Boundless variety – the 13 ski resorts of the Innsbruck region

Innsbruck is unique. There are thousands of reasons for this, the most important for me is the city's location in the middle of the Alps. If you are just getting to know Innsbruck, you will always notice the mountains in the background. Sooner or later you get to know them all. Usually it is first the Nordkette north of the city and then the Patscherkofel in the south, followed later by others.

In winter, there are 13 ski resorts that lie at the feet of the city and are SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck are united in one ski pass. As the name suggests, the pass also includes various admissions to city attractions - from Alpenzoo to Swarovski Kristallwelten to various exciting museums. The ten-minute podcast on the subject Ski & City gives a good overview.

With the SKI plus CITY Pass there are 291 kilometers of slopes and 48 kilometers of ski routes to explore in all degrees of difficulty with a total of 111 cable cars and lifts around Innsbruck . The season begins at the Stubai Glacier as early as October and ends there at the beginning of May; the other ski areas are in operation from around December to Easter.

In addition to the obvious advantage of the city/mountain combination, as a ski vacationer in Innsbruck you are spoiled for choice every day, which Locals also faces: "Where are we going today?" Because depending on ability, weather, snow and mood, you can choose the ski area every day anew. Some days it might even be two ... For example, how about a day of skiing at Kühtai and a trip to Patscherkofel in the evening to watch the sunset?

Below you will find an overview of all 13 ski resorts in the region.

The mountain range of the Karwendel nature park towers majestically above the Golden Roof. The Nordkette not only borders the city in the north, it even belongs to the Innsbruck city area. Many a Local skier made his first turns as a child on the Seegrube. Once out of beginner's age, most return as Freerider. The Hafelekarrinne is the steepest ski route in Europe and a much sought-after destination for professionals and well-equipped amateurs alike. The photos and videos taken here are always breathtaking.

As a non-skier, you also get your money's worth on the highest sun terrace in the city. Among the special experiences here are also the musical events - and at the end of the season, the so-called Figln: After all, nowhere else can you hurtle down the valley on short tin skis as beautifully as here.

City panorama: 10/10
Gradient in the Karrinne: 70 %
City center-mountain station: 20 minutes

Opposite the Nordkette, and thanks to the prominent transmission tower always well recognizable, lies the Patscherkofel. It is the self-proclaimed local mountain of the city and is considered a gentle giant. The 1964 and 1976 Olympic Games were even held here, and anyone who heats up the long downhill run at a brisk pace is guaranteed to work up a sweat even today. Even though the modern cable car takes visitors up quickly, the last few meters to the summit must - or can - be done on foot or with touring skis. Whether in summer or winter, the sunset is a wonderful experience on fair-weather days at Patscherkofel.

Speaking of experiences: also at Patscherkofel there are ongoing events such as Yoga on the mountain take place.

Slopes: 5 km blue, 10 km red and 4 km black
Tour evening: Thursday until 10 pm
Signposted snowshoe hiking route: 1 (to the summit!)

The Lizum is Innsbruck's white roof. The Hoadlhaus on the ridge at 2,340 meters is easily recognizable from many points in the city and has been accessible with a new cable car since the 2022/23 season. The Olympic Games were held here as well, and the red funicular brought athletes to the top back then. Between the spectacular limestone hills it is wonderful Freeriden, even beginners get their money's worth here (best with a guide!). In the Golden Rooftop Snowpark some have already acquired a taste for park skiing, while others prefer to watch from the chairlift.

Tip: Thorough research has shown that the fries from the kiosk on the lower floor at Hoadlhaus are especially crispy. They come with ketchup and mayonnaise and one of the best views. The slightly horizontal lounge chair position to match is optional.

Kilometers of slopes: 40
Freeride -terrain: 300 hectares
parking-mountain station with the new Hoadlbahn: 6 minutes

The Kühtai is Austria's highest ski resort with plenty of slopes on the hotel doorstep. Much better can Ski-in-Ski-out not get much better, especially without a complicated journey. Thanks to the high location is also here a high Snow guarantee from December to mid-April.

The orientation of the slopes results in a natural sunny side and a shady side, which is only illuminated by the sun during the day. Thus, you will find the most diverse conditions and can vary between hard slopes, powder snow and fun Slush according to your mood. For tourers and Freerider numerous deep snow adventures are waiting directly at the area borders. The cross-country ski trail and the toboggan run are also a nice addition to the ski vacation! From an unforgettable overnight stay in an igloo not to mention ..

Bottom station: 2,020 m above sea level
Refreshments: 20 bars, restaurants and ski huts
Parking: free for all!

The family ski area at the entrance to the Ötztal is also one of the 13 ski areas included in SKI plus CITY Pass. A whopping 71 sunny days are counted here on average per season - which not only pleases Kids, but also the parents. It is therefore one of the ten sunniest ski resorts in Austria.

The family-friendly orientation includes childcare for Kids from two years, as well as various playgrounds and attractions. Future Freestyle-Heroes feel in WIDIs FUN PARK well, while WIDIs MOVIESHUTTLE, the children's course, the WIDI Rallye and the children's theater form attractive highlights of an (anti-)piste day.

Make two out of one: the day ticket is also valid for Kühtai
Sunny days: average 71
Kilometers of slopes: 41

The ski resort Muttereralm, which is close to the city, is a perfect excursion for the whole family. In addition to the small ski slope network and a spacious children's land, there is a 4.7 kilometer long sports toboggan run, a cozy family to boggan run as well as beautiful routes for ski tourers. Locals especially appreciate the weekly Night ski tour days (Wednesday until 22 o'clock!), on which one can still let off steam in the evening on the mountain with the touring skis!

