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Is Innsbruck the best city in Europe for skiing?
The answer is yes - Innsbruck is undoubtedly one of the best cities in Europe when it comes to proximity to skiing. The city's unique location in the heart of the Austrian Alps makes it an ideal base for ski enthusiasts who want quick and easy access to the mountains and all the benefits of a city.
Innsbruck also offers a unique combination of city life and alpine atmosphere. After a day on the mountain, you can enjoy the city's rich variety of restaurants and nightlife. Many people travel to the city to walk across the Inn River that flows through the city center. The city's obvious selfie spot is at Marktplatz, from where you have the best views of the city's most famous landmarks, the Colorful Houses and the Nordkette.
Ski resorts near Innsbruck
With the Nordkette, Stubaier Gletscher, Axamer Lizum, and several other ski resorts within an hour's drive of the city, Innsbruck has a wide range of skiing opportunities. Whether you want to enjoy freshly groomed snow (in Sweden, we call it “manchestersnö”, which literally means corduroy snow) on a glacier, feel the thrill of steep chutes, or take the family to well-developed slopes, there's something for everyone near Innsbruck.
Nordkette
With the breathtaking jagged mountain range towering over Innsbruck, the Nordkette is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the region. With miles of views and challenging, steep terrain, it's a little mecca for advanced skiers looking for pulse and adventure.
Nordkette isn't big; more of a day trip with its proximity to central Innsbruck. If it snows, the terrain here is on par with any major ski resort, and if the shops in Innsbruck are closed due to illness, then this is where the employees are. Getting to Nordkette is easy, either the local bus "J" or the funicular Hungerburgbahn departing from Congress/Altstadt.
Many Innsbruck residents round off the working day with a few steep turns. Is there anything better? We can't think of anything.
Stubai Gletscher
With its high altitude and glaciers, the Stubaier Gletscher has endless slopes. Here, you can enjoy year-round skiing on the glacier and explore varied terrain that challenges and inspires, from long, wide slopes to steep descents and open off-piste areas.
It's only a 25-mile drive from Innsbruck, and the high alpine skiing is magical. It's a safe bet if the weather is a bit warmer, as the snow here is really good quality almost all year round. From Leopoldstrasse, there is a direct bus 590. It takes 1.5 hours, but it is well worth it if the conditions are right. Skiing on a glacier is always magic!
Adventus tips in the Stubai Glacier:
The Daunjouch to Daunkopf lift gives access to Stubai's steepest piste, a cozy little challenge.
Dresdner Hütte - the most Austrian of Austrian huts? Magical outdoor seating!
Stubaier Gletscher website - you'll get hungry skiing all day, there's no shortage of culinary highlights at this high altitude.
Stubaier Höhenweg is a spectacular hike around the entire Stubai Valley.
Axamer Lizum
Nicknamed the "White Roof", Axamer Lizum, with its good snow conditions and diverse terrain only 30 minutes from Innsbruck, is a bit of an unknown gem with rich history and legendary status. The well-groomed slopes and modern lift system make this a great destination for families and groups looking to enjoy skiing in beautiful surroundings.
Axamer Lizum has hosted the alpine events at two Olympic Games, in 1964 and 1976, so the terrain is of a very high standard, and the slopes are nice, long, and lovely! During the 1976 Olympics, Rosi Mittermaier from (West) Germany won two gold medals (downhill and slalom) and one silver in giant slalom. She missed three straight golds by 0.12 seconds. For the experienced skier, Axamer Lizum invites you to dance to the tunes of untouched snow on large and wide open spaces, where the dance can last as long as you want.
Adventus tips in Axamer Lizum:
Sunnalm - Swedish-owned alpstube with hearty homemade Austrian food!
Bärenhütte - it doesn't get more Austrian Alps than this cramped and cozy hut with a stern owner. Cash is king!
Hoadl-Haus Axamer Lizum - fantastic place to eat lunch. And their party nights are LEGENDARY! Nightclub on top of a mountain? Yay!
The Olympiabahn is a weatherproof lift, so Axamer Lizum can offer skiing even in bad weather.
Things to do in Innsbruck
Although there are many cities that are close to skiing, Innsbruck is certainly one of the best when it comes to combining skiing with city life.
Adventus tips in Innsbruck:
SPURart Skibau Workshops Innsbruck - make your own skis!
Cafe Bar Moustache - good coffee, good food, good hangout.
Speis von Morgen - shop for local food and delicacies.
haepinest - the best coffee in Innsbruck!
Markthalle Innsbruck - shop for delicacies in a fine market hall.
A little extra tip, despite the winter theme of this article, is the tip about the spectacular, seven-day hiking route Stubaital Höhenweg. 80km and 6000 meters of altitude spread over flowering alpine meadows, steep climbs, and high mountain peaks. Best of all? You don't even need to camp. There are huts all along the route that welcome you with freshly made beds and hot, cooked food every night! It’s a dream!
Travel to Innsbruck
You can get to Innsbruck easily by plane, bus, car, or train. The flight can be an adventure in itself. The short runway sandwiched between high mountains may not be for those afraid of flying. If that’s you, you might want to take the train.
