Winter fun for all: Infinite variety in the SKI resorts of the Innsbruck region

The best ski areas…

… for families

The Hochoetz ski area is one of the sunniest and most family-friendly in the whole region. With 13 ultra-modern lift systems and 41 kilometres of pistes, there is plenty on offer, especially for youngsters – not least thanks to WIDI the mountain sheep, a mascot who pops up all over Hochoetz, for example in the WIDI Kinderland, where budding winter sports enthusiasts are gently introduced to the art of skiing, or at WIDI’s Funpark, where young freestylers can really go for it. Children are also well cared for in the kindergarten, which is open all day, as well as in the kids’ restaurant, which caters to the needs of the smallest guests – meaning Mummy and Daddy can tackle a few runs on their own, should they so wish.

The Kühtai, Muttereralm, Rangger Köpfl, Glungezer, Schlick 2000, Serlesbahnen Mieders and Bergeralm ski areas also have excellent family-friendly offers.

… for mileage specialists

The Stubai Glacier, just over 40 kilometres from Innsbruck, is called the “Kingdom of Snow” – and with good reason. Austria’s largest glacier ski area not only offers guaranteed snow from October to May, but also wide and varied pistes that offer an effective skiing length of 110 kilometres, with a total of 37 runs catering for all levels. Particularly ambitious skiers will relish the 10-kilometre run down from the Wildspitz mountain station to the Mutterberg valley station, for example, while the intrepid can test their mettle on the black “Daunhill” run, with a gradient of up to 60 percent. There is certainly something for everyone!

There are also plenty of long downhills to be found in the Axamer Lizum, Kühtai and Hochoetz ski areas.

… for freeriders and the wild bunch

The motto of the Axamer Lizum – “Are you wild enough?” – gives you an idea of what to expect here. This skiing area is an absolute Eldorado for freeriders, who are encouraged to explore the 300 hectares of open terrain. The necessary powder snow is guaranteed and the area’s highest point – the Hoadl-Haus – is located at an altitude of 2,340 metres. There is also a freeride checkpoint where winter sports fans can confirm that conditions in the ski area are safe before heading off-piste. Those who would prefer to perfect their moves and tricks will instead find what they’re looking for on the Golden Roofpark snow park, where variety is provided by over 20 barriers, rails, tubes and much more besides.

The Kühtai, Nordkette, Stubai Glacier and Schlick 2000 ski areas also have plenty to offer freestylers and freeriders.

… for leisure skiers

Those who prefer a more leisurely approach to a day’s skiing and don’t necessarily want to spend it just on the slopes will be at home in the Nordkette and Patscherkofel ski areas: even the journey there could hardly be more relaxing, as both areas, located around Innsbruck’s best-known peaks, are located close to the city. The Nordkettenbahnen cable railways whisk visitors directly from the city centre to an altitude of over 2,300 metres. Once there, there are not only various ski slopes to enjoy, but also breathtaking views and Innsbruck’s highest sun terrace. The Patscherkofel also has plenty to offer gourmets, namely its two restaurants, “Das Hausberg” and “Das Kofel”, that offer haute cuisine – literally. And you are of course welcome to put on your skis, touring skis or snowshoes afterwards.

You can also relax and savour the ski areas of Muttereralm, Rangger Köpfl, Serlesbahnen Mieders and Elferbahnen Neustift.

… for springtime skiers

Lots of sun, warmer temperatures and fewer people on the slopes: there are plenty of good reasons for springtime skiing. This is a particularly fine experience in Kühtai, Austria’s highest winter sports resort, which can offer guaranteed snow until April. But this popular ski resort in the Sellrain Valley also has lots to offer in other respects, including some 47 kilometres of slopes of all degrees of difficulty, as well as snow parks for kids, novices and professionals. What’s more, most of the slopes start right outside your hotel door – such an uncomplicated ski-in ski-out is quite a rarity.

It’s also possible to ski into spring in the Axamer Lizum and Stubaier Gletscher resorts, among others.

By the way, you can find an overview of all 13 ski areas in the Innsbruck region at #myinnsbruck-Blog.

Tip: green public transport options for skiing fun

If you want to avoid using your car when going on a skiing holiday in the Innsbruck region, the train is the best way to arrive. Even more so now because, in addition to the reliable services of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), the WESTbahn rail service now stops in Innsbruck. It is also easy to get around locally by train, bus or tram, meaning that you can still soak up the city atmosphere after a day’s skiing fun – especially with the SKI plus CITY Pass. This not only includes the use of all 13 ski areas in the region, but also 22 city attractions – including the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, the Innsbruck Alpine Zoo and the Imperial Palace, not to mention three swimming pools. The SKI plus CITY Pass is guaranteed to offer something for everyone – whatever the weather.