Discover what’s underneath the snow in the Austrian Alps.
When you think of the Austrian Alps, your mind probably jumps to snowy slopes, après-ski fun, glühwein, and fondue. But what many don’t realise is that the magic of the Alps doesn’t melt away with the snow. Nestled in the heart of the mountains, the vibrant town of Sölden comes alive in summer and autumn, offering a whole new kind of adventure. From hiking through stunning alpine meadows to thrilling mountain biking trails, Sölden proves that the party – and the natural beauty – never truly stops, no matter the season.
Sölden is no stranger to having tourism at the forefront of its mind. The tiny town is only one kilometre in diameter but is surrounded by glaciers and meadows making it the largest municipality in Austria, even bigger than Vienna the capital. The town, looked over by three of the largest mountains in the Austrian Alps (all over 3000 metres), provides a majestic backdrop in both the winter and summer months.
Inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the epic mountain range, three visionary founders of the Bergbahnen Sölden lift company set out to make the Gaislachkogl mountain accessible to all. In 1966, they built a cable car that opened up the once-remote peak to eager tourists. With the arrival of winter sports enthusiasts, the tiny Austrian village of Sölden experienced a pivotal transformation, as visitors flooded in to experience its natural wonders. However, this newfound popularity presented a challenge—where would all these tourists stay?
Das Central – the forefront of luxury alpine getaways
Enter stage left: the ‘Sport Hotel Central,’ a game-changer for Sölden, which opened its doors just three years after the cable car in 1969. Now known as Das Central, this luxury destination hotel has remained true to its original vision, offering refined comfort to tourists for over five decades. Following a stunning 2024 refurbishment, it continues to be a beacon of elegance in the heart of the Austrian Alps.
Das Central is more than just a hotel—it’s a family legacy. The granddaughter of one of the original cable car pioneers still plays an active role in running the hotel, with her trusted General Manager, Michael, by her side for the past 20 years. The warmth, personalised service, and rich history woven into every corner of the hotel make guests feel like part of the family. This story of innovation and adaptability is what keeps Das Central at the forefront of luxury alpine getaways.
The world-class Summit Spa
The brand-new, 2000-square-meter Summit Spa at Das Central is nothing short of world-class with a breathtaking 17-meter-high infinity pool that is visible from miles away. As you swim, it feels as if you’re floating among the towering peaks, a surreal and exhilarating experience that showcases the brilliance of its engineering.
Spanning two floors, the Spa offers a brine steam bath, cold water plunge pool, Finnish event sauna, and a bio panoramic sauna. Every detail has been designed to bring the beauty of the Alps inside, with panoramic windows offering an ever-changing view of the landscape. Whether it’s sun, mist, or a sudden snowfall, the weather sets the mood and provides an awe-inspiring spectacle. At Das Central, you’re not just staying in the Alps—you’re immersed in them, with a front-row seat to nature’s dramatic shifts.
Suites that allow you to indulge in ultimate comfort
Das Central offers a range of luxurious wellness suites, each complete with their own private spa and stunning views of the surrounding mountain range. From the lavish King Suites to the impressive Presidential Suite, guests can indulge in ultimate comfort and sophistication.
The Presidential Suite, a double-height, two-bedroom apartment, is the epitome of Alpine luxury. It features a private gym, jacuzzi terrace, full-size sauna, and even a grand piano in the lounge, creating an atmosphere of exclusive elegance. With such extraordinary attention to detail, the resort truly elevates the concept of Alpine luxury to new heights.
Austrian Alps Activities
If you are wondering what to do in the Ötztal Alps during the less snowy months, then look no further; Sölden was built for activities. The melting snow reveals 1150 kilometres of mountain biking trails and hiking paths.
The cable car is put to work in the summer months, ferrying adrenalin junkies up the mountain to hit the dirt bike trails, paraglide off the glacier back into town or start that hike at 2000 metres for epic views.
For adventure seekers, Sölden offers an array of trails to explore, from naturally occurring footpaths to purpose-built bike trails packed with sharp twists and turns that challenge even the most seasoned riders. The ultimate thrill in the region is The Long Line Giggijoch – a breathtaking 16km trail that combines five exhilarating paths, taking riders on a heart-pounding descent of over 1,300 vertical meters. Whether you’re navigating nature’s rugged terrain or speeding through expertly crafted bike trails, the adrenaline rush is guaranteed.
If outdoor adventuring is for you, then an hour’s drive away from Sölden is Area 47. A purpose-built outdoor adventure centre that offers white water rafting, wake boarding, a huge water park, high rope climbing, mountain climbing, and an indoor bike park.
Built on 9.5 hectares of mountainous terrain, this is an adrenaline junkies mecca and if you wanted to make your stay all about the thrills, they have on-site, cabin-style apartments so that you are never far away from the action.
The perfect mountain reset
I have been chasing zesty, dopamine-inducing, energising experiences and there is something about these vast mountains that gives way to reflection. Busy life seems trivial and your tiny presence in these epic landscapes gives way to a mindfulness that I haven’t managed to achieve elsewhere.
In the summer, the Alps redefine Outstanding Natural Beauty. The vivid colours, the crystal-clear air, and the sheer scale of the surrounding nature create an exhilarating experience like no other.
Das Central offers Alpaca Yoga classes on the mountainside, which, despite seeming gimmicky, the symbiotic energy exchange between the class and alpacas was magical. The alpacas can be skittish when surrounded by nervous energy – the more that the class relaxed and found its zen the more chilled the alpacas became. By the end of the class I felt completely lifted by this surreal and special experience, all with the backdrop of the incredible mountains.
Stand out experiences
The Austrian Alps offer countless opportunities to make your trip truly bucket list-worthy. A standout experience is a visit to Ice Q, the stunning restaurant featured as the clinic in the James Bond film Spectre. This architectural marvel, crafted from glass and steel, sits perched atop the Gaislachkogl peak at a breathtaking 3,048 meters above sea level. The panoramic views are nothing short of spectacular, providing an unforgettable dining experience amidst the clouds. Best of all, it’s easily accessible thanks to Sölden’s iconic cable cars, making this high-altitude gem a must-see for any visitor to the area.
The Austrian Alps sure do have a lot to offer once the snow melts.
Discover What’sUnderneath The Snow In The Austrian Alps
Words by Emmie Blower
WINTER Book it: Das Central Hotel, Sölden, Austria offers double rooms from €200 per person per night, based on two people sharing on a half board basis. central-soelden.com/en
SUMMER Book it: Das Central Hotel, Sölden, Austria offers double rooms from €170 per person per night, based on two people sharing on a half board basis. central-soelden.com/en
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