Latest news with #InnsbruckAirport
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sölden in Austria is Now Epic; Buy an Epic Pass by May 26 to Ski and Ride at the Lowest Price
Ski and ride Sölden in Austria with Epic Pass Sölden caps off a week of Austrian partnership announcements from Epic Pass Epic Passes are on sale now at the lowest price of the year ($1,051 USD) through May 26 BROOMFIELD, Colo., May 25, 2025 /CNW/ -- With only one day ahead of the May 26 deadline to buy an Epic Pass for the lowest price of the year, Vail Resorts announced that Austrian skiing and snowboarding will be even more Epic with Sölden joining the 2025/26 Epic Pass lineup. Located in the Ötztal Valley in Tyrol less than 84 km from Innsbruck Airport, Sölden is famous for its premium skiing on a seamlessly connected glacier and mountain ski area. Offering reliable snow from autumn through spring, thanks to its high-altitude terrain, two glaciers and state-of-the-art snowmaking, the resort delivers a world-class experience that blends alpine sport, entertainment and wellness. "Sölden stands out as a premier alpine destination with remarkable snow reliability and panoramic views from its mountain tops and glacier ski area," said Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division. "Sölden is a bucket-list resort that we are thrilled to add to the Epic Pass. In addition to the amazing skiing and riding, it also contains experiences that don't exist anywhere else like the 007 ELEMENTS Bond experience and the Aqua Dome." Sölden offers high-alpine adventure with modern flair. Highlights include the cinematic 007 ELEMENTS James Bond experience at over 3,000 meters, the ice Q gourmet restaurant made famous in "Spectre" and the BIG3 Rally across Sölden's three highest peaks. With 31 lifts and 144 km of slopes, 33 cozy ski huts, an unmatched lineup of on-mountain entertainment and signature events, the resort is known for experiences that go far beyond skiing. Sölden is host to the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Opening each October, and exciting events like the Electric Mountain Festival that brings international DJs to the slopes, and the Hannibal glacier performance, a large-scale live production on snow and ice. For winter 2025/26, Sölden is once again making a bold statement in innovation and infrastructure with significant investments, including two new high-capacity lifts that further enhance glacier access and guest comfort. For ultimate relaxation, Aqua Dome – Tirol Therme is one of Europe's most iconic thermal spas and a must-visit for wellness lovers. "We're proud to join the Epic Pass and open Sölden to a new global audience," said Jakob Falkner, CEO of Bergbahnen Sölden. "This partnership brings together innovation, alpine heritage, and our passion for unforgettable mountain experiences– while showcasing Sölden's unique mix of sport and entertainment worldwide." The Epic Pass ($1,051 USD for adults; $537 USD for children) and Epic Adaptive Pass ($527 USD for adults; $270 USD for children) will include five days of access to Sölden. Epic Passes are on sale now at the lowest price of the year through May 26. May 26 is also the last chance to receive two Buddy Tickets (for up to 45% savings on a lift ticket) and six Ski With a Friend Tickets to help Pass Holders share days at their favorite resorts with family and friends. Further, May 26 is the last chance to purchase an Epic Pass with just $49 down. Pay $49 at the time of purchase, with the remainder of the purchase due mid-September. Sölden is the latest partner resort in Austria to be added to the Epic Pass lineup for the 2025/26 winter season capping of a week of exciting announcements from Vail Resorts. Earlier this week, Austrian ski areas Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun, Mayrhofen and Hintertux, and Silvretta Montafon joined the 2025/26 Epic Pass roster. These new partners are in addition to existing Pass Holder access to Ski Arlberg, the largest connected ski resort in Austria and one of the six largest ski resorts in the world. The Epic Pass now offers access to 34 resorts across ten ski areas in Europe, plus unlimited, unrestricted access to 37 iconic North American mountain resorts, like Whistler Blackcomb, Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Stowe and many more. With Epic Pass, skiers and riders have the flexibility to buy their Pass now and decide later where and when to ski or ride. Visit to compare Pass options and buy a Pass before prices increase May 26. About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia – all available on the company's industry-changing Epic Pass. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at or discover our resorts and pass options at SOURCE Vail Resorts, Inc. View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Sölden in Austria is Now Epic; Buy an Epic Pass by May 26 to Ski and Ride at the Lowest Price English
