A snow-filled winter wonderland and the expansive Alpine-chic reception of Das Central Hotel in Sölden welcomed BMW i8 drivers for a weekend of high-altitude driving action and James Bond style and settings.

After a welcome reception and the chance for the guests, who came from as far afield as Korea, Singapore and the US to get to know each other, the drivers undertook theory sessions with the BMW Driving Experience instructors – in preparation for some exciting manoeuvres over the coming two days, before enjoying a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant.

The action started early next morning at the valley training ground, where the BMW i Pure Impulse members pulled off some dynamic moves in BMW i8 and BMW M4 models. The drivers and their accompanying guests were then whisked up the mountainside for spectacular views from the iceQ restaurant and a twist-on-tapas lunch.

This highlight was complemented by a visit to the next-door 007 Elements exhibition, a recently opened entertaining and interesting take on the James Bond films in general, and ‘Spectre’ in particular, for which major scenes were filmed in the very settings where the guests spent the weekend. Back at a lower altitude, they had the opportunity to relax in the luxurious setting of Das Central before reconvening for a lovely farewell dinner.

Returning to new heights early the next day – following a snowcat ride along the still-closed ski slopes to the Rettenbach glacier training site, the drivers practised more exciting drills, including James Bond-style J-turns, uphill and downhill exercises in BMW X models and even got to drive through a tunnel connecting the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers, which was also a filming location for the Spectre movie.

A memorable weekend of high-adrenaline driving and cosy top-class Alpine hospitality came to a close with the guests receiving their BMW Driving Experience certificates.