Chronology & milestones

Since 2022

2024 - Schwarzkogl Restaurant

Following an extensive renovation, Bergbahnen Sölden now shines with a modern look, an optimized concept, and a brand-new culinary experience. The spaces, previously used exclusively as a self-service restaurant, have been redesigned and tailored to meet diverse needs. For a quick and hassle-free stop, the free-flow area offers efficient self-service and flexible dining options. Guests who prefer to take their time and enjoy excellent service will find their place in the à la carte restaurant. A cozy bar with a seating area completes the offerings, inviting visitors to warm up and relax.

2023 - Renovation Giggijoch Restaurants

In 2023, the restaurant at Giggijoch was also given a new, modern look and feel. The last major investment in the guest area above the Roßkirplbahn had taken place in the early 1990s. By integrating niches and cozy retreat spaces, the previously high-traffic area was redesigned to create a welcoming atmosphere for relaxation. Since the 2023/24 winter season, a total of 205 seats are available across an area of 365 m², including 30 seats in the gallery.

2023 - Solar Power Plant at Tiefenbach Glacier

In 2023, an innovative system for generating solar energy was put into operation at Tiefenbach Glacier. The solution, implemented for the first time in Austria by HELIOPLANT®, promises up to 40% higher yields and greater cost-effectiveness in alpine terrain.

2022 - 2018

2022 - New Corporate Design

Modern, clear, minimalist – yet confident and memorable. Our new logo reflects the broad range of services offered by Bergbahnen Sölden, which now provide much more than just transportation between the mountain and the valley. As a company, we stand for a unique experience amidst alpine nature, and this very metaphor inspired the design of our new visual brand.

2021 - FALCON Restaurants

For the 2021/22 winter season, the restaurant area at the Gaislachkoglbahn mid-station was unveiled in a new light – both culinary and visually. The concept focuses on clear transparency, reflected in the presentation of current food trends as well as the expansive panoramic views.

2019 - 10 EUB Hochsölden - Rotkoglbahn

For 33 years, the two-person chairlift Rotkoglbahn served its purpose before being dismantled at the end of April 2019. Since the 2019/20 winter season, a state-of-the-art 10-person cable car has replaced the aging lift. Only seven months passed between the removal of the old lift and the official operating permit. Another special feature is the "half" intermediate station: skiers wishing to go up can board and disembark here, while those without skis, who only wish to go down, can travel directly to Hochsölden without a stop.

2018 - 007 Elements

In 2018, a unique cinematic installation opened inside the Gaislachkogl: 007 ELEMENTS. Spanning over 1,300 m² and two floors, visitors gain fascinating insights into the filming of a 007 movie. The impressive combination of modern technology and minimalist architecture makes this experience at an altitude of 3,048 meters an absolute highlight.

2016 - 2011

2016 - Giggijochbahn

For the 2016/17 winter season, the new 10-person cable car to Giggijoch was put into operation. With a record capacity of 4,500 people per hour, the system set new standards in terms of capacity, while also impressing with a high level of comfort.

2013 - ice Q Restaurant

At the summit of Gaislachkogl, 3,048 meters above sea level, an architectural masterpiece was created in 2013: the ice Q. This top-tier design restaurant is Austria's highest 2-star restaurant and impresses with 130 indoor and 80 terrace seats spread over two levels. With its exclusive "Alpine Cuisine" and refined wine culture, the ice Q sets new standards. Its spectacular location and unique architecture also made Sölden the filming location for the James Bond movie Spectre.

2011 - Reservoir Panorama

After just two years of construction, the Reservoir Panorama was first filled in the summer of 2011. With an impressive capacity of 412,000 m³, it enables the distribution of water for snowmaking systems across almost the entire ski area.

2010 - 2003

2010 - Gaislachkoglbahn & Centre Shuttle

The construction of the Gaislachkoglbahn 1 + 2 marked the beginning of a new era. The first section, an 8-person cable car, set new standards as the world's most powerful feeder lift, with a capacity of 3,600 people per hour. The second section, built as a 3S gondola, was the highest of its kind in the world at the time of its construction. In the same year, the Centre Shuttle was opened: two inclined lifts that have since connected Sölden directly with the beginner area Innerwald.

2007 - Reservoir Rotkogl

As part of the snowmaking system expansion, the Rotkogl reservoir was created at 2,600 meters, with a capacity of 155,000 m³. It supplies the new, high-performance snowmaking system at Giggijoch and is filled via a supply line from the Rettenbach Glacier, as well as from the valley when needed.

