Seefeld
The famous Tyrolean resort of Seefeld is more for winter holidays in general than exclusively for skiing. It is perfect for novice skiers and cross-country skiers, as well as wealthy tourists who want to live in a clean mountain place, “breathe the air”, enjoy the views, ski a little and hang out. The skiing season here lasts from late December to mid-March.
The resort has a fan park at the Kreithlift, a snowboarding hangout at the Rosshutte, a halfpipe next to the Rosshuttenlift, one of the strongest ski schools and a night skiing track.
Note: according to allcitypopulation, the population of Austria is 8.956 million (2021).
Seefeld trails
From the southern and northern outskirts of the town (5-10 minutes from ski-bus hotels) two ski areas begin – Gwandshkopf (Gschwandtkopf, 1500 m) and Seefelder Joch (Seefelder Joch, 2100 m). The tracks there are wide, with medium slopes and very comfortable easy skiing. The exception is the “red” track Harmelekopf, which runs along a narrow winding ridge and is very difficult in places. The descent along a wide forest clearing from the top of Gwandshkopf is quite possible even for beginners. Another thing is the “red” descent towards Wright. And on the western side of the mountain, you can have great fun without skis, going down the 500-meter bobsleigh chute on car cameras.
Cable cars from Seefeld lead to the Rosshutte (1800 m), the largest and most sporty ski area in the region, the Seefelder Joch, a mountain station just below the Hermelekopf (2223 m). The undulating descents from the Seefelder Joch are not very difficult, but off the pistes and on the other side of the pass there are extensive areas of deep snow. If the Reiter-Kar is open for skiing on Mount Hermlekopf (there is a danger of avalanches, so the site does not always work), the “pros” have a great opportunity to try out a difficult and exciting track. It makes sense to climb a little more and slide down to Kar from a 2200-meter height.
By purchasing a ski pass, which is valid for at least three days in Seefeld, Mosern and Neuleitas, skiers have at their disposal, in addition to 30 cable cars, almost 100 other lifts and an additional 200 km of pistes in the surrounding areas.
Entertainment and attractions Seefeld
One of the interesting sights of Seefeld is the chamber church of St. Oswald, but the symbol of the resort is the church on Lake Seekirchl, also known as Heiligkreuzkirche. In addition, in Seefeld is the house-museum of the writer Ludwig Ganghofer.
Swimming pool with sauna and steam room, outdoor skating rink, indoor courts. Also: 60 restaurants, 60 nightclubs, casino, bowling alley, cinema, horseback riding, paragliding, sleigh rides, curling, squash.
Seefeld is no less interesting in summer than in winter. Tourists can always rent a bike and take a walk along the mountain paths. You can also play golf on the picturesque mountain lawns. Seefeld also hosts many events during the summer, including the Flower Parade, the traditional Embroidery Festival and the World Dance Championship.
Sölden
The main settlement of Otztal and the largest resort of the valley, Sölden (Solden) is a famous center of mountaineering and skiing. There are three peaks at once with a height of more than 3000 m (they are also called BIG3, that is, the “Big Three”), which can be climbed on modern lifts. The pistes of Sölden are mostly long, with a large vertical drop, ideal for intermediate skiers.
The glory of one of the most popular resorts in the Sölden valley owes much to its cafes, restaurants, nightclubs and bars. “Apreskiit” here can be started already on the slopes (where about 20 restaurants are scattered, and the most party place is at Giggijoch), and finish in the city. There are also about 80 catering establishments at the service of guests, which, by the way, have a menu in Russian.
Solden Hotels
Sölden stretches along a picturesque river, maneuvering at the foot of glaciers and mountains – the main ski areas of the resort. Almost all lifts here go down directly to the central streets with hotels and boarding houses. “Gondolas” are located in such a way that they are either within walking distance from hotels, or two or three ski bus stops (5-7 minutes).
In addition, the small village of Hochsolden nestled above the resort is an ideal place for fanatical lovers of skiing “from the door” and silence. Compared to its downstairs neighbor, Hochselden boasts only two or three restaurants, great views of the valley, and no cars.
Sölden, unlike many Austrian resorts, offers, in addition to 3-4 * hotels, many inexpensive “kopeck pieces”, boarding houses and apartments.
Sölden trails
Above Sölden stretched three ski areas, where you can find a wide variety of trails. Most of them are simple and medium difficulty. Experienced skiers will find most of the runs a little rustic. They can be advised the long descent to Gaislachkogl, ideal for speed skiing.
There are many opportunities for intermediate skiers. The Mittelstation area is particularly well suited. But for beginners, this is difficult. Relatively easy trails are located in Innerwald, as well as in the districts of Hainbachjoch and Rettenbach. The latter is located high in the mountains, so beginners will have to go down to Sölden either along the “red” slopes or on the lift.
Known for their arrogant attitude towards skiers, snowboarders “hang out” separately, in the Boarderspark Giggijoch fan park, which is next to the Hainbackkar lift at an altitude of 2450 m. The park has jumps, fan boxes, rails, walls, half pipes. Another place where they are located is an amazing boardercross track, created right next to the three-seater chair Giggijoch. Sölden is generally supportive of “doskers”: the resort has excellent opportunities for off-piste snowboarding, in particular, on the territory of two glaciers – the most attractive European zone for riders and freestylers of various levels of training.
Known for their arrogant attitude towards skiers, snowboarders hang out separately at the Boarderspark Giggijoch fan park.
Entertainment and attractions of Sölden
Hiking on mountain trails, climbing (with a guide), paragliding, sledding, bowling alley, snowmobile rental, shooting ranges. Also: a cinema, swimming pools with a sauna and a steam bath, outdoor and indoor skating rinks, a gym, a volleyball court, 118 restaurants, 10 discos and clubs.