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Alcohol ban in the ski resort of Sölden
Après-ski fun without a glass: the popular winter sports resort and party hotspot Sölden bans alcohol outdoors.
An end to broken bottles on the sidewalks, noise deep into the night and drunks playing soccer with beer mugs: The famous Tyrolean ski resort of Sölden, a magnet for winter sports fans and party people for years, is imposing an alcohol ban on public squares, streets and the town center from 1 December.
Previous measures have shown little success
Last ski season, attempts were already made to counteract the problem with increased noise controls and appeals to common sense, but with little success. "More and more guests went outside the pubs to smoke and continued to party on the sidewalk with alcohol," Deputy Mayor Maximilian Riml told the Krone newspaper. There were piles of broken beer glasses on the sidewalks, it was loud until late at night and there were even drunks playing soccer with beer glasses.
Alcohol-free zone outdoors
With the start of the 2025/26 winter season, things in Sölden will now be more civilized: from 1 December 2025 to 19 April 2026, there will be a ban on alcohol outdoors. Mayor Ernst Schöpf emphasized: "Sölden should remain a place where you can celebrate - but with more moderation and consideration."
In the so-called "Alcohol-Free Zone 2025", the consumption of alcoholic beverages outdoors and the carrying of open bottles or cups on the streets is prohibited. Particularly affected by the ban is the main artery of the après-ski scene: the village road between the two central cable cars, Giggijoch and Gaislachkogel. The protection of residents and children around the residential and nursing home and in the vicinity of the local after-school care center will also be a top priority in future.
Why Sölden is acting now
With around 3,000 inhabitants, Sölden is a small town - but during the winter season, the number of people in the valley multiplies. The resulting open-air parties have repeatedly attracted criticism in recent years. Now the municipality wants to modernize its tourist image and focus more on quality, safety and a feel-good atmosphere.
Severe penalties
Anyone who disregards the ban must expect heavy fines - having fun with glass can cost up to 2,000 euros.