Ski and ride Sölden in Austria with Epic Pass Sölden caps off a week of Austrian partnership announcements from Epic Pass Epic Passes are on sale now at the lowest price of the year ($1,051 USD) through May 26 BROOMFIELD, Colo., May 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With only one day ahead of the May 26 deadline to buy an Epic Pass for the lowest price of the year, Vail Resorts announced that Austrian skiing and snowboarding will be even more Epic with Sölden joining the 2025/26 Epic Pass lineup. Located in the Ötztal Valley in Tyrol less than 84 km from Innsbruck Airport, Sölden is famous for its premium skiing on a seamlessly connected glacier and mountain ski area. Offering reliable snow from autumn through spring, thanks to its high-altitude terrain, two glaciers and state-of-the-art snowmaking, the resort delivers a world-class experience that blends alpine sport, entertainment and wellness. "Sölden stands out as a premier alpine destination with remarkable snow reliability and panoramic views from its mountain tops and glacier ski area," said Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division. "Sölden is a bucket-list resort that we are thrilled to add to the Epic Pass. In addition to the amazing skiing and riding, it also contains experiences that don't exist anywhere else like the 007 ELEMENTS Bond experience and the Aqua Dome." Sölden offers high-alpine adventure with modern flair. Highlights include the cinematic 007 ELEMENTS James Bond experience at over 3,000 meters, the ice Q gourmet restaurant made famous in "Spectre" and the BIG3 Rally across Sölden's three highest peaks. With 31 lifts and 144 km of slopes, 33 cozy ski huts, an unmatched lineup of on-mountain entertainment and signature events, the resort is known for experiences that go far beyond skiing. Sölden is host to the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Opening each October, and exciting events like the Electric Mountain Festival that brings international DJs to the slopes, and the Hannibal glacier performance, a large-scale live production on snow and ice. For winter 2025/26, Sölden is once again making a bold statement in innovation and infrastructure with significant investments, including two new high-capacity lifts that further enhance glacier access and guest comfort. For ultimate relaxation, Aqua Dome – Tirol Therme is one of Europe's most iconic thermal spas and a must-visit for wellness lovers. "We're proud to join the Epic Pass and open Sölden to a new global audience," said Jakob Falkner, CEO of Bergbahnen Sölden. "This partnership brings together innovation, alpine heritage, and our passion for unforgettable mountain experiences– while showcasing Sölden's unique mix of sport and entertainment worldwide." The Epic Pass ($1,051 USD for adults; $537 USD for children) and Epic Adaptive Pass ($527 USD for adults; $270 USD for children) will include five days of access to Sölden. Epic Passes are on sale now at the lowest price of the year through May 26. May 26 is also the last chance to receive two Buddy Tickets (for up to 45% savings on a lift ticket) and six Ski With a Friend Tickets to help Pass Holders share days at their favorite resorts with family and friends. Further, May 26 is the last chance to purchase an Epic Pass with just $49 down. Pay $49 at the time of purchase, with the remainder of the purchase due mid-September. Sölden is the latest partner resort in Austria to be added to the Epic Pass lineup for the 2025/26 winter season capping of a week of exciting announcements from Vail Resorts. Earlier this week, Austrian ski areas Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun, Mayrhofen and Hintertux, and Silvretta Montafon joined the 2025/26 Epic Pass roster. These new partners are in addition to existing Pass Holder access to Ski Arlberg, the largest connected ski resort in Austria and one of the six largest ski resorts in the world. The Epic Pass now offers access to 34 resorts across ten ski areas in Europe, plus unlimited, unrestricted access to 37 iconic North American mountain resorts, like Whistler Blackcomb, Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Stowe and many more. With Epic Pass, skiers and riders have the flexibility to buy their Pass now and decide later where and when to ski or ride. Visit to compare Pass options and buy a Pass before prices increase May 26. About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia – all available on the company's industry-changing Epic Pass. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at or discover our resorts and pass options at
Cision Canada
