Solden ski resort, Austria

One of Europe’s most famous ski areas and a regular stop of the World Cup Tour, Solden cements its place in the European elite of resorts thanks the high altitude and two glaciers at Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, enabling it to open in October and keep going through to Easter. It is the only Austrian resort that has three mountains higher than 3000 meters.

Solden and the neighbouring villages of Hochsölden, Vent and Zwieselstein have 148 kilometres of interlinked runs with 34 lifts and with a lift capacity of 70 000 skiers and hour, your time in queues is going to be limited – something the Austrian’s have just started to wake up to. Unusually the easier skiing is high up on the mountain, with challenging reds dropping down into the town.

A unique attraction for Sölden are three precariously situated viewing platforms, placed throughout the ski system; that offer spectacular views around the mountains. The Big Three is something not to be missed – as long as you take an extra brave pill.

Along with the skiing Sölden is famed for its après-ski and nightlife, with more bars down its main street than most cities have! There are also plenty of more relaxed bars and restaurants where you can be assured of a traditional Austrian welcome. As you would also expect for this popular resort there are over 500 choices of hotels, apartments and chalets to choose from. Innsbruck airport is less than an hour’s drive away. The nearest train station is Ötztal, which is also connected to Sölden by bus.

For non-skiers, there are two spas to choose from – The Freizeit Arena, which is more recreational and The Aqua Dome. The latter is The Tirol’s only thermal spa center. There is also ample oportunities for shopping, ice skating and snow shoe walking.