (What’s a Rodel?)
10. Most people have never heard of Sölden and nobody you know has ever been there!