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Sölden in Austria is Now Epic; Buy an Epic Pass by May 26 to Ski and Ride at the Lowest Price
BROOMFIELD, Colo., May 25, 2025 /CNW/ -- With only one day ahead of the May 26 deadline to buy an Epic Pass for the lowest price of the year, Vail Resorts announced that Austrian skiing and snowboarding will be even more Epic with Sölden joining the 2025/26 Epic Pass lineup. Located in the Ötztal Valley in Tyrol less than 84 km from Innsbruck Airport, Sölden is famous for its premium skiing on a seamlessly connected glacier and mountain ski area. Offering reliable snow from autumn through spring, thanks to its high-altitude terrain, two glaciers and state-of-the-art snowmaking, the resort delivers a world-class experience that blends alpine sport, entertainment and wellness. "Sölden stands out as a premier alpine destination with remarkable snow reliability and panoramic views from its mountain tops and glacier ski area," said Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division. "Sölden is a bucket-list resort that we are thrilled to add to the Epic Pass. In addition to the amazing skiing and riding, it also contains experiences that don't exist anywhere else like the 007 ELEMENTS Bond experience and the Aqua Dome." Sölden offers high-alpine adventure with modern flair. Highlights include the cinematic 007 ELEMENTS James Bond experience at over 3,000 meters, the ice Q gourmet restaurant made famous in "Spectre" and the BIG3 Rally across Sölden's three highest peaks. With 31 lifts and 144 km of slopes, 33 cozy ski huts, an unmatched lineup of on-mountain entertainment and signature events, the resort is known for experiences that go far beyond skiing. Sölden is host to the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Opening each October, and exciting events like the Electric Mountain Festival that brings international DJs to the slopes, and the Hannibal glacier performance, a large-scale live production on snow and ice. For winter 2025/26, Sölden is once again making a bold statement in innovation and infrastructure with significant investments, including two new high-capacity lifts that further enhance glacier access and guest comfort. For ultimate relaxation, Aqua Dome – Tirol Therme is one of Europe's most iconic thermal spas and a must-visit for wellness lovers. "We're proud to join the Epic Pass and open Sölden to a new global audience," said Jakob Falkner, CEO of Bergbahnen Sölden. "This partnership brings together innovation, alpine heritage, and our passion for unforgettable mountain experiences– while showcasing Sölden's unique mix of sport and entertainment worldwide." The Epic Pass ($1,051 USD for adults; $537 USD for children) and Epic Adaptive Pass ($527 USD for adults; $270 USD for children) will include five days of access to Sölden. Epic Passes are on sale now at the lowest price of the year through May 26. May 26 is also the last chance to receive two Buddy Tickets (for up to 45% savings on a lift ticket) and six Ski With a Friend Tickets to help Pass Holders share days at their favorite resorts with family and friends. Further, May 26 is the last chance to purchase an Epic Pass with just $49 down. Pay $49 at the time of purchase, with the remainder of the purchase due mid-September. Sölden is the latest partner resort in Austria to be added to the Epic Pass lineup for the 2025/26 winter season capping of a week of exciting announcements from Vail Resorts. Earlier this week, Austrian ski areas Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun, Mayrhofen and Hintertux, and Silvretta Montafon joined the 2025/26 Epic Pass roster. These new partners are in addition to existing Pass Holder access to Ski Arlberg, the largest connected ski resort in Austria and one of the six largest ski resorts in the world. The Epic Pass now offers access to 34 resorts across ten ski areas in Europe, plus unlimited, unrestricted access to 37 iconic North American mountain resorts, like Whistler Blackcomb, Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Stowe and many more. With Epic Pass, skiers and riders have the flexibility to buy their Pass now and decide later where and when to ski or ride. Visit to compare Pass options and buy a Pass before prices increase May 26. About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia – all available on the company's industry-changing Epic Pass. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at or discover our resorts and pass options at
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mayrhofen and Hintertux in Austria are Now Epic; Buy an Epic Pass by May 26 to Ski and Ride at the Lowest Price