2003 - BIG 3

As the first and only ski resort in Austria, Sölden offers three 3,000-meter peaks, all served by state-of-the-art cable car systems: Gaislachkogl (3,048 m), Tiefenbachkogl (3,250 m), and Schwarze Schneid (3,340 m). Three ski mountains, three different viewpoints, and three unique panoramas in XXL format.

 

2003 - 8EUB Schwarze Schneid

With the construction of the 8-person cable car Schwarze Schneid 1 + 2, a powerful feeder lift was created at the Rettenbach Glacier, which not only optimized ski operations but also enhanced the attraction in the summer.

 

2000 - 1993

2000 - 8EUB Tiefenbach & 6SK Langegg

In 2000, the first gondola in the glacier ski area was built: the 8-person single-rope lift Tiefenbach. The system could also be used by pedestrians in the summer. In the same year, the two chairlifts Langegg 1 + 2 were replaced by the first detachable 6-person chairlift in the ski area, making it even easier and more comfortable for winter sports enthusiasts to transition from Gaislachkogl to Giggijoch.

1998 - Golden Gate & 8EUB Giggijoch

With the glacier connection lifts "Golden Gate to the Glacier," the Rettenbach Glacier was for the first time connected to the winter ski area, allowing the glacier ski area to be used in the winter as well. At the same time, a modern 8-person gondola lift with significantly higher capacity replaced the existing 4EUB Giggijoch.

 

1993 - First World Cup Race

The first World Cup race in Sölden marked the beginning of a new era in alpine skiing. Initially, the event was held every three years, then switched to a biennial rhythm after the second edition. Since 2000, the giant slalom on the Rettenbach Glacier has annually marked the season opener in the World Cup. Today, the Ski World Cup Opening in Sölden is a fixed part of the alpine racing calendar and is considered one of the most significant venues in the World Cup circuit.

 

1988 - 1975

1988 - Double rope cable car Gaislachkogl

The cable car, built in 1966 with a capacity of 450 people per hour, no longer met the growing demands over time. A powerful replacement became inevitable. Thus, the Doppelseilumlaufbahn Gaislachkoglbahn was created, equipped with 38 cabins and a capacity of 2,600 people per hour on the first section and 1,000 people per hour on the second. At the time of its completion, it was the largest and most modern cable car in the world.

 

1981 - Developement of the Tiefenbach glacier

The Tiefenbach Glacier was developed with the construction of a 1.7 km long road tunnel, making the second glacier ski area accessible both by road and through lift systems and slopes. By 1982, four new lifts had been built there. The connection of the two glacier ski areas created the unique Glacier Ski Swing, a pioneering feature at the time.

 

1975 - Construction of the Glacier Road and the development of the glacier ski areas

Construction of the 13 km long Glacier Road to the Rettenbach Glacier began in 1971. In July 1975, the first T-bar lift was put into operation, followed by the double-chairlift to Rettenbachjoch. By 1978, a total of six lift systems had been opened at the Rettenbach Glacier. This development allowed the ski season to start as early as the fall. However, until then, the glacier ski area was only accessible via the Glacier Road, meaning the lifts could not be used during the winter months.

 

1971 - 1948

1971 - Merger of the ski areas

Sölden now had two adjacent ski areas, at Gaislachkogl and in Hochsölden, which were not yet connected. With the construction of the Langegg 1 and 2 chairlifts in 1971, it became possible to travel from Gaislachkogl to Hochsölden. The construction of the Stabele double-chairlift in 1975 then made it possible to switch in the opposite direction as well, creating the first link between the two ski areas.

 

1966 - Developement Gaislachkogl

Construction of the Ötztal Glacier Railway began in 1964. The first section was opened in March 1966, reaching an altitude of 2,070 meters, and from May of the same year, the ride to the top station at 3,040 meters was possible. The cable car had a capacity of 450 people per hour. At the same time, three T-bar lifts were built at Gaislachkogl, along with restaurants at the mid and top stations.

 

Until 1962 - Expansion of the Innerwald and Hochsölden ski areas

In 1952, the second single-chairlift from Hochsölden towards Rotkogl was built, and just one year later, the village of Innerwald was connected to Sölden by a chairlift. Between 1959 and 1962, nine more T-bar lifts were constructed, and by 1960, a joint lift pass was introduced for all 12 installations.

 

1948 - First single-chairlift in Hochsölden

The first guests arrived as early as the 19th century, when the first mountain huts were built. During the interwar period, skiing was introduced, leading to the founding of the first ski school and the hotel village of Hochsölden. The rise to becoming a tourism center began after World War II with the construction of a single-chairlift to Hochsölden. Many of the construction elements were made from former military equipment; the 42 supports were made of wood, and the lift had a capacity of 120 people per hour.