A short break in Austria with SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck

With pastel-hued homes lining the River Inn and a backdrop of majestic peaks, Innsbruck makes for a delightful base for skiers keen to explore the Innsbruck region. Whether you want a leisurely holiday or a sporty, demanding one, the Innsbruck region delivers thanks to its blend of city life and culture with powder snow slopes and thrilling activities. Savvy skiers will want to take advantage of the SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck, a single pass that grants access to pistes in 13 ski resorts, 23 sights, local transportation and an indoor pool.

Not sure where to begin? This five-day itinerary will get you in the perfect mood for a winter break in the Innsbruck region.

After checking into your Innsbruck accommodation, head straight to the vibrant Old Town to discover picturesque historic buildings surrounded by magnificent mountains.

Get your bearings by climbing the 148 steps to the top of the 15th century City Tower, where you’ll be rewarded with a panorama of the regional capital and surrounding Alps.

Back on land, take an obligatory selfie in front of the Golden Roof – a copper-tiled landmark built in 1500 – then jump on the hop on, hop off Sightseer bus, which is included in SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck.

Head first to Bergisel SKY restaurant inside the Bergisel ski jump tower to enjoy coffee, cake and spectacular views – with a bit of luck, you may spot ski jumpers practising.

Back in the city, a traditional local delicacy in an established inn is a must for dinner, followed by a nightcap at a rooftop bar with stunning views.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be all set for a day on the slopes. Board the bus using the SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck to the Axamer Lizum ski area, 19km away, where 10 cable cars and lifts and around 40km of perfectly groomed slopes await.

After a day’s skiing, unwind over a hot chocolate and plate of kaiserschmarrn – pancake bites made with rum-soaked raisins dusted in icing sugar. Come evening, go for dinner in the city centre. There is plenty for night owls to enjoy, whether you want to plunge into the city’s nightlife, try your luck in the casino or attend a special performance at the Tyrolean State Theatre.

Snow is guaranteed at the Kühtai, a ski resort situated 2,020m above sea level.

Kühtai has slopes for all levels. Intermediates and beginners will love its wide slopes; freeskiers and snowboarders can practise in KPARK Kühtai’s freestyle and snowcross areas, while kids and newscomers can learn and have fun at the KidsPark.

After a great day’s skiing, the free ski bus will take you back to Innsbruck for dinner. After your meal, go for an evening stroll in Imperial Gardens in the town centre. Here you can marvel at LUMAGICA Innsbruck Light Park, a magical interactive light show that guides you through all five continents. The best part? Admission is included with the SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck.

On the penultimate day of your holiday, make time for sports-free activities in the Innsbruck region.

Take the Nordkettenbahnen funicular and cable cars up to the Hafelekar, then enjoy a 15-minute walk to the highest point of the Nordkette range at 2,334m. The summit affords a unique 360° view of the city and mountains.

After the breathtaking experience of the Top of Innsbruck – complete with a cappuccino on the restaurant’s sun terrace at the top station – take the cable car back down and disembark in the immediate vicinity of your next destination: Innsbruck Alpine Zoo. With 2,000 animals representing 150 species, the zoo is home to the world’s largest collection of Alpine fauna, such as ibex, elk and bears.

In the afternoon, hop on the shuttle bus to the enchanting attraction Swarovski Crystal Worlds. Highlights include a snow-covered hill that resembles a giant’s head with a glittering waterfall gushing from its mouth; displays of shimmering Swarovski crystals in 18 underground Chambers of Wonder, and contemporary art in wonderful gardens.

At the end of the day, board the shuttle bus using the SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck to return to Innsbruck for dinner.

Make the most of your last day by taking the free ski bus up to the 110km of pistes on the Stubai Glacier, Austria’s largest glacier ski area.

Whether you are a beginner or expert skier or snowboarder, you’ll be equally enthusiastic about the Stubai Glacier.

If you’re super fit, an absolute highlight will be the 10km run from the Wildspitz mountain station at 3,210m above sea level down to the 1,750m valley station.

At lunch, treat yourself to a typical Tyrolean speciality in the glacier ski area, which offers a variety of options. Afterwards, hit the slopes or soak up the sun’s rays by lounging in a deckchair at the side of the piste, then take the shuttle bus back to Innsbruck.

Discover more about the Innsbruck region.

SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck main image credit: Innsbruck Tourismus and Markus Mair