Ski and ride Mayrhofen and Hintertux in Austria's famous Zillertal ski region with Epic Pass Epic Passes are on sale now at the lowest price of the year ($1,051) through May 26 BROOMFIELD, Colo., May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vail Resorts today announced that Epic Pass is expanding its resorts in Austria with Mayrhofen and Hintertux joining the lineup beginning with the 2025/26 winter season. Located in one of Austria's best known ski regions, the famous Zillertal valley, Mayrhofen and Hintertux are within 45 miles of Innsbruck Airport. Mayrhofen and Hintertux encompass six distinct areas – Hintertux Glacier, Eggalm, Rastkogel, Finkenberg, Penken and Ahorn. They attract skiers and riders with over 120 miles of perfectly groomed slopes and year-round winter sports on the renowned Hintertux Glacier. "Mayrhofen and Hintertux are exciting additions to the Epic Pass, where the thrill of Austria's steepest slope experience meets the endless powder of the Hintertux Glacier," said Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division. "With 365 days of skiing, two world-class snow parks and terrain for every skill level, it's the perfect destination to complement the diverse portfolio of European resorts offered on the Epic Pass." Mayrhofen and Hintertux are two distinct ski resorts offering skiers and snowboarders a vast and varied mountain experience. Catering to all skill levels, beginners will find gentle runs on the Ahorn plateau while thrill-seekers can descend the legendary Harakiri slope, Austria's steepest slope with a 78% gradient. Mayrhofen is also home to PenkenPark, which features jumps and obstacles for freestylers of all levels. Only at Hintertux Glacier can skiers and riders participate in winter sports through summer, thanks to its high elevation, glacier terrain and favorable conditions. Adventure deep beneath the slopes at the Nature's Ice Palace and discover a glacial cave system with giant, sparkling ice crystals, frozen waterfalls and a glacial lake. Alternatives to skiing and snowboarding include winter hiking trails, cross-country ski trails and toboggan runs. In the spring, the resort hosts Snowbombing, a weeklong ski and music festival complete with incredible world-class acts as well as Full Metal Mayrhofen, an offspring of "Wacken" in Germany. "We are delighted to join the Epic Pass and welcome skiers and snowboarders to discover world-class slopes in the heart of the Alps," said Meinrad Wilfling, CEO at Mayrhofen. "With breathtaking scenery and authentic Austrian cuisine, it's a place where tradition meets adventure and offers something special for every kind of mountain lover." "The Hintertux Glacier is well known amongst skiers around the world – in fact, many U.S. ski racers have trained here," said Klaus Dengg, CEO at Hintertux Glacier. "From the high-alpine terrain of Hintertux to the varied slopes of the five Mayrhofen ski areas, Epic Pass Holders are in for unforgettable moments from glacier runs to tree-lined pistes." The Epic Pass ($1,051 for adults; $537 for children) and Epic Adaptive Pass ($527 for adults; $270 for children) will include a total of five consecutive days of access across Mayrhofen and Hintertux. Epic Passes are on sale now at the lowest price of the year through May 26. May 26 is also the last chance to receive two Buddy Tickets (for up to 45% savings on a lift ticket) and six Ski With a Friend Tickets to help Pass Holders share days at their favorite resorts with family and friends. Further, May 26 is the last chance to purchase an Epic Pass with just $49 down. Pay $49 at the time of purchase, with the remainder of the purchase due mid-September. This news follows yesterday's announcement that Vail Resorts is expanding the Epic Pass lineup in Austria with the addition of ski resorts in Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun. With Mayrhofen and Hintertux and Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun available to 2025/26 Pass Holders, the Epic Pass continues to offer unmatched access in Europe. All of this is in addition to 37 iconic North American mountain resorts, like Whistler Blackcomb, Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Stowe and many more. With Epic Pass, skiers and riders have the flexibility to buy their Pass now and decide later where and when to ski or ride. Visit to compare Pass options and buy a Pass before prices increase May 26. About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia – all available on the company's industry-changing Epic Pass. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at or discover our resorts and pass options at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Vail Resorts, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Belfast Telegraph
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Travel review: Austrian Alps have a licence to thrill
