FIS Ski World Cup Opening
At a glance
The Ski World Cup Opening in Sölden starts the alpine ski World Cup season every year. Two giant slaloms are run on the Rettenbach glacier, the women on Saturday and the men on Sunday, with the first run at ten and the second at one. The course is 1,198 metres long, starts at 3,040 metres and finishes at 2,670, a drop of 370 metres at an average gradient of 33 percent and up to 68 percent in the steepest section. Sölden has hosted World Cup races since 1993 and every year since 2000. The next date is 24 and 25 October 2026.
It is the first race weekend of the season, and the whole village is set up for it. The supporting programme starts on Friday evening at the Giggijoch base station with the women's bib draw, the races are on Saturday and Sunday, and the prize giving follows in the finish area. Anyone who would rather not be in the stadium can watch on screens in the village.
There is only one way up to the glacier: the glacier road is closed to private vehicles, so everyone takes the shuttle bus. It is included in the ticket and free anyway with a valid ski pass, and it stops at the Giggijoch base station among others, a few minutes on foot from Haus Kristiania. On race days it runs from around a quarter to eight. With a valid ski pass there is no admission charge for standing room.
These weeks go first with us. If you want to be in the centre of Sölden for the World Cup, book early, not in October.
Terms
Good to know
What to settle before booking.
- Minimum stay
- three nights
- Arrival in winter
- from 20 December to 11 April, Saturday to Saturday
- Tourist tax
- 5.00 euros per person per day, children under 15 pay none
The apartments start at 65 euros per night. All periods with the rate per occupancy are listed on the rates page.
View ratesQuestions
What guests ask about it
When is the Ski World Cup Opening in Sölden?
In October, on a Saturday and Sunday. The next date is 24 and 25 October 2026, the women's giant slalom on Saturday and the men's on Sunday, each with runs at ten and at one.
How do you get to the races on the Rettenbach glacier?
Only by shuttle bus, as the glacier road is closed to private vehicles. The bus runs from Sölden and stops at the Giggijoch base station among others, a few minutes on foot from the house. The ride is included in the race ticket and free with a valid ski pass.
Do you need a ticket if you have a ski pass?
Not for standing room. A valid ski pass admits you to the races without an extra charge. Seats and the areas in the finish stadium have their own tickets; prices are on the organiser's site.
