Ski & Snow
The BIG 3 Rally in Sölden
Three peaks higher than 3.000m in just one day
The Sölden ski resort in Austria boasts 3 peaks at an altitude of more than 3.000 metres, each one easily accessible via the ski lifts. Experienced skiers can enjoy breathtaking views from all three mountain peaks with the BIG 3 Rally ski tour, which covers the Schwarze Schneid, Tiefenbachkogl and Gaislachkogl. The route is about 50 kilometres long and allows an overview of the whole resort in one day of skiing. Great terrain, unbelievable photo stops and appetizing lunch options make this tour a must! Snow plaza Editor-in-chief Miranda Muller tried the ski course and told us about her adventurous day in Sölden.
The first BIG 3 Rallye selfie on the Schwarze Schneid. © Ötztal Tourismus, Photo: Miranda Muller.
First stop: selfies on the Schwarze Schneid
The tour starts with a trip up the brand new Giggijoch mountain gondola, which brings skiers up the mountain in no time. From there the Silberbrünnl lift takes you to the Rotkogl, at an altitude of 2.662 metres. A freshly groomed piste is spread out before you: it’s the blue piste #13, the perfect warm-up run before you make your way to the glaciers.
The first goal is the 3.250m-high Schwarze Schneid; you’ll find the photo machine right at the top of the lift, so you can prove that you’re more than 3.000 metres up! If your legs aren’t jelly yet, you can continue to the viewing platform at 3.340 metres. This requires a bit of a hike, and you’ll have to leave your skis at the top of the lift and trek 20 minutes or so just in your boots. But the photo point is truly special and well worth it, especially for all you selfie lovers out there.
Traipsing across the BIG 3 Tiefenbach
Go through the ski tunnel and you’ll soon see the Tiefenbach Glacier. Possibly the best blue run in Sölden, it’s time to ski #38, a super-wide “autobahn” which lends itself well to full speed carving.
Soar down to the Tiefenbach gondola, then take it up to the next photo point: the BIG 3 Tiefenbach. You might feel the 20 metre long bridge wobble ever so slightly as you make your way across, 60 metres above the glaciers. There are no words to capture how stunning the view is from this one-of-a-kind experience! The highlight is the gorgeous view of the second largest mountain in Tyrol, the 3.776m-high Wildspitze. You’ll share the platform with other enthusiastic skiers, so you can take some group selfies if you like… A sure path to thousands of likes on social media!
The brilliant piste #38 “the autobahn”. Next stop: the BIG 3 Tiefenbach. © Ötztal Tourismus, Photo: Miranda Muller.
Selfie in 60 metres above the glacier. The BIG 3 viewing platform at the Tiefenbach Glacier. © Ötztal Tourismus, Photo: Miranda Muller.
The best Schnitzel of your life
Take the wonderful piste #38 again to reach the chairlift, which will bring you back to the Rettenbach Glacier. The Rettenbach Glacier gets lots of shade and the snow is fantastic. The blue #30 cruiser will take you along to the challenging black #7 and from there to the valley station of the Gaislachkogl cable car, which will take you up to the third BIG 3 target.
At the top of the Gaislachkogl cable car, behold the ultramodern ice Q Restaurant, at an altitude of 3.048 meters. You’ll see the photo point slightly below the mountain station overlooking the restaurant, but the roof of the ice Q is definitely worth a visit as well. Afterwards, enjoy the world’s greatest schnitzel over world-class views.
Sunshine all over the Gaislachkogl. © Ötztal Tourismus, Photo: Miranda Muller.
Bonus run on the Giggijoch
Normally, the next step on the ski tour would be the red #1, but in early December it’s not open yet. However, for anyone going later in the season, it’s definitely a good option. From the middle station you can follow the official ski route back down to the valley.
As a bonus, return to the Giggijoch and spend your last dregs of energy on the first piste you skied today, the blue piste #13. You can then ski back to the village via the Giggijoch valley run and reminisce with your friends over this memorable day on the ski tour through Sölden’s three highlights!
The BIG 3 Rally in Sölden
Tip: Pics or it didn’t happen!
Before you begin be sure to sign up for the BIG 3 Photo Rallye, part of the Adrenalin Cup. Fetch your Adrenalin Pass at the cash desk at the valley station, then hit up the four “Photo Points” during your tour. Then, at the end of the day, review your photos and performance at http://soelden.adrenalincup.at/. Of course, nobody stops you from snapping plenty of your own pics and videos as well!
Guest author Miranda Muller from Snowplaza.
Guest author Miranda Muller
Miranda Muller is Editor-in-chief at Snowplaza and the alps are her second home. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking or mountain biking – she loves it all. For a period of time Miranda lived in Trentino and worked as a ski instructor in the alps.
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