Off to the slopes! Why I can hardly wait for winter skiing in the Innsbruck region

22 November 2024

Post originally written in: Deutsch

The time has finally come: winter is knocking on the door, and with it begins my absolute favorite time of the year - the ski season! The first ski resorts in the Innsbruck region will soon be opening their doors, and I can hardly wait to finally hit the slopes again. The anticipation of fresh powder snow, impressive mountain panoramas and the incomparable feeling of whizzing down the slopes is huge.

This year, however, there are not only well-known highlights, but also a few exciting new features that make me curious. Winter can come - and I'm ready! What about you? Are you looking forward to the start of the ski season just as much?

The countdown is on: When does it start?

Whether, like me, you can hardly wait to finally get going or you prefer to take your time - the Innsbruck region has the perfect start to the ski season for everyone. Here is an overview of the start dates for the ski resorts:

Axamer Lizum: 22.11.2024
Nordkette: Ski operation from approx. mid-December, cable car operation from 22.11.
Kühtai: 29.11.2024
Muttereralm: 7.12.2024
Patscherkofel: 7.12.2024
Rangger Köpfl: 14.12.2024

Personally, I start very early - Axamer Lizum is at the top of my list. The mix of variety and breathtaking views of the Kalkkögel make this ski area simply unbeatable and, with the new cable car, extremely convenient. I was already able to make my first turns on the Stubai Glacier, which opened its doors to ski enthusiasts a few weeks ago.

Special experiences at the start of the season

I love it when the season starts with a highlight, and this year it's going to be really exciting: the SPORTLER Ski Test Days will take place in the Axamer Lizum on the opening weekend (November 23/24, 2024). I'm planning to try out some of the latest ski models - maybe I'll find my new favorite ski. The test program also includes goggles, avalanche search devices and much more.

For everyone who goes to Kühtai, there is an unbeatable offer for the opening of the season: the Ski Free Weeks from November 29 to December 20, 2024. The ski pass is included in the price of the overnight stay if you stay three nights or more. Who wouldn't book immediately?

My tip: the Vaya Hotel - right on the piste and simply relaxing.

The highlight: the new cable car on Rangger Köpfl

One of the big highlights of this season is the new combined lift on Rangger Köpfl. And this cable car has it all! It combines state-of-the-art technology with unbeatable comfort, as it offers both classic chairlifts and spacious cabins. This means that every winter sports enthusiast has the perfect opportunity to get up the mountain in comfort - whether on skis, snowboards, toboggans or simply as a pedestrian. Pedestrians planning winter hikes or excursions to the snow paradise in particular will benefit from this innovation.

What makes the new cable car so special:

More comfort: spacious cabins and ergonomic seats in the chairlifts ensure a relaxed ascent.
Faster ascents: The high-performance technology minimizes waiting times and takes us to the starting point of the descents in a flash. Skiers no longer need to unbuckle their skis
Versatility: The combination of chairs and cabins makes it ideal for winter sports enthusiasts, tobogganists and winter hikers alike.

I think that sounds like a real game changer for the Rangger Köpfl! The combination of comfort and versatility in particular makes this new lift a highlight that I definitely wouldn't want to miss out on.

Which ski resort suits me?

The Innsbruck region offers so many options that I would love to explore a new ski area every day. Here I explain what makes the individual resorts special. Maybe this will make it easier for you to find your favorite.

Nordkette: The Nordkette can be reached directly from the city. From the old town, you can reach high alpine terrain in no time at all. The view of the city while skiing is breathtaking. The sun also shines all day and the Nordkette is a paradise for freeriders.
Patscherkofel: The Patscherkofel is very easy to reach by bus line J from the city center. Long runs, great places to stop for refreshments and a wonderful view of Innsbruck round off this small but beautiful ski area.
Muttereralm: Skiing by streetcar? It's possible here. The Stubaitalbahn takes you to the valley station without any stress. The slopes themselves are easy and ideal for beginners and families.
Axamer Lizum: Fantastic views of the North Tyrolean "Dolomites" - the Kalkkögel. Take the new cable car up the mountain in comfort. There is also a lot on offer here for freeriders.
Rangger Köpfl: Take the new cable car to the top in comfort. Fine, wide and not steep slopes make the "Köpfl" ideal for families and beginners.
Kühtai: Skiing above the tree line in high alpine terrain. Guaranteed snow thanks to the high altitude from 2,020 meters. From easy to difficult, everything is possible here.
Stubai Glacier: Snow is guaranteed until well into spring on the Stubai Glacier. Easily accessible by ski bus and with countless downhill options, variety is guaranteed.

More than just skiing: The SKI plus CITY Pass

If, like me, you fancy a change, you should get the SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck more closely. It not only allows you to ski in the ski areas in the Innsbruck region, but also gives you access to six more, such as the fantastic Glungezer with its new lift or the Schlick 2000 in Stubaital. The highlight is the impressive Stubai Glacier. And for your time off the slopes, 22 city experiences are included, such as the Alpine Zoo, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds and numerous museums in Innsbruck. An all-round carefree package!

Getting there made easy

Another reason why I love Innsbruck: it's super easy to get there - even without a car. The airport is well connected and the train takes you directly to the Tyrolean Alps. If you as a guest have the Welcome Card you can use the many free ski buses in the region. Perfect for anyone who wants to travel stress-free and sustainably.

My insider tip: If you don't feel like lugging your own equipment with you, you can get perfectly equipped at the local rental points. That way, you can set off on your adventure relaxed. I also always take the bus and leave the car behind. It saves nerves, you can enjoy a beer in the sun or maybe head out for some après-ski.

I hope you can feel my enthusiasm! For me, there's nothing better than making my first turns in the snow and enjoying the deeply windswept mountains of my home country. How are you - are you already looking forward to the new ski season? And are you just as excited about the new cable car on Rangger Köpfl?

You can find all the information about skiing in the Innbruck region here.

Finally, I'd like to show you one of my videos about a wonderful day's skiing on the Patscherkofel.

I wish you a wonderful start to the ski season and a great winter. See you soon in the snow! ⛷️