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Lots to see: the event highlights in fall/winter

24 October 2023

Post originally written in: Deutsch

Innsbruck always has a lot to offer, no question about it. Especially during the cold season, the Alpine metropolis attracts people from all over the world. Our wonderful Bergweihnacht - with all the Christkindl markets, events and of course the magical light park LUMAGICA in the Hofgarten - is an absolute highlight. Beyond that, however, there are many more great events, happenings and festivals that I would like to give you an overview of in this blog post.

FOREVER RIDE

If you like action, sports and snow, you should mark the 9th of November red in your calendar, because there will be the Freeride Film Festival (FFF) will take place at the Metropol Kino. Breathtaking ski, freeride and snowboard films from near and far will be shown. Harry Putz, co-organizer of the largest freeride film festival in Europe, talks about the many impressive productions competing for an FFF slot this year: "After long and intensive discussions, we decided on six top-class films that hit the zeitgeist exactly with their themes and approaches. We were impressed both by the unwavering passion of all the protagonists and by their creative and individual realization. We chose the slogan 'FOREVER RIDE' as the common denominator for all these productions." In addition to the films, a multimedia lecture by the "Snowhow" association on the subject of avalanche awareness will be presented, among other things.

The SnowFest brings winter to the city

From the movie theater, it's off to the slopes - well, almost. With the SnowFest Innsbruck it gets sporty in any case. After a successful premiere last fall, SnowFest returns to the forecourt of the Tiroler Landestheater from November 24 to 26. The SnowFest Winter Sports Village offers not only everyone, but especially the youngest ones, the opportunity to experience winter sports up close, to try them out and to get to know them. Tyrolean clubs present their sports and invite visitors to join in. For example, you can get your first feel for the snowboard at Burton Riglet Park or dare to try ski jumping over a small hill.

Those who prefer to watch the professionals will also get their money's worth. On Friday, the snowboarders show their skills at the renowned Rock A Rail Contest show their skills. On Saturday, the freeskiers whirl through the air between the Landestheater and the Hofburg and deliver their best tricks at the Downtown StreetSki Session their best tricks. Sunday is dedicated to the future sports stars. The snow ramp will be transformed and is open to all interested parties under the watchful eye of coaches.

Full speed down the ice channel

Ever since I saw the movie "Cool Runnings" as a kid, I think bobsledding is pretty "cool". If you feel the same way, you've come to the right place between December 15 and 17 in Igls, when the athletes compete in the Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cup at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour . It will be exciting! Who will have the strongest nerves and win one of the coveted places on the podium? Entertainment away from the races will be provided by the Raiderettes with acrobatic interludes and the Guggamusik group from Kundl. But the little spectators will not miss out either: there will also be a great supporting program for them with games and adventure stations. Those who are over ten years old and particularly brave even have the opportunity to try out bob rafting and whiz down the Olympic ice channel themselves at almost 100 kilometers per hour. Who dares?

On the toboggan, ready, fire, go!

On the same weekend the World Cup opener in luge on natural track in will take place in Kühtai, where the world's best athletes will fight for the first points in the overall World Cup. Incidentally, the family-friendly toboggan run is the highest in all of Tyrol and, with a starting point at just under 2,000 meters above sea level, is absolutely guaranteed snow. If there is no snow here, then probably nowhere else.

Let's stay on the subject of tobogganing. After the luge on natural track in Kühtai, the new year continues at the Olympic ice canal in Igls. Here, the lugers will battle it out on January 13 and 14 at the Luge World Cup for a place on the winner's podium.

Mountain New Year's Eve

No matter whether the old year was a success or not, it should be said goodbye appropriately. Innsbruck offers the perfect setting for this. The turn of the year will be celebrated again this year with the traditional Mountain New Year's Eve celebrated. The comprehensive program is guaranteed to offer something suitable for everyone. Families get their money's worth just as much as wild party-goers. But also for those who prefer it sporty or more quiet, Innsbruck is always the right address.

Dwarf Party

From December 29, 2023 to January 6, 2024, three building facades in Innsbruck will be transformed into fantastic landscapes and sceneries with impressive 3D facade mapping and special musical accompaniment. A spectacle that is sure to please even the youngest - just like the Children's New Year's Evewhere the youngest revelers get in the mood for the new year on December 30. Starting at 2 p.m., the alleys of Innsbruck's old town will be transformed into a "children's party mile" where there will be celebrations, dancing, handicrafts, games and laughter. A Punch and Judy show and a hands-on circus are just as much a part of the program as the crowning finale: a spectacular show on the Landestheater forecourt.

With big steps into the new year

Those who want to say goodbye to the old year in a sporty way can do so at the IKB Silvesterlauf Innsbruck do so. Whether young or old, alone or with friends, sporty or dressed up - everyone is welcome. Prize money awaits the fastest runners. If you don't feel like rushing, but still don't want to go home empty-handed, choose a fancy costume instead of sportswear. Yes, because surprise prizes await the most original costumes. Either way, the IKB Silvesterlauf Innsbruck on December 31 is a wonderful way to end the year.

Party until the sun rises again in the new year

What would New Year's Eve be without a party? Pretty relaxed, some think, infinitely boring, the others. For the latter, I have just the thing: On December 31, starting at 9 p.m., there will be a party in front of the Hofburg will be celebrated. With classics like "It's My Life" and "Living on a Prayer" the BOUNCE Bon Jovi Tributeband will provide for mood. Afterwards, DJ In-Style will heat up the visitors with cool beats and transform the forecourt of the Hofburg into a party zone. When everyone counts down together and slides into the new year accompanied by the spectacular fireworks on the Nordkette, it can only be a successful New Year's Eve party.

Speaking of parties, they don't end at midnight, of course: if you want, you can join the New Year's Eve clubbing at the Dogana at the Congress Innsbruck until the early hours of the morning.

Hot rhythms in the cold season

If you're already beginning to long for the sun in February, but spring is still a long time coming, there's no need to despair or book a trip to the Caribbean. Limonada, the dance company of the outstanding dancer and choreographer Enrique Gasa Valga, brings dance and Cuban sounds to the Alpine metropolis. Enrique Gasa Valga has now been living in Innsbruck for 20 years, six of which he worked as a dancer, and 14 years as director of the dance company of the Tiroler Landestheater. Now he and his dance company present with Lagrimas Negra s a great comeback show on stage. The production tells the story of the Valdes family of musicians, who shaped Cuba's musical heritage over three generations while reflecting the island's brokenness. Cucurucho Valdes, the grandson of the family, is now enchanting the audience at the first edition of the Winter Dance Festivals from February 9 to 18 Innsbruck with romance, melancholy and enchanting music.