Sölden ski season opening 2026: Glacier Openings starting in October & World Cup
In Sölden, the 2026–27 ski season will begin in early October on the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers, about six weeks before the rest of the ski area. The FIS Ski World Cup will kick off on October 24 and 25, 2026, with two giant slaloms on the Rettenbachferner; the winter ski area around Giggijoch and Gaislachkogl is expected to follow on November 12, 2026.
An overview of the dates (as of September 2026)
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Start of the glacier season (Rettenbach & Tiefenbach) | Friday, 9th October 2026 |
| FIS Ski Weltcup Opening, RTL Damen | Saturday, 24. October 2026 |
| FIS Ski Weltcup Opening, RTL Herren | Sunday, 25. October 2026 |
| Winter ski resort opening Giggijoch & Gaislachkogl | expected 12. November 2026 |
| Season end glacier | End of April until Beginn May |
Why Sölden opens so early
The ski area ranges from 1,350 to 3,340 meters. The two glacier ski areas at the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers are all located above 2,600 meters and together offer 34 kilometers of slopes and 9 lifts, while down in the valley the larch trees are still yellow. Sölden is the only ski resort in Austria to offer access to three peaks over 3,000 meters: the Gaislachkogl (3,058 m), the Tiefenbachkogl (3,250 m), and the Schwarze Schneide (3,340 m). The entire ski area covers 147 kilometers of slopes, and in October, the glacier section is open for skiing.
How to get to the glacier in October
This is where most visitors make a mistake in their planning. In the fall, the route goes via the Ötztal Glacier Road, not via the local mountain railways. The road branches off at the southern end of Sölden and runs for about 13 kilometers to the parking lot at the Rettenbach Glacier—about a 20-minute drive or ride on the glacier bus from the town center. There is a toll on the road, but ski pass holders are exempt from the toll.
As soon as the winter ski area opens, this changes: The Glacier Road is closed to the public, and from then on, you’ll take the route via the Giggijoch and the Glacier Express to the Rettenbach. So if you’re arriving in early November, you should check in advance which of the two options is currently in effect.
A practical bonus of the fall season: The road passes through the Rosi-Mittermaier Tunnel, the highest road tunnel in Europe. The ski tunnel, located at 3,107 meters, connects the two glaciers directly on skis.
Ski world cup opening on October 24 and 25, 2026
The Alpine World Cup has been held in Sölden since 2000. The women race on Saturday and the men on Sunday—giant slalom on the Rettenbachferner slope, along with a supporting program in town. Spectating does not require a ski pass; the races take place on a specially groomed course.
One thing you’ll rarely find mentioned in brochures: The World Cup slope is closed to general skiers during training and races.
Who should visit at the start of the season—and who shouldn’t
October in Sölden is the right choice for you if you want to hit the snow early, enjoy wide glacier runs, and prefer fewer crowds. Ski passes and accommodations are cheaper before the regular winter season begins.
It’s less suitable if you’re looking for beginner slopes, valley runs, or ski school programs for children. Both of these become available only when the winter ski area opens in November. Après-ski is also on the back burner in October—with the exception of the World Cup weekend, when the whole town comes alive.
Hotel in Sölden for the ski season opening: AlpenParks The Secret
If you’re staying in Sölden for the start of the season, there are two things you’ll need above all else: a parking spot for the drive up the Glacier Road and a dry place to store your gear. AlpenParks The Secret Sölden is located 250 meters from the valley station of the Gaislachkoglbahn and offers both. For fall operations, the surrounding amenities are especially important: a private underground parking garage with seven electric charging stations, a ski cellar with heated ski lockers, ski rental, and the Sporthütte Fiegl ski depot right at the valley station.
After a day on the glacier, enjoy a 70 m² indoor pool heated to 33 degrees, a 90 m² outdoor pool, and a sauna area for guests ages 16 and older. The apartments and suites accommodate 2 to 8 people in spaces ranging from 38 to 155 m², each with a fully equipped kitchen. The breakfast buffet is included.
