One of the highest mountain roads in the Alps, a mountain lift station that looks like curved ribs of steel, and ICE Q, a design restaurant in the shape of a giant ice cube - Solden provided a mix of everything needed for one of the main action sequences in the new film, which is out now.
Sölden is renowned for its excellent snow reliability with access to two high glaciers, impressive lift system and lively après-ski. Consistently good snow conditions, along with more than 140km of slopes, makes it one of Europe’s top ski and snowboard destinations.
The village resort of Obertilliach, located in East Tirol, also plays a leading role in the movie. Filmed over several days in January 2015, its scenes feature a traditional mountain hut, which is the focus of a spectacular explosion. The so-called ‘Bond House‘, as nicknamed by the locals, had originally come from the neighbouring region, Styria, and was dismantled and re-assembled on the slopes of the Golzentipp ski area, especially for the film.
Four locations in and around Obertilliach feature in the film. Mayor Matthias Scherer, commented: ‘For a tourist destination, like us, it was like winning the lottery. It’s not every day that a small community of 687 has a British secret agent coming to visit.‘
Obertilliach has been largely undiscovered by the UK ski market – but that looks set to change now. Located at 1,450m, the village has a small skiing area, which is popular for beginner skiers and families as well as a centre for Nordic sports.
Holiday packages to Sölden in the Austrian Tirol
Ski Total (skitotal.com 01483 791933) has a week at the traditional 4* plus Chalet Hotel Hermann, from £564 pp, chalet board, including flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and transfers. Departs on 13 December 2015. Flights are also available from Manchester at a supplement of +£44.
Crystal Ski Holidays (crystalski.co.uk; 020 8939 0726) has a week at the 4* Hotel Erhart in Sölden, from £729 pp, half board, based on two sharing, and including flights from Gatwick and transfers. Prices based on January departures. Flights are also available at a supplement (from +£30) from Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Stansted.
Zenith Holidays (zenithholidays.co.uk; 020 3137 7678) has a week at the 3* Hotel Tyrol in Sölden, from £675 pp, B&B, including flights and transfers. Prices based on January departures. Regional flights are available from Manchester and Bristol at a supplement.
Ski Solutions (skisolutions.com; 020 7471 7700) has a week at the 4* Hotel Bergland in Sölden, from £1,685 pp, half-board, including flights from Manchester to Gatwick and private return transfers. Prices based on January departures.
Snow-Wise (snow-wise.com; 020 3397 8450) has a week at the 5* Das Central Hotel in Sölden, from £1,495 pp, half-board, including flights and private transfers. Prices based on January departures. Regional flights are available from Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol or Edinburgh at a supplement starting from +£30.
Or if you fancy Obertilliach in the Austrian Tirol
The East Tirol tourist board website has an online booking service, which searches everything from hotels and apartments to B&B’s and farmhouses.
In December 2015, the new 4* Almfamilyhotel Scherer will open in Obertilliach, enjoying a quiet location close to the Golzentipp Obertilliach ski area. At 1,450m, the hotel enjoys a quiet location and is conveniently close to the lift accessing the Golzentipp Obertilliach ski area. Family suites or interconnecting rooms can sleep from 4 to 6 people. Prices, inclusive of half board, start from €74 per adult per night and between €22-€30 per child. almfamilyhotel.com
Another option is the Gastof Hotel Unterwöger, located in the historic Obertilliach, and is just 100 yards away from the nearest ski lift at the Golzentipp Ski Area and the Hochpustertal Ski Area is only 20 minutes away by ski bus. Prices, inclusive of half board, start from €62 per adult per night. hotel-unterwoeger.at
For more information on the Tirol region go to visittirol.co.uk or keep updated at facebook.com/visittirol or @VisitTirol on twitter
