freeriding in sölden
Holy powder: DROP IN & SHRED!
Steep couloirs & cliff drops. Tree runs & wide open slopes for cruising: in Sölden freeride aficionados - and those who are still on their way towards the first backcountry experience - will find the perfect powder run on more than 70 km of off-piste variants! From November through May thanks to the high Alpine altitude and two well developed glacier ski areas. And what's best: Sölden's backcountry can be reached in a few minutes on short, lift-supported ascents in the marked ski area: Hike. Shred. Repeat!
unlimited freeride prospective!
Is Sölden a freeride area? Yes, of course! The ski resort is not only a superb base for amazing ski tours in high Alpine terrain, but also offers freeride runs that start right next to the marked ski slopes. Or can be easily reached by a short hike. The reward: powder runs with up to 2000 m of difference in altitude! The two freeride areas of Giggijoch and Gaislachkogl boast plenty of terrain for both beginners and already experienced powder acrobats.
hard Facts About freeriding in Sölden
- High Alpine terrain offering countless freeride variants
- More than 70 km of off-piste variants
- Freeride routes with up to 2000 m of difference in altitude
- Absolute snow reliability from November to May thanks to altitudes up to 3400 m and two glacier ski areas
- Starting point for myriad high Alpine ski tours
- Runs starting right next to the groomed ski slopes & short lift-assisted ascents
Ötztal Tourismus & Bergbahnen Sölden assume no liability for the listed freeride areas and strongly recommend to enlist a certified local freeride guide or mountain guide. Before setting out on a freeride tour inform yourself about the current avalanche hazard level! A daily updated avalanche report (in the winter months) is offered by Tirol's avalanche warning service HERE on the official website. Enter the free skiing terrain outside the secured slopes only with the appropriate equipment (avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel, avalanche probe). Wearing an airbag backpack is strongly recommended - safety comes first!
Giggijoch Freeride Area
The unrivaled "place to be" for freeride beginners who are off the beaten tracks for the very first time. The (in most areas) extensive and only moderately steep terrain at Giggijoch (accessible via the feeder mountain gondola of the same name) offers truly ideal conditions to give the first powder turns a try. Speaking of "lift-assisted freeriding": if you only conquer a few meters of ascent after the lift ride you will be rewarded with the most exciting freeride adventures in untouched terrain.
Gaislachkogl Freeride Area
True freeride aficionados & powder acrobats will find their luck - and the very best snow - at 3.040 m tall Gaislachkogl. Not only because of its altitude, but also due to the manifold northern "faces" and gullies promising knee-deep powder even in spring. Another advantage of Gaislachkogl mountain: the location allows powder runs at all directions - no matter if into Wasserkar, Rettenbach or Venter Tal valleys, the downhill adventures with up to 2000 m of difference in altitude are truly challenging. Narrow troughs in all facets, steep walls and cliff drops - Gaislachkogl has it all, you better watch out!
What do the two freeride areas have in common (in addition to the Langegg 6-person connecting chairlift)? Short, lift-assisted ascents and long, rewarding downhill runs.
Freeriding safety measures in Sölden
Pristine powder slopes are truly tempting but they can also be very risky. Therefore correct behavior in the backcountry is all the more important. Checking the current avalanche and weather reports is just as important as being aware of danger spots in the freeride area of your choice. In addition to appropriate freeride equipment your knowledge about safety in open Alpine terrain should also be up-to-date. The freeride checkpoints in Sölden's ski area help to better assess high Alpine dangers in order to make the right decisions.
GAISLACHKOGL
The Freeride Checkpoint is located right at the top station of Gaislachkogl mountain gondola at 3.040 m next to the Powder Q self-service bistro. Here you have the opportunity to check the functionality of your avalanche transceiver by using the so-called "LVS Checker". The Freeride Checkpoint also provides information on the current avalanche danger level and risky slope exposures that you should absolutely avoid. Freeride rules, definition of single avalanche danger levels and important telephone numbers can as well be found at this checkpoint.
