Sölden is setting an example: alcohol ban should curb nighttime chaos!

Sölden is setting an example: alcohol ban should curb nighttime chaos!

The Tyrolean ski resort of Sölden is known for its lively après-ski culture. But from the 2025/26 winter season onwards, the face of the popular travel destination will change. An alcohol ban in the town center will come into force from December 1st, 2025 and will apply until April 19th, 2026. This new set of rules is intended primarily to curb night-time riots, which have increased sharply in recent years. Mayor Ernst Schöpf emphasizes that the aim of the ban is to protect the quality of life of the residents and to promote harmonious coexistence between guests and locals, as exxpress.at reports.

The ban affects specific areas, in particular the section between Giggijochbahn and Gaislachkoglbahn as well as places around the leisure arena, the Waldele social center and the center shuttle. In this “alcohol-free zone,” it is not permitted to consume alcohol outdoors or carry open bottles and cups. This regulation is a response to the increasing excesses, disturbances of the peace and security problems that Sölden has observed in recent years, adds [schwaebische.de](https://www.schwaebische.de/panorama/ Alcohol Ban-in-soelden-wintersportmekka-schraenkt-das- Feiern-massiv-ein-4096291).

Goal setting and measures

The local authorities hope that these measures will create a safe and livable environment for both locals and tourists. Sölden's deputy mayor Maximilian Riml emphasizes that the consumption of home-brought alcohol in the town center has increased in recent years. The serving of alcohol will continue to be permitted in restaurants, but this can still lead to noise problems.

Special security services are deployed to enforce the ban. Violations of the alcohol-free concept result in fines of up to 2,000 euros. The municipality also plans to work with restaurateurs to create alternative smoking areas so that a balance can be achieved between revelers and residents.

Comparison with other places

Sölden's move follows a similar example from St. Anton am Arlberg, where a similar ban has been in place since 2007. Mayor Helmut Mall of St. Anton points out that such regulations are helpful, but not all-encompassing. Since 2016, Ischgl has also introduced additional measures such as a ban on ski boots in the town center in order to minimize safety risks. The positive experiences of other ski resorts such as Fiss or Mayrhofen show that clear rules can ensure a positive townscape and a pleasant atmosphere.