Other Winter Activities

An independent review from Gary Van Haas

Other Winter Activities > Overview

There is more to do than just ski around the Innsbruck area. Snow hiking or snowshoeing is fun, especially at Igls where the trails are within walking distance to the village. All are fully organized with mountain huts where a hiker can cozy up and get warm, eat, or meet up with others.

But there are also many other activities available such as ice-skating rinks, and sleigh rides. For the more outgoing, there is even mountain biking during the summer and winter months. In summer, people prefer hiking in the mountains around Stubai Glacier.

Other Winter Activities > Snowmobiling

There is a little snowmobiling available around Innsbruck—mostly off the beaten track and near mountain villages. This is fun and an invigorating change at the end of a day’s skiing but you really have to look for it, as there are no shops renting them. You will only find them by seeing posted signs along the road, rented by private parties from their houses. Snowmobiling here is comparable to a run at Stowe, Vermont.

Other Winter Activities > Ice Climbing

Ice climbing in Innsbruck is virtually non-existent, and only available to locals through private clubs such as the Axioms based Alpine club.

Other Winter Activities > Tubing / Tobogganing

Tubing and tobogganing is available under controlled conditions at the Olympic Ski Center, and not generally offered to the public without strict supervision by an instructor. This is because the runs are very dangerous and for professional use only. Tobogganing events are held quite often in the winter here, where most visitors enjoy attending. Tobogganing here is found at Patscherkofel Mountain and has a world-class toboggan run.

On other hand, tubing is much simple and easier to find around Innsbruck, but limited by snowfall conditions. No snow, no fun. The winter season lasts at Patscherkofel from about November to end of March.

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Other Winter Activities > Ice Skating / Hockey

In Innsbruck you will find several ice skating rinks, as well as ice hockey. The rinks are usually small and natural, but there are other man-made rinks found in the city center near the train station like the Ice Palace, as well as others around the resort areas. This is a great way to pass the time if you do not ski and want to be involved in some form of winter sport. Most rinks provide ice skating boot rentals right on their sight, at reasonable prices. Some indoor rinks are open in summer too.

Other Winter Activities > Sleigh Riding

Sleigh riding is available in Innsbruck as well in some of the nearby resort areas. It's far better here than other European resorts because of the wonderful scenery. It's well worth the money, especially if you have a loved one sitting beside you. Most resorts have them; check with the information desk for details and time schedules.

Other Winter Activities > Snow Hiking

Snow hiking is good at most resorts around Innsbruck and somewhat comparable to Blue Knob, Pennsylvania or Mammoth, California. There are about 60 miles of trails, mostly ready and pre-prepared for hikers, laid out with shelters and cozy huts for heating along the way. You will find them spaced out about every five to 10 kilometers (three to six miles), and maps and information are available at the ski-patrol centers.

Other Winter Activities > Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is hard to find, as it only exists within small groups in Innsbruck. The Alpine club is an old established club that caters mainly to their own members from within Austria.

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