It’s no wonder that Innsbruck is a magnet for travelers from all over the world. The Tyrolean capital of Austria, located 500 km from Vienna and only 150 km from Munich, is the perfect mix between the buzz of the city and the serenity of nature with its spectacular views from the top of the Alps. ⛰️
Innsbruck is home to 13 world-class ski resorts and ski slopes, collectively referred to as Olympia Ski World. With extensive expertise in winter sports after hosting the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976, the resorts offer an incredible experience for all ages and ability levels.
We’ve decided to assemble a list of the best ski resorts in Innsbruck, which have something to offer for even the pickiest of skiers.
Check it out below 👇
Ski Guide for Beginners
With 13 slopes spanning approximately 43 km, the first thing you should do as a novice skier is to choose one that’s appropriate to your level. Read everything you need to know about skiing in Innsbruck as a beginner.
#1 Serlesbahnen
Serlesbahnen is one of the smallest of Innsbruck’s ski resorts, with less than 6 km of slopes. However, privacy and peaceful silence are exactly what makes it so attractive to beginner and intermediate skiers.
#2 Patscherkofel
Patscherkofel, also known as Innsbruck’s Hausberg (‘home mountain’), gained international recognition as the venue for downhill participants during the Winter Olympics. With four blue runs, Patscherkofel is more suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers as well as for families. Two of the runs are much shorter and are mainly used as practice runs. Patscherkofel is home to multiple ski schools, where you can learn to ski from scratch or work on techniques you’ve already learned.
#3 Oberperfuss
Similar to Serlesbahnen, Oberperfuss is one of Innsbruck’s smaller ski resorts. Its relatively small size and abundance of longer, easy slopes make it very attractive and popular among novices and intermediates.
If you’d like to know more about ski lessons and ski equipment rentals, scroll down to the USEFUL TIPS section below.
Skiing in Innsbruck with Family
Skiing in Innsbruck is a smart and safe choice for a family ski trip. There are plenty of discounts for children, a variety of ski schools and lessons, daycare services available for all ages and English-speaking staff at all ski resorts.
#1 Igls
Igls is a great mountain resort for kids to learn how to ski, thanks to its several easy and kid-friendly slopes. The resort also offers a selection of non-ski attractions for children, such as movie theaters, history museums and puppet shows to keep everyone happy.
#2 Muttereralm
Overlooking the Inn Valley and the Nordkette mountain range, Muttereralm is a small, yet popular resort for ski lessons with long, open trails. The slopes range from 700 m to 4,200 m in length, while the large children’s ski area makes for an exciting day in the Alps.
#3 Kühtai
At 2,020 m above sea level, Kühtai is not only the highest ski resort village in Austria, but also the most kid friendly. With over 80 km of runs and breathtaking views, various definitions of fun are guaranteed for all. Kühtai offers modern lifts, ski schools for all ages, low angle terrains and exceptional snow quality. Additionally, the resort’s compact size allows for a more accessible and less tiring journey from your hotel to the lifts, making it the perfect choice for families.
Advanced & Expert Skiers
#1 Nordkette
Nordkette Mountain is undoubtedly the closest and most accessible of Innsbruck’s ski resorts. Skiers can catch the futuristic Nordkettenbahn funicular from the city center to an elevation of 2,300 m, where they can experience breathtaking views of the baroque-gothic city. Nordkette is an extreme skiers’ paradise with challengingly steep runs and thrilling off-piste terrain designed exclusively for advanced and expert skiers. The Hafelekar run, with its 70% incline, is one of the steepest ski slopes in Europe.
#2 Stubai Glacier
Stubai Glacier is Austria’s largest glacier ski area, with over 110 km of runs and the highest ski resort in Tyrol. A paradise for piste skiers, Stubai Glacier offers a highly-scenic terrain with a unique view of nine 3,000 m peaks – in Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. Most of its ski runs are set between 2,600 m and 3,210 m and are mainly tailored to more advanced and adventurous skiers. At over 3,000 m above sea level, you’ll want to spend several days at Stubai to ensure a well-rounded ski experience.
#3 Axamer Lizum
Axamer Lizum is Innsbruck’s closest large ski resort and offers approximately 40 km of runs at the foot of the Kalkkögel mountains, most of which are red runs between 1,580 m and 2,340 m. Axamer Lizum found notoriety following its involvement during the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. The Olympic funicular still allows access to the women’s downhill and other off-piste areas for advanced skiers.
The SKI plus CITY pass
The newly implemented Innsbruck SKI plus CITY pass is an all-inclusive ski pass and the most affordable in the European Alps. With all of Innsbruck’s 13 ski resorts included the SKI plus CITY pass allows you to try a different mountain each day. It also gives you access to over 100 ski lifts, free public transportation and 22 local tourist attractions. Good news for families with small kids: Children under 14 are half price, while those under 7 years of age receive free access with at least one parent having the SKI plus CITY pass.
The pass is available at the ticket offices of all 13 ski resorts as well as online.
Click here for the full list of options and prices.
Useful tips for Skiing in Innsbruck
#1 Ski lessons
Some of you may be experiencing this popular winter sport for the first time, and what place is better for expert instruction than Innsbruck?
There are plenty of ski schools in and around Innsbruck, with many of them offering accredited certifications upon the completion of courses. Lessons are available in English, German and French and cater to all levels and ages. Private and group lessons are taught by some of the most talented and accomplished professional skiers in the world. Regardless of your current level or goals, Innsbruck is a beautiful place to discover the unique sport of skiing.
#2 Ski rental in Innsbruck
Not all skiers own their own equipment, and renting skis, boots and other necessities upon arrival is quite common. Most Innsbruck ski resorts already have their own onsite rental shops that provide everything you need for a fun day in the Austrian Alps. If you prefer to rent from outside the ski resorts, make sure you choose a reputable provider. Reserving ski equipment online is also a convenient option.
Where to stay in Innsbruck?
MEININGER Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum is our first property in the middle of the Alps, located in the heart of Innsbruck.
There are many shops, sights, bars, and restaurants right outside your door, and you’ll find everything you need within walking distance. The Old Town can be reached within 10 minutes, while Inn Riverbank is a two-minute walk away.
Our hotel in Innsbruck offers central accommodation, reliable comfort, and contemporary amenities at affordable prices. Our friendly 24-hour reception will welcome you into one of our many room choices. Grab a packed lunch for a day of exploring and store your bike or ski equipment with us. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, our storage facility offers an amazing amenity: a snow boot warmer! 👇
