Rettenbach glacier, Alpine glacier in Sölden, Austria
Rettenbach glacier spans 34.3 square kilometers of slopes at elevations between 2,675 and 3,250 meters in the Ötztal Alps region. A 200-meter tunnel connects this glacier to Tiefenbach glacier, allowing visitors to access multiple ski runs.
Since 2000, this glacier has hosted the opening event of the Alpine Skiing World Cup, with slalom races held in late October each year. This role established it as the traditional season opener for the international ski racing calendar.
The glacier serves as a training ground where international ski teams work on their techniques throughout the season. You can often see professional athletes practicing here, preparing for major competitions.
The area is best visited during autumn and winter months when most ski slopes are open and conditions are optimal. The high elevation can be demanding for visitors not accustomed to altitude, so it is wise to pace yourself and allow time to adjust.
Slope number 31 features a gradient of 65 percent, making it the steepest run in the Sölden ski area and a preferred location for challenging races. This extreme steepness is both feared by experienced skiers and deliberately used by racers for training.
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