Innsbruck

About Innsbruck

If you’re all about options, then there’s nothing that can top an Innsbruck ski vacation. Internationally known as the “Capital of the Alps,” and a three-time host of the Winter Olympic Games—in 1964 and 1976 and the 2012 first Winter Youth Olympics—Innsbruck is one of the greatest ski cities in the world. As a three-time Winter Olympic host (1964, 1976, and the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics), this city is a top-tier ski destination. This Tyrolean metropolis is surrounded by some of the best skiing in Austria.

It’s truly a ski getaway like no other: a high alpine and urban experience all rolled into one. It’s a premier destination for those who seek a broader European experience than simply skiing. Nestled into a narrow valley beneath rugged mountain peaks, Innsbruck offers old-world beauty and culture, including museums, galleries, restaurants, nightlife and shopping. Resorts like Nordkette, Patscherkofel, and Axamer Lizum provide slopes for all skill levels and five excellent ski schools offer lessons in French, English, German, and Spanish. 

Other don’t-miss activities include sleigh rides, tobogganing and even an exhilarating ride on the Olympic Bobsled run. Stay in the city and sample its 13 ski resorts—which are part of the Ski Plus City Pass—to get an idea of which area fits your skiing and vacation preferences to a T. Innsbruck is easily accessible with direct flights to major European cities from Innsbruck Airport, a central train station with international connections, and major motorways. For a convenient and comfortable journey, FlixBus offers coach travel from various European locations. Innsbruck is the ultimate destination for those looking to mix high alpine excitement with rich European culture.

How to get to Innsbruck

Innsbruck

Getting to Innsbruck by car couldn’t be easier, thanks to major motorways like the A12 and A13, which connect the city with Vienna, Switzerland, and Italy. For a more eco-friendly and convenient travel option, hop on a train with ÖBB or Nightjet services, or choose FlixBus for comfortable coach travel from across Europe—perfect for airport transfers. 

Innsbruck Airport offers international flights and even connects to Munich via Lufthansa buses. Once you're here, the regional VVT buses make it easy to explore the surrounding villages and valleys, ensuring seamless journeys all around.

Thanks to its extensive public transport network, getting around is easy as pie, as the city's buses and trams, run by Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe (IVB), make getting around super easy, while Verkehrsverbund Tirol (VVT) handles regional connections. For those driving, there are plenty of Park & Ride options, various parking spots, and numerous taxi services for a quick ride. 

If you want more flexibility, car rentals are readily available. Innsbruck Central Station offers fantastic train connections for exploring further afield. Plus, the city is equipped with accessible transport and special services, making it easy for everyone, including those with limited mobility, to get around comfortably.

Skiing in Innsbruck

Do you want to be right in the middle of things instead of just watching on? The SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck lets you experience the Innsbruck region from an entirely new perspective – with more snow, more skiing, more action, more city life, more culture and yet more holiday fun! Relaxing and leisurely or sporty and demanding – we have just the thing for you, for every day of your holiday.

The Ski Plus City Pass includes 13 ski regions in the surroundings of Innsbruck, as well as 22 cultural offers in the city. More than 300 kilometers of slope attract beginners as well as advanced skiers, while cultural highlights like the Ambras Castle, the Bergisel ski jumping area or the Swarovksi Crystal Worlds guarantee an unforgettable stay in Innsbruck.

Beginner Skiing in Innsbruck, Austria

Igls and Mutters rank as the top ski resorts for first-time beginners on an Innsbruck ski vacation. Both base areas offer perfect “learn to ski” zones with magic carpets and progressive chairlifts and longer green slopes when beginners feel ready to try more difficult green runs. More experienced beginners will have a ball cruising down Oberperfuss’ lengthier, sustained green runs. 

Family vacations in Innsbruck

Innsbruck offers an array of city attractions, from exquisite dining and shopping to diverse arts and culture tours. Coupled with extensive nearby ski terrain perfect for families, an Innsbruck family ski vacation emerges as the premier choice for your next getaway. Innsbruck provides access to nine ski resorts; families will rejoice to learn that the vast majority are geared towards—or offer—family-friendly experiences. 

Oberperfuss and Rangger Köpfl ski areas provide gentle, sunny lower elevation terrain ideal for families with a couple beginners. Muttereralm and the Mutters base offers families lots of options from a “learn to ski” zone at the base to long, sustained greens, blues and even some reds. Families with more advanced skiers will enjoy the Patscherkofel ski area’s terrain and views of Innsbruck.