Endless Winter Fun at Innsbruck
The beautiful Alpine city of Innsbruck is a haven for snow-lovers.
Twice host to the Winter Olympics, Innsbruck is a skier's dream. Yet, at the same time, it's a splendid combination of interesting history, excellent cuisine, European charm, and magnificent natural beauty, all rolled into one.
Innsbruck, Austria is the only major European city located within the Alps. That's what makes it special. No matter where you stand, you can look up and marvel at the tall mountain peaks, just minutes away, waiting to be explored.
Innsbruck Winters
The Olympic Ski World of Innsbruck, as it's referred to by the local tourism board, consists of eight individual ski areas. Thanks to this vast terrain, skiing here is appropriate for all levels, from novice to extreme skier.
With all the ski areas combined, guests can choose from 75 ski lifts of varying styles that will carry them to more than 160 miles of trails. A skier's shuttle carries Alpine enthusiasts from resort to resort so that they may experience a little of all the regions, no matter where they're lodging.
Snowboarders are everywhere in Innsbruck because the town eagerly welcomes them, unlike some other Alpine skiing regions. Five of the eight resorts offer snowparks, half pipes, quarter pipes, rails, and other terrain that delights snowboarders.
Cross-country skiers love this ski region as well. Miles and miles of carefully prepared cross-country tracks allow them to safely enjoy their sport while admiring the Alpine countryside and the pristine villages nearby. A free daily bus service takes cross-country enthusiasts directly to these marvelous trails.
Natural toboggan tracks provide fun activity for non-skiers and skiers alike. Join your family on a 1,500 foot descent down the mountains surrounding Innsbruck for the ride of a lifetime. When you get cold or hungry, stop at a conveniently-located mountain restaurant for a cup of hot cocoa or a bite to eat.
For a leisurely stroll or invigorating hike, Innsbruck boasts a number of cleared walking paths offering different levels of exercise. Ice rinks are plentiful also and a favorite with the children. For something a bit different, try your hand at ice curling.
Innsbruck Summers
The summers in Innsbruck are just about as crowded with summer sports lovers as winters are with skiers and snow bunnies. It's no wonder. This charming European city is equally as beautiful when the snow melts.
As is true with most ski resorts, hiking and mountain biking are the favorite summertime pursuits here. Designated mountain biking trails thrill even the most expert bikers, but there are also low altitude trails which are appropriate for the whole family. Hiking can be quite vigorous or simply leisurely, depending on which trails you choose.
Horseback riding is also popular in the summer and a great way to experience the summer Alpine landscape. Golfers can travel to the Sun Plateau above Innsbruck for a round or two of their favorite sport.
Summer is also an ideal time to explore the Old Town, its marvelous museums and historic sites, and its excellent restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
Getting There
Innsbruck has its own airport that's serviced by a number of larger European airports. Tyrolean Airways is the only carrier at that airport. Many visitors choose to fly to Frankfurt or Vienna and then use a Tyrolean Airways connection.
Train service throughout Europe is excellent and you can find your way to Innsbruck from most nearby European cities, like Vienna, Salzburg, or Munich.