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Destination Report: International

CMSC Europe Trip: Sölden
CMSC Europe Trip: Sölden in in

Austria’s Tyrolean Alps
Austria’s Tyrolean Alps

By Bill Gleason include a visit to the old mountaineering village of Vent

L or hot thermal spa at Langenfeld.
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
Sölden is also famous for its après ski parties and
nightlife. However, this is just one of the many reasons to
unknown by Americans, Sölden is Austria’s largest
go on CMSC’s European Trip this year. Here are a few
developed area of glacier skiing.
more reasons:
With reliable snow cover, two glaciers, three peaks above
10,000 feet and 60% snowmaking, good skiing is guar- Two ski resorts, Sölden and Obergurgl/Hochgurgl in
anteed. It is a big resort with a vertical drop of over one ski trip.
6,000 feet. You’ll find an extensive network of slopes for High elevation and 60% of slopes with snowmaking
the adventuresome intermediate, plus numerous slopes equipment guarantee snow.
for the beginner and expert (not the same slopes). Also, The “Big 3.” (You’ll have to go to know!)
we intend to ski one day at the neighboring ski resort of The “Big 3 Rallye.” (Ditto!)
Obergurgl/Hochgurgl just up the valley. The mountain huts.
The après ski.
There are numerous mountain huts for lunches and The nightlife. (If you can handle it!)
breaks for morning coffee and afternoon tea, all in mag- Night skiing. (Ditto!)
nificent settings. The Rodelbahn. (What’s a Rodel?)
Most people have never heard of Sölden and nobody
For the non-skier, or those who wish to take some days you know has ever been there!
off from skiing for sightseeing, Innsbruck is a short
transfer and train ride away. Options for these side trips

34 MIDWEST SKIER 2008/2009 DIRECTORY www.skicmsc.com