Skiing and winter sports in Innsbruck: from the Nordkette to the Stubai Glacier

The Nordkette: skiing above the city

From the Hungerburgbahn station in the heart of Innsbruck, a futuristic funicular designed by Zaha Hadid whisks you up in minutes to the Seegrube station at 1,905 metres. From there, a cable car continues the ascent to the Hafelekar summit at 2,334 metres, offering a breathtaking panorama over the Inn Valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Tyrol. The Karrinne run, known for its steep gradient, draws advanced skiers looking for a thrill.

The Stubai Glacier and Kuhtai

A 45-minute drive away, the Stubai Glacier is the largest glacier ski area in Austria. Peaking at 3,210 metres, it guarantees snow from September to June with 35 kilometres of runs and a world-renowned snowpark. Even closer, Kuhtai resort sits at 2,020 metres above sea level and holds the title of the highest base resort in the country. Its generous sunshine and reliable snow make it an ideal choice for families and intermediate skiers.

The SKI plus CITY Pass

The SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai-Innsbruck bundles 12 ski areas and 22 cultural attractions into a single ticket. It covers the lifts at the Nordkette, Stubai Glacier, Axamer Lizum and many other resorts, plus entry to museums, the Alpenzoo and Swarovski Crystal Worlds. Available for 2 to 7 days, the pass pays for itself by the second day and can be purchased online or at lift ticket offices.

Key winter events 2025-2026

Every early January, the Four Hills Tournament stops at the Bergisel ski jump for a spectacular competition watched by 25,000 spectators. The 74th edition promises memorable duels. The Lumagica Winter Magic festival transforms the Hofgarten park into a fairy-tale light trail running until February. Outdoor ice rinks and floodlit toboggan runs round off a winter offering that goes well beyond alpine skiing.