Innsbruck Winter in Full Swing

January – the sporting spirit

January kicks off with two sporting highlights. Ski jumpers launch into the new year during the annual Four Hills Tournament on 4 January 2025 – a premier ski jumping competition and favourite spectator’s event. Then, between 17-19 January the masters of the luge will show off their skills at the World Natural Track Luge Championships in Kühtai.

For those who love and active break, skiing after the Christmas rush is the best time for it (for those not confined to school holidays). The pistes in popular resorts such as Axamer Lizum, Patscherkofel or Kühtai are generally a little quieter with outstanding conditions.

The Innsbruck Tourismus activity programme includes plenty of sporting events through January. Take part in guided snowshoe tours, winter hikes and taster courses for cross-country skiing – all free with the Welcome Card for guests, available from partner establishments. 

February – variety in all its forms

There is plenty to entertain during the region’s carnival season. On 27 February 2025 Axams plays host to ‘Wampelerreiten’, a riotous parade featuring thickly clad Wampeler (‘fatsos’), among other elaborately dressed characters. While earlier on 2 February 2025 is the spectacle of ‘Schleicherlaufen’ in Telfs, where masked figures move through the streets in impressive choreographed formation.

Meanwhile there’s plenty of action in the capital of the Tyrol region during February. Take the Innsbruck Winter Dance Festival, for example, back for its second edition after a roaring success last year, with award-winning choreography from world-class dancers in a production of Dorian Gray, alongside many more performances and workshops. 

Those with children can enjoy the many family-friendly ski resorts around Innsbruck during the winter holidays. The Muttereralm ski area, for example, has a covered magic carpet, a fairytale forest and a special practice slope, designed with young skiers in mind. This season, the Rangger Köpfl ski area in Oberperfuss introduces a brand new lift meaning the easy slopes at the summit of the resort are within easy reach of young learners and beginners.

March – the warmth returns

If, by March, you have had enough of winter and long to see the sun, the plateaus above Innsbruck in March are for you. The Mieming Plateau, known for long hours of sunshine, is the perfect place for leisurely hikes along the Almenroute, that stretches between the Stöttlalm and Moosalm mountain huts.

The villages of Lans and Igls, located in the mountains to the south of Innsbruck, are easily accessible from the city centre on the Waldbahn (the forest tram), ideal for gentle, sunny walks around the Lanser See lake or through the gardens of Igls Kurpark.

March is also the perfect time to indulge in a spa day at one of the region’s many, many bio-wellness hotels. Particularly good are the Gasthof Walzl in Lans and the Alpenresort Schwarz. 

April – the joys of spring

There are often fantastic conditions to be enjoyed on the slopes at the end of the season, especially in the mornings. It’s also the time for figl in the Nordkette range, short skis for hurtling down the slopes on soft snow.

On 12 April 2025 there’s the fun of ‘Ugly Skiing Day’ in Axamer Lizum, when dressing up in your ugliest ski outfit is encouraged to celebrate the end of the season.

The longer days of April also mean more time in the afternoon and evening following a day on the hill. The SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck lets visitors enjoy the city’s cultural offerings: the pass not only includes access to 12 ski areas, including the Stubai Glacier, but admission to numerous sights and museums in Innsbruck.

Then there’s the Easter market in the centre of Innsbruck old town – not to be missed!

Insider knowledge – guided city tours throughout winter

A good way of getting to know the city is by joining a themed tour: Discover the culinary delights of the region; step back in history and follow in the footsteps of the Habsburgs; join an architectural tour through modern-day Innsbruck.

New: The ‘Innsbruck by Night’ tour is now available every Tuesday and Thursday evening during the winter months. Meet at 5pm at Innsbruck Information. The cost is €16 per person, or free with the Innsbruck Card. 

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