The ski season ended on a high note as an impressive line-up of international DJs drew tens of thousands of people onto the spectacular slopes, where I danced at 2,250m during a fast-paced week of non-stop fun. The Electric Mountain Festival officially kicked off with smaller events at scenic locations around the resort, which lives up to its reputation of being the heartbeat of the Alps. My excitement to see headliners Martin Garrix and Steve Aoki intensified as I arrived at my authentically Austrian four-star accommodation in the heart of the town. Hotel Erhart is less than a 90-minute drive from Innsbruck Airport and just a short walk from the centre of Solden, where gondolas grant access to the slopes made famous by Bond. It was the ideal base for a dance music extravaganza that unfolded over five days in April, culminating in the Dutchman, consistently ranked as the world's number one DJ, and the American record producer taking to the turntables on a giant stage dwarfed only by the imposing peaks of the Otztal mountains. The stunning setting,universally recognisable after being chosen as a shoot location for Spectre, served as a pleasant alternative to the dark and grungy basements where dance music fans are normally banished to very late at night. A few lucky VIP ticket holders were fortunate enough to party in the glass-coated cube known as Ice Q, perched against the Gaislachkogl summit at 3,048m above sea level. The meeting place of James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Dr Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux) offers majestic views, including over the snowy roads where film's 'plane versus car' scene was filmed. 007 Elements, a cinematic installation built inside the summit, gives visitors the opportunity to relive the magic as it showcases the skills required to create the most famous Bond sequences. The immersive and interactive centre is the product of a collaboration led by creative director Neal Callow, who was the art director on Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die. After staring down the barrel of the gun in the atmospheric anteroom, where I was greeted with title sequences and spine-tingling music (the fundamentals of any Bond movie), I was free to roam the lair and appreciate unforgettable characters and dialogue. In the briefing room, actress Naomie Harris (Miss Moneypenny) narrated a short video highlighting the role and impact of film locations. I paid homage to MI6's Q by visiting the tech lab to interact with cutting-edge gadgets before watching Bond action sequences with a renewed sense of wonder. I was in no doubt as to why the area grabbed the attention of filmmakers. A spectacular glass viewing space faces north over the alpine landscape now synonymous with one of the most thrilling chase scenes in cinematic history. Fans can get even closer to the road, chosen by a producer in search of an extreme location, by driving along slope Number 30. I took a mid-morning break from skiing to spend around two hours immersed the Bond cosmos before returning to the powdered terrain, where the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers are connected by a remarkable ski tunnel that cuts straight through the rocky earth that once separated them. The bright light at the end eventually dissolved to reveal even more extraordinary scenes in the resort, connected by a total of 31 lifts linking 144km of pistes peppered with at least 30 huts serving up mouthwatering Tyrolean cuisine. I found culinary delights in Schwarzkogl Restaurant, which also offers magnificent views of the Rettenbach glacier and the Gaislachkogl summit. My festival fever was tamed slightly by the splendour of this cosy a la carte cabin, which I took it in from the stunning sun terrace, where guests choosing to sit outdoors are provided with snug blankets to stay warm. After deciding it was the perfect setting for a pint (or two) of Stiegl Weisse, I browsed the menu, including starters such as thinly sliced veal, traditional Tyrolean doughnuts, oyster mushroom and wild herb tartar, and beef soups with bacon or cheese dumplings or sliced pancake. While sipping on my wheat beer, I settled on the pastrami from the smoker (accompanied by a herb) and then perused the mains. By a process of elimination, I opted for what turned out to be a generous portion of perfectly cooked venison steak on a bed of red cabbage with pommes Williams. Gampe Thaya, where I had eaten the day before, serves up equally impressive dishes, offering customers a more traditional experience in a wooden cabin with plenty of seats and a wonderful outdoor deck. Only local produce is used to create typical Otztal specialties. My tiroler grostl (diced roasted potatoes soaked in oil with beef strips and topped with a fried egg) arrived within minutes of me devouring a beautifully presented cheese and meat platter with