LANGEGGBAHN top station
The Freeride Tower is located at the top station of Langegg 6-person chairlift. The interactive pillar has two main functions: on the one hand, it serves as a meeting place for freeride adventurers in the Giggijoch area. On the other hand, the tower is an important source of information: Which avalanche danger level prevails in the morning, how does it develop until the afternoon? The Freeride Tower - like its counterpart on Gaislachkogl - is also the right place to check your avalanche transceiver.
Please note: Freeriding in the free skiing terrain is at your own risk and the Sölden lift company doesn't assume any liability. Freeriders act on their own responsibility and at their own risk.
LVS Test- & Trainingcenter
Almost everyone has an avalanche transceiver with them, but who can use it properly in an emergency? Using avalanche transceivers requires some practice. In this intensive training course we show in theory and practice how to optimally use safety equipment in an emergency. 20 years of avalanche transceiver experience and test centers flows into the training. The latest rescue material: avalanche transceiver devices, shovels, probes and airbag backpacks supplied by Arva, ABS, BCA, Mammut, Pieps and Ortovox can be tested extensively. Theory in the morning followed by intensive afternoon training in the terrain. Putting into practice what you have learned under the supervision and guidance of a UIAA-certified mountain and ski guide.
To be noted
What is part of the freeride equipment? Which rules have to be observed during freeriding? How can I minimize the risk already in the planning stage but also in the outdoors? Questions upon questions! The following avalanche risk checklist provides an overview of all important details.
Freeride equipment:
- Avalanche transceiver (LVS in German)
- Avalanche shovel
- Avalanche probe
- First aid kit
- Mobile phone for emergency calls
- Recommended: backpack with avalanche airbag system
Basic freeride rules:
- Daily check of current avalanche report
- Never without avalanche transceiver in the free skiing terrain; regular training of avalanche victim search
- Never alone in the backcountry and not in very large groups
- Check before drop-in: who/what is above me, who/what is below me?
- Ski down one by one on extremely steep slopes
- When climbing steep terrain keep sufficient distance
- Bad view? You better go back and try next time
Assess risk correctly– Ride smart!
Check 1: Planning in advance
- Check the current avalanche and weather reportx
- What is the current avalanche hazard level? Remember danger spots
- What is the weather like? Which conditions prevail in the freeride area?
- Select the area & tour according to the conditions
- Who is coming with you? Beginners or already experienced freeriders?
- Check sports equipment
Check 2: Observing & Assessing terrain
- Is there fresh snow? If yes, how much?
- Are there any hazard signs? Always watch out for danger signs, e.g. triggered avalanches of all sizes, strange sounds, waves or dunes, wind slabs, accumulated drift snow
- Where are the favorable or unfavorable slope directions, where are possible danger spots?
- Recall the avalanche report on the spot and pay attention to hazards
- Check the avalanche transceiver on site
- How do my freeride buddies behave: (in)cautious behavior? Exhaustion or overstrain? Do they fall down frequently?
Check 3: Check of every single slope & Decision
- Check the amount of fresh snow
- Are there fresh wind slabs or snowdrift areas?
- Does the slope have an inclination of 30 degrees and is there a high possibility of avalanches? Is the slope among the avalanche-prone areas according to the daily avalanche hazard report: inclination, altitude
- What if? Always watch out for escape routes. Typical avalanche areas are e.g. steep slopes interspersed with rocks, steep leeside terrain or steep slope in the shadow
- Can I and my buddies ski down the powder slope quickly and without falling?
- Keep sufficient distance
- Fix certain meeting points.
Which slope inclination at which avalanche risk level?
- Risk level 2 (moderate avalanche hazard): avoid extremely steep slopes with a slope inclination beyond 40 degrees
- Risk level 3 (considerable avalanche hazard): avoid very steep slopes with a slope inclination of more than 35 degrees
- Risk level 4 & 5 (high and very high avalanche hazard): don't go freeriding at all
- Stay away from steep and rocky terrain and don't jump over snow cornices
In case of doubt or bad feeling: cancel the powder run or freeride tour immediately - it's a question of life!
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LOW Triggering is generally possible but only from high additional load in isolated areas of extremely steep terrain. Only small-sized sluffs and natural avalanches are expected. Snow layers are generally stable.
