On 24 and 25 October 2026, the world’s top skiers will kick off the winter season with the giant slalom on the Rettenbach Glacier. The Grünwald Resort Sölden offers the perfect base for the World Cup opener: your holiday apartment in Sölden boasts a peaceful, panoramic location above the hustle and bustle, with direct access to the glacier shuttles. Enjoy exclusive privacy in a chalet or apartment with its own sauna and heated outdoor pool, whilst the valley is celebrating.
If you want to be there for the opening, you need more than just a bed. You need a base that works. Our apartments and chalets for the Ski World Cup are specially designed to meet the needs of fans, families and groups who want to experience the start of the season in style.
Ski-Unterkünfte hier buchenSecure your apartment in Sölden for the 2026 World Cup now: Since many regulars book for the following year immediately after the race, availability for the weekend of October 24–25, 2026, is limited.
Check available Apartments for the World Cup WeekendTo help you plan your weekend in detail, we’ve put together a provisional schedule for the opening here. The giant slalom on the Rettenbachferner, with gradients of up to 65%, is considered one of the most challenging slopes on the World Cup calendar – a real spectacle for spectators at the venue.
As a guest at the Grünwald Resort, you enjoy a key advantage: Logistical peace of mind. You won't need your car during the race weekend, saving you the stress of searching for a parking spot.
Autumn in Sölden promises snow and action! In October, skiing awaits you on the glacier with perfectly groomed slopes and a breathtaking panorama. Highlight: The Ski World Cup kick-off - experience world-class athletes live in action! Perfectly combined with a stay at the Grünwald Resort Sölden: Enjoy modern comfort, wellness and proximity to the action. Whether it's training on the glacier or the World Cup atmosphere, your ski season starts in a unique ambience. Ready for your fall-winter adventure?
Find your ski accomodationsAnyone wishing to attend the 2026 Ski World Cup Opening (24–25 October 2026) at the Rettenbach Glacier in person should book their accommodation well in advance, as demand is traditionally high. The Grünwald Resort is the smart choice for fans and families: we combine privacy with close proximity to the event.
Book your preferred accommodation here
After the adrenaline rush of the Ski World Cup in Sölden, pure relaxation awaits you at the Grünwald Resort. Transform the excitement of the glacier races into deep regeneration and unwind in our heated panoramic outdoor pool. Our modern wellness area, featuring a soothing sauna and steam bath, perfectly restores tired muscles after an action-packed day on the slopes. Experience the ultimate fusion of world-class sports and alpine recovery.
Our wellness and relaxation offer
Wrap up an exciting day of racing with an exclusive dinner at our Panorama Alm restaurant in Sölden. Indulge in premium alpine cuisine, available as a flexible half-board option or as a traditional, cozy fondue evening with friends and family. High-quality, regional ingredients perfectly complement the breathtaking views of the Ötztal Alps. Enjoy exceptional taste right by the slopes and elevate your ski holiday into a culinary journey.
Restaurant in our ResortEnjoy delicious regional specialties, creative fondue variations, and trendy dishes at our Panorama Alm – all with breathtaking mountain views.
Panorama Alm RestaurantEnjoy a lovingly prepared breakfast basket delivered directly to your room.
In-room breakfast basketCharge your e-car with 100% green electricity at our in-house e-charging station.
Enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks around the clock from our 24/7 vending machine.
The Grünwald Resort is strategically located in the Grünwald district. Thanks to the bus service, you’ll have excellent connections to the glacier shuttles, yet you’ll enjoy a quiet and private stay. It’s the ideal holiday apartment for the Ski World Cup, combining relaxation with action.
The legendary parade of international fan clubs traditionally winds its way through the centre of Sölden on Saturday evening (around 6 pm). It is one of the most atmospheric highlights of the weekend, with the ski stars’ supporters creating a unique atmosphere.
Yes! The route to the Grünwald Resort follows the Panoramastraße at an altitude of 1,500 metres. Even if autumn is still in full swing down in the valley, it can snow at any time at this altitude, and particularly on the glacier road. Winter tyres are strongly recommended from the end of October to ensure a safe journey through the Ötztal valley.
Not quite yet in October. The Grünwald Resort’s ‘ski-in/ski-out’ facility (right next to run 21/22) becomes available as soon as the Giggijoch winter ski area opens (usually from mid-November). For the World Cup opening, you can make use of the convenient shuttle bus, which stops almost right outside the front door.
As the race takes place at an altitude of just under 2,700 metres, warm, layered clothing and sturdy, insulated footwear are essential – you’ll be standing in the snow for quite some time. High-quality sun protection and sunglasses are also very important due to the strong UV reflection from the glacier snow.