a selection of breads and dips. A waitress then approached my table cradling a large silver bowl full of kaiserschmarren (chunks of sweet omelette coated in powdered sugar) with two small tubs — one packed with cranberry jam and the other with apple — before surrendering ownership. After washing it all down with a few bottles of Solsch, a handmade beer brewed in the Otztal valley, it was time to be plunged into a another trance. Long days on the slopes provided solace for 50,000 revellers, myself included, who made the seamless switch from skiing to partying. So too did the hotel's pine lounge spa —more specifically its hot tub, sauna, steam room, infrared cabin and tea bar — which I knew awaited me in the evenings When I wasn't seeking refuge in the wellness sanctuary, I could be found indulging in Tyrolean hospitality served up in the restaurant of this third-generation family-run hotel which has evolved from its origins as a bed and breakfast. The exquisite menu included French onion soup (served in a bulbous bowl and capped with fresh warm bread), al dente ravioli, and succulent beef soaked in a divine bacon and mushroom sauce. Of course apple strudel was among the delicious desserts on offer. One fancy (and chocolatey) sweet mimicked a plant (in 'soil') and was even served in a small, pot-shaped bowl by the chef, who loves to showcase the best of local. Buffet breakfasts — after quiet nights in my cosy room equipped with a satellite TV, radio, safe, hair dryer, makeup mirror and free wifi — ensured each day got off to a sublime start before I grabbed my equipment from the heated boot room. My guide Johan ensured I didn't miss a trick after we became acquainted at the Gaislachkoglbahn (cable car) opposite Intersport Glanzer, where I had picked up my skis before navigating the white maze of slopes which provided direct access to the XXL stage adjacent to the Giggijoch restaurant. For two consecutive days, hedonistic adrenaline junkies transformed the site into an icy open-air dance floor. Hypnotising visuals projected onto LED screens, sporadically obscured by smoke billowing from flame throwing machines, added an intense layer to the already dramatic atmosphere as beats pulsed out from the speakers. I relished the sensory overload and partied for hours on end in one of the most striking locations in the world. Mountain festival is simply electric My 'Satisfaction' was complete when electro house heavyweight Benny Benassi took to the stage, building on the high-energy buzz of Julian Jordan's set and Noel Holler's mixing on the first main day of the Electric Mountain Festival in Solden. Anticipation had been building as a series of side events took place in the run-up, with some of the biggest DJs, including Julian Jordan, Jaden Bojsen and Avaion, performing in venues scattered around the mountain. VIP ticket holders gathered in Ice Q to see Steve Aoki, the highest-grossing electric dance music producer in North America, follow in the footsteps of Australian DJ duo Nervo and singer John Newman by performing in Austria's highest restaurant. Those of us enjoying the beats, drinks and breathtaking scenery elsewhere were also plunged into a state of music-induced euphoria. In search of musical 'Diamonds', we flocked to afternoon pop-up parties taking place in a host of huts including Philipp Solden, were Julian Jordan went 'Down To The Wire' in his quest to captivate the audience with 'The Sound' of EDM. As dusk encroached upon my alpine activities, I joined hundreds of ravers in the Panorama Alm one evening where we rallied behind former child actor and ex-boyband star DJ Jaden Bojsen with a 'Let's Go' attitude. The party raged from 3pm leaving just one more sleep until the first big day. After a morning on the slopes, a video surfaced on Instagram showing Martin Garrix in a helicopter making his way towards the large crowd awaiting the moment. 'It's going to be epic,' the caption read. As the energy peaked and large orange flames were thrown into the air in rhythm with the beats of his electrifying 90-minute set, the sun slipped behind the summit as the crowd shifted focus to the second main day. But not before Brazilian ski star and Samba dancing DJ Lucas Pinheiro Braathen brought the party to a sizzling close. Aoki declared that Solden has 'the best spring snow in the world' on social media as he snowboarded through a glacier cave enroute to the stage. We all shared the sentiment as the dance music kingpin left us 'Delirious' with a set loaded with four-to-the-floor beats, relentless build-ups and bottomless breakdowns. Next year's festival runs from April 13-18. For more information, visit Factfile • Brett was hosted by Ötztal Tourism • He flew from Belfast to Innsbruck via London Gatwick with easyJet. For tickets and information, see
