Enjoy culture and cool slopes in lively Innsbruck
For city life and superb skiing, head to the capital of the Austrian Tirol
High altitude meets high culture in Innsbruck. The capital of the Austrian Tirol is a rarity in the Alps – a classic, cool city that just happens to be surrounded by superb skiing. You’ll have nine ski resorts right on your doorstep – a free ski bus takes you to 300km of beautiful slopes and 90 ski lifts all on one pass.
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City sights
Stroll around Innsbruck’s jewel-like town centre and admire the wealth of Medieval, Renaissance, Habsburg and Baroque architecture along its stately streets. Pick up an Innsbruck Card for easy access to the city’s palaces and museums, as well as public transport and a return trip on all seven cable cars. A large student population gives Innsbruck a lively vibe, which you can soak up while sitting at one of the many rooftop bars.
Wherever you look, you’re surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Hop on the futuristic funicular designed by Zaha Hadid and head up to the Nordkette ski area – home to one of the toughest runs you can tackle. Or just kick back on a sunlounger and enjoy the fresh air and fabulous views.
Olympic dreams
Nordkette is just a taster of the ski areas within Innsbruck’s Olympia SkiWorld. Take the family on the wide runs of Patscherkofel – scene of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics – and Mutteralm, where the snowpark is the perfect playground. Patscherkofel’s neighbour Glungezer is full of charm – not to mention plenty of fun for freeriders and snowboarders.
For sunny runs in a gorgeous setting, try the wide range of slopes and freeride areas at Axamer Lizum. If you really want to get the blood pounding, try a hair-raising run on the Olympic bobsleigh run in Igls - you’re guaranteed an experience you’ll never forget. At Schlick 2000, freestylers get their thrills in the snowpark, while skiers and snowboarders alike can swoop along the halfpipe at the Free Nature Park.
Hit the heights
For wide, snow-sure slopes, it’s hard to beat Kühtai, the highest ski village in Austria. Soaring well above 2,000m, the village combines pure Tyrolean charm with effortless ski-in, ski-out convenience from its classy hotels. If you’re staying at Hotel Mooshaus, you’ll have the pleasure of wallowing in the highest infinity pool in the Alps. And if you can’t get enough skiing packed into the day, take advantage of the night skiing on offer every Wednesday and Saturday.
There’s more high-altitude fun in store at Stubai Glacier, where the pistes start at 3,200m.
Enjoy some of the best views of Austrian Tirol from these magical mountains.
With daily scheduled flights to Innsbruck from London Heathrow and London Gatwick, as well as services from Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool, it’s easy to discover the Austrian Tirol. For more details see innsbruck.info and visittirol.co.uk