Piste kilometers: 13
Touring evening: Wednesday until 10 pm
Town valley station: 15 minutes (by car)

Small but mighty. The panoramic mountain in the west of Innsbruck at Oberperfuss is an insider tip for family vacationers who prefer to take it easy. Also nice: a toboggan ride from the Rosshütte. With the small ascent from Sulzstich (mountain station gondola) to the hut, you get the maximum downhill distance out (8.1 kilometers & 930 vertical meters). In good snow conditions, it even goes all the way down to the valley! There are also three easy winter hiking trailsin case the whole family is not skiing.

On Tuesdays, the slopes are open from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for Night ski tours on Rangger Köpfl open.

Kilometers of slopes: 17
Of which covered with snow: 80%
Night skiing: Tuesday and Friday, 18:30-21:30 hrs

A rock in the surf at the fringes of skiing and a veritable kingdom of snow. Austria's largest glacier ski area is just a 45-minute drive from Innsbruck and also has one of the longest runs in the country up its sleeve: a full ten kilometers is the run from the top station Wildspitz Seehöhe to the bottom station Mutterberg!

In total, there are 26 modern cable cars and lifts at the Stubai Glacier, including the ultra-modern 3S Eisgratbahn. Fascinating distant view opens the summit platform Top of Tyrol on 3,210 meters, deep insights into the eternal ice grants the ice grotto at Eisgrat.

Total ski area: 1,450 hectares
Cable cars and lifts: 26
Ski routes: 9

The Skizentrum Schlick 2000 is the family ski area in the front Stubaital, which thanks to its location turns out to be a Powder-paradise especially during south dew. While experienced and leisurely skiers discover the 19 slopes, adrenaline junkies are drawn to the Stubaipark Schlick 2000. In BIG Ron’s Kinderland children learn how to ski in a playful way, and in the play & warm-up room, the youngest children from the age of one are looked after. The location in the Kalkkögeln (behind it on the other side is the Axamer Lizum) is beautiful, and the rugged rock towers in the distance are always breathtaking.

Piste kilometers: 18
Huts & restaurants: 9
Breathtaking Kalkkögel view: 100%

The ideal ski resort for the whole family, beginners and returning skiers. A total of seven downhill runs with 5.7 kilometers of slopes await hardworking skiers here. Marked winter hiking trails, guided snowshoe hikes and toboggan runs complete the offer.

Tip: The area is also suitable for transferring skiers, because if you dare to take the wonderful winter walk from the mountain station to the monastery Maria Waldrast, you can change there to a rental toboggan and go down to Matrei (return journey by bus). Or you can toboggan directly back to the valley in Mieders.

Kilometers of slopes: 5.7
Slopes: 5 blue, 2 red
Toboggan runs: 3

Wide natural snow slopes and a wonderful view mountain. The view only gets better if you book a tandem flight with a paraglider. All those who prefer to stay on the ground will especially appreciate the long downhill run, on which one rushes a remarkable 1,000 vertical meters deep into the valley. A highlight for advanced skiers is the „Freaky Eleven“, a challenging mogul slope below the panorama restaurant Elfer. For beginners and families, the two practice lifts at Neustift and Krößbach are recommended.

The toboggan run with 6.6 kilometers is the second longest snow-covered and illuminated toboggan run in Tyrol and an incomparable experience, especially at night - awarded with the natural toboggan run seal of approval of the province of Tyrol.

Slopes: 3
Slope kilometers: 7
Lifts: 1 gondola + 3 tugs

Anyone who has driven from Innsbruck to Italy in winter has certainly seen the valley run of the Bergeralm, because it passes right next to the highway. As a skier in the ski area, however, you won't notice any of this except for a few seconds at the valley run. Quite the opposite: Here you are well connected and yet quickly in the middle of nature. In addition, the theory that particularly skilled piste groomers are at work here has already been confirmed remarkably often.

The modern cable cars take you to the top in no time at all. The piste network, which has been awarded the Tyrolean Piste Quality Seal, among others, offers runs of all levels of difficulty. Whether you are a young talent or a complete beginner, there is something for everyone - even if it's just the fries at the hut. At the top of Nösslachjoch you can also watch Freerider in the wind! Snowkiten watch!

Lifts: 8
Night skiing: Wednesday
Other: winter hiking trail, toboggan run, high-altitude cross-country ski trail

Last, but not least: the Glungezer. Here, too, has invested in recent years in new mountain railroads. Now it goes warm and fast on the mountain. In the „kalten Kuchl“, however, you should rather dress warmly. However, the snow here is almost always very fine and a little insider tip at „Glungi“, as the Glungezer is affectionately called by some.

For tourers, the Glungezer hut offers itself, which is easily accessible from the ski area. New this season is the self-constructed 3.5-kilometer toboggan run that leads from the mountain station to Halsmater. Two groomed high-altitude winter hiking trails complete the offer.

New panoramic toboggan run: 3.5 km
Kilometers of slopes: 23
Touring & tobogganing evenings: every Tuesday and Thursday

If you've read this article so far, you probably won't wonder why Innsbruck attracts so many winter sports fans. For me, one of the best reasons for a ski vacation in Innsbruck is the daily freedom in choosing the ski area. Depending on the focus (family, going out, powdering, ...) a different starting point offers itself. And should you change your mind in the course of the vacation, there is plenty of alternative program without being tied to a ski pass for a ski area. Just like the locals do here. For me, this is the best reason of all, because who likes to feel like a tourist on vacation? It's better to take a deep breath and immerse yourself in the Lifestyle of the people of Innsbruck ..

Header image: © Innsbruck Tourismus/Andre Schönherr