The SKI plus CITY pass: Your call for winter holiday fun in the Innsbruck region

Day 1: Arrive fully relaxed amidst the wintry mountain scenery

Once you have arrived in Innsbruck – ideally stress-free, by train – and checked into your accommodation, you can head straight to the vibrant centre of Innsbruck’s old town. There you can discover the picturesque historic buildings, all surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery. After an obligatory selfie in front of the Golden Roof, go up to the City Tower for an initial overview of the capital of the Alps.

The Hop on-Hop off Bus Sightseer (included in the SKI plus CITY Pass) will then take you to the Bergisel ski jump: the Bergisel SKY restaurant, located in the ski jump tower itself, offers spectacular views while you enjoy coffee and cake and, with a bit of luck, the chance to watch the ski jumpers practising. Back in the city, a traditional local delicacy for dinner is a must, so we recommend one of the old-established inns. And, because your first day is all about views and panoramas, head to one of Innsbruck’s rooftop bars for a nightcap. Our tips: 360 Grad on top of the Rathausgalerien, aDLERS Bar on the roof of the eponymous hotel, or the 5th floor bar at the The PENZ Hotel.

Day 2: A gentle introduction to skiing fun

After a hearty breakfast, you are all set for a first day on the slopes. The ski bus – included in the SKI plus CITY Pass – takes you from Innsbruck up to the Axamer Lizum ski area, some 19 km away, where 10 cable cars and lifts and around 40 kilometres of perfectly groomed slopes await you – ideal for getting started on the snow! In keeping with the motto “après-ski, then ski”, let your body regenerate after skiing in the indoor pool in Axams, where the water is heated to 30°C, then return, thoroughly refreshed, to the city centre for dinner. There is plenty for night owls to enjoy: plunge into the city’s nightlife, try your luck in the casino, or go to a special performance at the Tyrolean State Theatre – just as the mood takes you.

Day 3: All the way up to Kühtai, Austria’s highest ski resort

On the third day of your holiday in the Innsbruck region, skiing fun awaits you – snow guaranteed – at the Kühtai Ski Resort, located 2,020 metres above sea level. There are slopes for all levels of skill: families love the wide slopes; freeskiers and snowboarders have a home base in the KPARK Kühtai with the FreeStyle-Area & SnowCross; while action is guaranteed at the KidsPark for children and fun park newcomers. After a great day’s skiing in Kühtai, the free ski bus will take you back to Innsbruck for dinner. And, because you should take a good walk after eating, go for an evening stroll in the centrally located Imperial Gardens, where a must-see awaits: the magical LUMAGICA Innsbruck Light Park. The wintry natural backdrop of the gardens is the setting for a journey through all five continents provided by the colourful, interactive light shows. And the best part? Admission is included in the SKI plus CITY Pass!

Day 4: Give your legs a rest as you explore the Innsbruck region

The penultimate day of your holiday is a chance to explore the Innsbruck region – totally relaxed, free from skis or snowboard, because today is all about sports-free lifestyle activities. The first item on the agenda proves that this does not mean spending the day down in the valley in Innsbruck: take the Nordkettenbahnen funicular and cable cars up to the Hafelekar, from where it’s a 15-minute walk to the highest point of the Nordkette range at 2,334 metres a.s.l. The summit affords a unique 360-degree view of the city and the mountains.

After the breathtaking experience of the “Top of Innsbruck”, complete with a cappuccino on the restaurant’s sun terrace at the top station, take the cable car back back down, then get off in the immediate vicinity of your next destination: the Innsbruck Alpine Zoo, with the world’s largest collection of fauna from the Alpine region – 2,000 animals, representing 150 species. After spending time among the ibex, elk and bears, in the afternoon the shuttle bus will take you to the world-famous, enchanting Swarovski Crystal Worlds, where a snow-covered green giant awaits you, a glittering waterfall gushing from his mouth, while his head contains underground Chambers of Wonder. Before the shuttle bus takes you back to Innsbruck for a relaxing end to the day, don’t miss the wonderful gardens of the Swarovski Crystal Worlds with their contemporary art, ancient history and unique joys.

Day 5: On your glacier, get set, go!

Day five of your holiday features skiing or snowboarding on the Stubai Glacier. The free ski bus will take you up to the 110 kilometres of pistes on Austria’s largest glacier ski area. Whether you are a beginner, an advanced or an expert skier, winter sports fans are all equally enthusiastic about the Stubai Glacier. An absolute highlight for the super-fit is the 10-kilometre(!) run from the Wildspitz mountain station at 3,210 metres down to the valley station at 1,750 metres a.s.l. Finally, for lunch on your last day, a typical Tyrolean speciality is a must – and the glacier ski area offers a variety of options. Afterwards, use the afternoon to the full – whether on the slopes or lounging in a deckchair at the side of the piste. After soaking up the last rays of the sun, take the shuttle bus back to Innsbruck, where you can relax as your holiday comes to an end, before starting on your journey home.