Sölden kicks off the summer season on June 4, 2026.

The Ötztal's top destination remains true to its roots and is once again setting standards at the start of the season. The Bike Republic Sölden is opening two new trails and celebrating the sporting highlight of early summer with the Bike Republic Sölden Festival from June 18th to 21st. Hiking and nature enthusiasts can enjoy around 300 kilometers of marked routes, including the newly expanded Gampe hiking trail. And those who want to experience the mountain in a completely different way can look forward to the 1st Mountaincart Games in September.

From June 4th, the heartbeat of the Alps will once again be unmistakable: The summer lifts, the Bike Republic Sölden, and the Ötztal Summer Card all open simultaneously. Nine lifts comfortably transport guests to higher altitudes. Whether as an aid for hikes, trail adventures, a visit to the James Bond experience 007 ELEMENTS, or ice Q, Austria's highest gourmet restaurant on the over 3,000-meter-high summit of the Gaislachkogl.

The key to many experiences is the Ötztal Summer Card . Guests receive it free of charge when staying overnight at one of the approximately 400 partner accommodations or can purchase it for three, five, seven, or ten days. Included: use of all lifts in Sölden and neighboring villages, bus rides, and admission to lakes, swimming pools, and museums. More information: Summer Card

Bike Republic Sölden is consistently expanding its position as one of the leading bike destinations in the Alps. 2026 is all about maximum biking fun and better connectivity, right from day one. Two long-awaited lines were completed at the start of the season. The Hupfar Line is a jump line over 1.6 kilometers long with perfectly shaped takeoffs and generous landings. Ideal for anyone wanting to take their airtime to the next level. This section was developed and built in collaboration with Matthias Garber; international MTB stars Veronique Sandler and Sam Hodgson contributed to the second section (from spring 2026). The Drimmle Line creates a strategically important connection between Gaislachkogl and Giggijoch. Similar to a ski slope connection in winter, it allows for direct access between the mountains without having to go through the valley. In addition, the red Traien Trail has been extended by 1.7 kilometers to a total length of 2.3 kilometers. Another new feature awaits at the Gaislachkogl cable car's mid-station: a pump track over 100 meters long. The first of its kind at this altitude in Sölden.

Milestone: The entire area now marked blue.

With the further extension of the Troalen Line upwards and the Drimmle Line, the entire BRS area can now be ridden continuously on blue lines for the first time. Perfectly beginner-friendly, from the very top down to the valley, from one side of the valley to the other. This so-called "bike swing" opens up the Bike Republic Sölden to an even wider target group and makes the area particularly attractive for beginners and recreational bikers.

Bike Republic Sölden Festival: The early summer biking extravaganza.

From June 18th to 21st, Sölden will become the epicenter of the international bike community. The Bike Republic Sölden Festival moves from autumn to early summer, combining opening day vibes and spectacular biking into a multi-day highlight. The program includes:

• June 18th: Swatch Nines Night Show – a spectacular evening spectacle for the senses

• June 19th: Bike Republic Sölden Rally – the cult FUNduro team competition

• June 20th: Swatch Nines Public Day & Expo Party – the world's best MTB athletes up close in the "Dirt District"

From June 19th, a varied supporting program including bike expo, riders party, riding technique courses and side events will take place at the event grounds at Gaislachkogl throughout the entire weekend.

Hiking & Cycling with Greater Comfort:

Sölden is also making targeted investments in quality for its hiking offerings. The Gampe hiking trail is being developed into a continuous route via the newly created ski slope connection (piste junction). The upper section is already complete, and the lower section is scheduled to open at the beginning of July 2026. The result: more flexible tour options and smoother transitions between different altitudes.

With around 300 kilometers of marked hiking trails, Sölden remains a diverse destination – from challenging summit tours to relaxed panoramic trails. And for those who get hungry: Alpinarik Sölden will once again bring the culinary diversity of the destination to the mountain huts and alpine pastures in 2026.

In the participating establishments – more than ever before – regional products, creative signature dishes and close collaboration with local producers shape the offerings.

There is also good news for everyone who wants to experience the valley by two-wheeler: The Ötztal cycle path will be extended from the Gaislachkogl cable car to the Hotel Sportlers, thus enabling relaxed rides through the town area from July 2026.

Premiere for Mountaincart Games Sölden: On September 11th and 12th, 2026 , a trendy event format will launch on the over 7-kilometer-long mountaincart track at Gaislachkogl : At the 1st Mountaincart Games Sölden , teams will compete against each other and must complete various tasks along the course. The fastest time is not the deciding factor, but rather skill, teamwork, and strategy. The popular mountaincart track itself remains a fixture in the summer program and offers an action-packed alternative for everyone who wants to experience the mountain in a different way.

A diverse event program follows the Bike Republic Sölden Festival, with further highlights on the event calendar throughout the summer. Every Friday from July 3rd to August 21st is bike night : The first section of the Gaislachkogl cable car runs until 7:15 pm, and selected lines are open until 8:00 pm – for extra flow and sunset rides after a long work week.

At the “Festival on the Mountain” on August 2nd, game stations and music transform the Gaislachkogl middle station into a festival area.

On August 30, 2026, 4,000 cycling enthusiasts will once again take part in the legendary Ötztal Cycle Marathon . In this 45th edition , participants will once again strive to fulfill their dream of finishing the 227-kilometer course with its 5,500 meters of elevation gain.

The Bike Republic Sölden National Holiday on October 3rd and 4th, 2026 , will be the crowning finale of the bike season . Bike parades, bike shows, fun contests and much more guarantee a worthy season finale.

The most relaxed and sustainable way to travel is by train to Ötztal-Bahnhof station at the entrance to the valley. From there, you can seamlessly continue your journey into the valley to Sölden using public transport. The new experience ticket allows you to conveniently combine train travel with digital tour planning. The ticket includes train travel on a daytime train or the ÖBB Nightjet to Ötztal-Bahnhof or Innsbruck, onward travel on regional bus 320, and a voucher for one month of premium access to the komoot navigation app. Once there, the public transport network – in combination with the Ötztal Summer Card – ensures maximum flexibility without needing a car. Mobility in the Ötztal

Further information: www.soelden.com