Winter is coming, and more and more people are reaching out to us for help with planning and booking their ski holidays. Many of them have already become our regular guests, and over the years some have even become good friends. Others are planning their very first trip to the mountains. That’s why we’d like to share what you should consider when planning a winter holiday in the Alps and how to make the most of your skiing or snowboarding experience.

When and where is the best time to spend a winter holiday in the Alps?

The Alps offer countless ski slopes across Austria, Switzerland, France and Italy. Austria alone has around 260 ski resorts. With so many options, how do you choose the right one? The first thing to consider is when you are planning your ski holiday and whether good snow conditions are likely at that time. One of the biggest advantages is the presence of glaciers. Even if you don’t choose a glacier resort, it’s worth paying attention to the altitude and whether there are higher ski areas nearby.

Austria has eight major glacier ski resorts: Dachstein, Hintertux, Kaunertal, Kitzsteinhorn-Kaprun, Mölltal, Pitztal, Stubaital and, of course, Sölden. Sölden has two glaciers and three peaks above 3,000 metres. The winter season lasts from September until mid-May, making it one of the most snow-reliable destinations in the Alps.

This is especially important for families who usually travel during school holidays. If you prefer quieter slopes and fewer crowds, we recommend visiting from early November to mid-December or in April, avoiding the Easter holidays.

© Виктор Малышев

How to choose the right accommodation (hotel or apartment)?

Many people prefer to book one of the standard offers provided by a tour operator. However, another option has become increasingly popular in recent years – finding accommodation yourself online. This gives you access to a much wider range of hotels and apartments, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs and budget, although it usually requires a little more time.

Looking at photos alone is not enough. It’s also important to understand exactly where the accommodation is located. There may be a steep mountain road leading to it, or the nearest ski slope may not be suitable for your level. In situations like these, we’re always happy to share our local knowledge. We live in the Alps all year round, know the region well, and regularly collect feedback from our guests. This helps us decide which hotels and apartments we recommend to our guests.

A good hotel often offers a swimming pool, sauna, spa facilities, breakfast and dinner. Apartments, on the other hand, provide a more home-like atmosphere with a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. Many apartment houses also offer a traditional Austrian breakfast.

Which airport is best to fly into and how can you get from the airport to the ski resort? Private transfer, train or rental car?

When booking your flight, you’ll often face another question: should you choose a larger airport or a smaller one that is closer to the resort? Larger airports are usually less expensive, but it’s worth thinking in advance about the most convenient and cost-effective way to reach your destination. For example, Sölden (Ötztal Valley) is located at almost the same distance from three major airports: Munich, Zurich and Salzburg. The closest airport is Innsbruck, just 80 km away, but it has fewer scheduled flights and ticket prices are usually higher.

Once you’ve booked your flight, you’ll need to decide how to get to the resort. There are three main options:

• Rent a car,
• Use public transport,
• Book a private transfer.

If you rent a car, make sure it includes the necessary insurance, snow chains and an Austrian motorway vignette. Public transport is another good option. Trains to the Ötztal Valley run from all four airports, although several transfers may be required. From the railway station, you can continue by bus or taxi to the resort. A private transfer is usually the most comfortable solution. The driver will meet you at the airport with a name sign, help you with your luggage and take you directly to your hotel. We work with several transfer companies and are happy to help you choose and book the transfer option that best suits your needs.

Is it worth taking lessons with a ski or snowboard instructor?

Even experienced skiers and snowboarders can benefit from lessons with a professional instructor. You can improve your technique, try freeride or freestyle, learn how to ski moguls and become more confident on the slopes. For beginners, however, lessons are almost an essential part of a mountain holiday, as they help ensure both your own safety and the safety of other skiers.

As we spend a lot of time on the slopes in Sölden, we regularly see inexperienced skiers without instructors – sometimes the situations are amusing, but sometimes they are not. Before taking a lift, you should be confident that you can ski back down the slopes from the top. Not every lift allows you to return to the valley. Chairlifts, for example, are intended only for uphill transport, and riding them downhill is not permitted in winter. We especially recommend lessons for anyone who cannot yet fully control their speed or skiing line.

A qualified instructor will help you learn to ski confidently in different conditions while making the experience much more enjoyable. In Sölden, both private and group lessons are available for adults and children. If you’d like to book ski lessons, simply fill out our request form or send us an email. If rapid progress is your priority, we recommend private lessons, as you’ll receive the instructor’s full attention. If you’d rather meet new people and save some money, group lessons with English- or German-speaking instructors are an excellent choice. We recommend booking your lessons well in advance to increase your chances of getting your preferred instructor and time slot.

What should you do with your ski equipment: bring your own, rent it, or buy everything at the resort?

When planning your ski holiday, it’s worth considering whether the skis you normally use at home are suitable for a large Alpine ski resort. One of the most common mistakes is using soft skis with a small turning radius. As your skiing improves, you’ll quickly notice that such skis are less stable on long, steep slopes.

Prices at ski resorts are generally similar to those in the cities, while the selection is often much better. That’s why it can make sense to buy your equipment after you arrive. One major advantage is that you can test the equipment before deciding to purchase it. We’re always happy to help you choose the right equipment, offer advice and, if necessary, assist with communication in German at the sports shop. We’d also like to point out that properly fitted ski boots make a huge difference to your skiing experience. In Sölden, boot fitting is taken very seriously, and experienced specialists will professionally adjust both the shell and the liner to fit your feet.

If you prefer not to travel with bulky ski equipment, we’re happy to help you arrange ski rental with a 10% discount through selected partners.

What type of ski pass should you buy?

In Sölden, as in many other ski resorts, you can choose from several types of ski passes. For example, you can buy a day ticket that is valid from a certain time of the day or a beginner’s ski pass that is valid only for selected lifts. If you plan to ski every day during your stay, we recommend buying a ski pass for all your skiing days. If you’d rather take a day off in the middle of your holiday, passes such as “5 out of 7” (5 skiing days within 7 days) or “11 out of 14” may be a better option. Children aged 4 to 7 pay only €2 per day. Additional discounts are available for children aged 8 to 14 and teenagers aged 15 to 19. To receive the discounted rate, you’ll need to present the appropriate document. It’s also worth checking whether your ski pass is valid in neighbouring ski resorts. For example, Sölden ski passes also offer the option of spending one additional day skiing in Obergurgl.

After purchasing your ski pass, we recommend taking a photo of it with your phone. If you lose your ski pass, it can usually be replaced at the ticket office upon presentation of your receipt or a photo of the pass.

Where is the best place to store your ski equipment during your stay?

Ski equipment is often heavy and bulky, so it’s worth thinking in advance about where you’ll store it and change your ski boots. This will make the start and end of each skiing day much more comfortable. Almost every hotel or apartment house has its own ski storage room, which is especially convenient if the accommodation is close to the lifts or offers a daily shuttle service. Another popular option is renting a ski locker at one of the ski rental shops near the lift station. You’ll usually have your own locker or a designated space with a boot dryer, making it easy to change your boots before and after skiing. Prices typically range from €20 to €40 per week, and it’s usually well worth the cost.

If you still have any questions or would like to share your own experience, feel free to leave us a comment. We’ll be happy to reply to every message.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see how the Alps change throughout the seasons. We’d also be happy to help you plan your holiday in the Austrian Alps.