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MODERATE Avalanches may be triggered in case of truly heavy loads, especially on a few explicitly indicated, steep slopes. Large spontaneous avalanches are not expected. In general, the snowpack is well bonded except on some very steep slopes. Choose your route carefully, avoid the indicated slopes and exposed sections.
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CONSIDERABLE Avalanches are likely to be triggered on many of the indicated steep slopes even if only light loads are applied. In some places, numerous medium-sized and also large-sized natural avalanches are expected. The snowpack is poorly bonded on most steep slopes. Choose your route according to these criteria, select only moderately steep terrain by avoiding the avalanche runout zones. Very expert avalanche knowledge is required.
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HIGH Avalanches can be triggered even with low additional loads, especially on the steep slopes indicated. In some cases, many medium avalanches occur, and in some cases large avalanches. On many steep slopes, the snowpack is only weakly consolidated. When choosing a route, limit yourself to moderately steep terrain and pay attention to the avalanche run-out areas. A lot of experience in avalanche assessment is required.
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EXTREMELY HIGH Numerous huge or very large-sized natural avalanches are expected also in moderately steep terrain at any time. Safe skiing is not possible anymore, not even in the marked ski area. The snowpack is poorly bonded and largely unstable. Don't go freeriding at all!
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Important emergency numbers for Alpine accidents in Austria:
140 Alpine emergency call
144 Ambulance emergency call
112 European emergency call
+43 (0) 5254 508 825 Emergency call of Bergbahnen Sölden lift company
When placing an emergency call always give the following information first, just in case that the telephone connection is bad or cut off for any reason:
| WHAT |
happened? (crevasse fall, crash,...) |
| WHERE |
did it happen – exact location? (name of location, altitude, GPS coordinates) |
| HOW |
is the condition of the injured? (unconscious, severely injured,...) |
Give your name and phone number to the operator. Make sure you can be reached on the phone until the rescue team arrives in case the operator or the helicopter must contact you again.
IMPORTANT: Follow the instructions given by the operator, answer all questions clearly and don't put down the phone until you are told to. The operator can provide you with important information on how to treat the injured.
Tirol's official avalanche warning service
Always check the current avalanche danger level before setting out on a freeride tour! A daily updated avalanche report is available (in the winter months) on the official website of Tirol's avalanche warning service HERE. More useful links:
CURRENT TIROL AVALANCHE REPORT (in the winter months)
Emergency App - Tirol Mountain Rescue
Always be on the safe side thanks to the Emergency App. Made especially for Alpine emergencies within Tirol! HERE you can download the app for iOS, HERE is the download link for Android devices
Frequently asked questions
The Sölden ski area (1,350 - 3,340 meters) with its winter ski area and the two glacier ski areas, which are connected by lifts, offers fantastic freeride opportunities thanks to its guaranteed snow and varied terrain. More than 70 km of off-piste variants await you. HERE you can find out everything about freeriding in Sölden.
The Sölden ski area can be roughly divided into three large areas. And all three offer different advantages for powder enthusiasts. The Giggijoch is ideal for gaining your first freeride experience, the Gaislachkogl opens up challenging off-piste variants in all directions and in the glacier ski areas you can still find fresh powder snow even in spring. HERE you can find info on the freeride areas in Sölden.
Complete freeride equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel, rucksack - ideally an airbag rucksack) goes without saying. The same goes for checking the daily avalanche report and choosing the right downhill route. In the Sölden ski area, there is a freeride checkpoint at Gaislachkogl, where the current avalanche warning level is displayed and you can check your avalanche transceiver. At Giggijoch, the Freeride Tower takes over this function. You can find out everything you need to know about freeriding safety in Sölden HERE. As a general rule: only venture off the secured pistes if you have the necessary experience and training!
Complete freeride equipment includes an avalanche transceiver (worn on the body), a probe and shovel. The latter items should be carried in a rucksack, ideally in an avalanche airbag rucksack. Of course, a helmet is also part of a complete set of equipment. You can find out what else you need with the help of our packing list for your ski vacation, which you can find HERE.
