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Whether you want small and intimate or the chance to explore mile after mile of perfect pistes, the Wilder Kaiser region is an irresistible destination.
With easy access from its villages to the wider SkiWelt ski area, the Wilder Kaiser is the gateway to a vast domain of 275km of pistes – one of the largest and most modern ski areas in the world. Meanwhile beginners can happily stay local in the villages as they find their ski legs before venturing further afield.
Where is the Wilder Kaiser Region?
Austria's largest interconnected ski area is nestled between the foothills of the Kitzbühel Alps and the gently rising hillsides of the Wilder Kaiser massif, in the eastern part of the Austrian state of Tirol, about an hour's drive from Innsbruck, Salzburg and Munich. All these airports welcome regular flights from various UK airports, and the region is also accessible by road and rail.
What is the skiing like in Söll and the Wilder Kaiser region?
In a word: superb. Söll ski resort and its neighbouring destinations in the Wilder Kaiser offer visitors the chance to really immerse themselves in the unique Tyrolean lifestyle and enjoy breathtaking surroundings throughout mile after mile of perfectly groomed pistes. If you’re just starting out, the Wilder Kaiser villages of Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll offer free nursery slopes, superb childcare and excellent ski schools, as well as direct cable car access to the wider SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski area. Söll in particular, is a perennial British favourite with excellent beginner slopes and great access to the wider ski area.
For intermediates especially, the stats here are impressive. The 275km of perfectly groomed pistes at over 1,800m – with 230km covered by snowmaking – are served by 83 modern lifts and more than 70 peaks rising above 3,000m. Everywhere you go in the SkiWelt, you can find hundreds of wide, lovingly-groomed slopes, including rolling blue runs and long valley descents. Enjoy 114km of blue slopes, 120km of red, 26km of ski routes and 10km of black runs, plus 3 fun parks – the Kaiserpark Ellmau, Snowpark Söll and Boarder’s Playground Westendorf.
Families will also enjoy the adventure slopes and 3 floodlit toboggan runs along with the light-hearted local history of The Witch Centre at Söll. The area is also home to the longest ski circuit on the planet. The new KitzSkiWelt Tour connects the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental with the KitzSki ski area. You need never go on the same lift twice on this 88km ski tour.
And when you do need a pit stop, Söll invites you to sample Tyrolean cuisine, such as schnitzel, Germknödel and the delicious Kaiserschmarrn shredded pancakes at one of its 80 mountain huts.
The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental has been awarded the title of best ski resort in the world several times in a row and has also been named one of the most child-friendly ski resorts. The region also wins on eco points, as the SkiWelt has been declared ‘the most ecological ski area in the world’, winning multiple awards for sustainability.
Five unmissable winter experiences in Söll
Söll offers winter holidaymakers wonderful descents, a unique panoramic view from the summit of the Hohe Salve – the most beautiful panoramic mountain in Tyrol – lots of powder snow, and unique children's offers and many family slopes. Söll is also one of the hotspots for après-ski fun in the SkiWelt, with excellent restaurants, nice cafés, cool bars and cozy Tyrolean inns. Planning a visit? Put these five highlights on your to-do list:
Go night skiing
The ski fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down. Söll is Austria's number 1 spot for night skiing, hosting the country's largest night skiing area where you’ll find 11km of well-groomed floodlit slopes open from Wednesday to Saturday.
Catch a music festival
When the sun sets, it’s the cue for Söll Ski and Music to begin its non-stop music festival! From December to March, the ski huts transform into lively music stages, with everything from Alpine music to rock.
Try a Prosecco gondola experience
For a touch of romance, try a private Prosecco evening in the Hexenwasser gondola. During the two-hour ride you can sip wine as you gaze over the twinkling lights of Söll.
Ski like an eagle
Söll offers many challenges for expert skiers, including the ultra-demanding 'Black Eagle' piste. From the summit of the Hohe Salve mountain, the piste plunges breathtakingly steeply down the north side towards Hochsöll. And those who enjoy skiing off-piste will be delighted with the 'Black Pipe', a ski route from the Hohe Salve to Hochsöll with more than 80% gradient.
Or a raven!
For families, the new Raven Rally - a treasure hunt across the SkiWelt Söll followed by a reward in the Raven's Nest. The witches need your help to find the ravens that have flown away. A treasure map is available at the ticket offices in Söll or directly at the Rabennest. Participation is free.
Discover the Wilder Kaiser's other villages
Strung out alongside Söll like a string of pearls are the village resorts of Ellmau, Going and Scheffau are perfect for family ski holidays. Here's a quick guide to what to expect:
Ellmau
Ellmau is attractive valley village tucked away at the north-eastern corner of the SkiWelt domain, with stunning views north to the serrated ridges and peaks of the imposing Kaiser mountains.
It's especially popular with beginners, but is actually a very good choice for intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders too, and great for families with a wealth of off-slope leisure activities - including guided themed hikes, tobogganing, llama-trekking, e-biking, golf and swimming.
Going
Delightfully rustic Going is close to nature, serene, down-to-earth and authentic, radiating calm and tranquillity. Blessed with panoramic views of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range, this idyllic village feels down to earth yet forward-looking. Ice skating is a popular post-slope activity, and if you enjoy a winter hike, try the Prama circular hike.
It's slopes are interlinked with Ellmau and provide ready access to the wider Ski Welt area.
Scheffau
The smallest and most unspoilt village at the foot of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range, Scheffau is farthest away from the main road and yet easily accessible, with ready uplift to the extensive slopes of the Ski Welt. With something for everyone, including foodies, Scheffau is a natural, feel-good place in the unspoilt countryside. A highlight of the area - in summer and winter alike - is Hintersteiner See, one of the most beautiful and cleanest lakes in Tyrol.
Must-dos in the 'other' villages
Go cross-country skiing
Fancy a change of pace? Cross-country skiers get 148km of trails leading through the region. You can also go paragliding or try curling at ice rinks in Going and Söll or at the two curling rinks in Scheffau.
Slow down and explore the charming ski villages of the Wilder Kaiser
Enjoy the dreamlike landscape of the Wilder Kaiser and explore the villages of Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll on a horse-drawn carriage ride, or discover some of the 170km of winter walks.
