Innsbruck has a lot to offer, even at the tail end of the winter/ski season. Typically in other resorts, when the snow is dwindling, there can be limited things to do. However, it was March, and the buzzing city proved to be the perfect end-of-season location.
From The Nordkettenbahnen cable railway that takes you from the city centre to Alpine Peak, to panoramic breakfast views at the top of the Bergisel ski jump, Innsbruck has plenty to offer besides skiing - so if you prefer skiing holidays that allow you to escape from the slopes for a moment, this Austrian city may just be the perfect place for you.
When it comes to masterfully soaking up this Austrian city in all its glory, staying in the central hub is preferred. Stage12 by Hotel Penz is an elegant 120 room hotel situated downtown, within walking distance of all the main shops and restaurants, it offers a fun city buzz and its bar is a local favourite, serving elevated cocktails and bar snacks. Stage12 also has its very own spa, which guests can use at their leisure after a long day in the city or on the slopes.
What Austria manages to achieve exceptionally is its snowsports scene. For those itching to still take to the slopes can do so and take advantage of the quiet, end of season runs.
Up in the mountains, you’re met with a microclimate ideal for enjoying perfect winter sports activities, without being too cold. The resort’s hotels also offer a ski-in and ski-out service, opening the door to a choice of runs, with blues, reds, and blacks, located on both sides of the valley and a beginners’ area, so there is something for all abilities.
Well-prepared cross-country ski runs are also available with a mix of wide intermediate and beginner trails making for a reliable place to enjoy your chosen winter sport, catering for both classic and skating styles.
There’s also a chance to try a great variety of alternative snow sports, including snow shoeing, an adventurous way to explore more of the wooded areas of the mountains, where towering trees and ice-cold streams are found.
Axamer Lizum is another Wintersport winner and is just a short 30-minute drive from the centre of Innsbruck. The resort has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and has the largest ski area near the Capital of the Alps, with 40 kilometres of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy their turns into April thanks to Axamer Lizum’s elevation at 2,340 metres, its north-facing location, and advanced snow-making facilities, with easy travel links allowing UK visitors to hit the slopes just a few hours after leaving home.
The Axamer Lizum resort is also home to Hoadl-Haus, a restaurant which has the largest covered sun terrace in Austria giving a breathtaking view of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains.
While skiing is a huge attraction for thousands of tourists each year, the city is still eager for you to take in some of its less obvious attractions. Exploring Innsbruck, you will stumble across its modern shopping district, traditional Strudel Cafes and Baroque architecture.
The futuristic Nordkette Funicular, designed by female architect Zaha Hadid transports you up the mountain side, offering panoramic views over the city and beyond until you reach the top where the restaurant Seegrube by DoN welcomes you with a wide selection of regional culinary delights. Visitors to Innsbruck are often surprised at just how close the city is to the mountains, and with this panoramic funicular, it has never been easier to reach the top at an altitude of 2,300 metres.
Visitors can experience the variety and take in Innsbruck’s unique blend of imperial and modern attractions, cafes, culture, and much more, all against a stunning mountain backdrop.
The vibrant city atmosphere and sightseeing highlights are just a stone’s throw from your next biking or hiking tour. The Welcome Card, which is incentivised in Innsbruck, is free for visitors and is the key to the region’s boundless opportunities: public transport, usable at no cost, means that the area’s numerous highlights can be enjoyed both sustainably and comfortably.
Breakfast at the Bergisel Jump will certainly leave you with a newfound appreciation for the sheer scale of the 250 metre Olympic jump. This cobra-shaped slope was designed by Zaha Hadid and stands tall in the city, symbolising the city’s Olympic roots. An inclined elevator will take you to a rooftop restaurant, where you can enjoy a traditional Austrian breakfast with meats, cheeses and pastries, all whilst taking in the jump. Each year, the Bergisel Jump hosts the Third Competition of the prestigious Four Hills Tournament.
The appeal for visiting Innsbruck is almost certain, with its short-flight time and expansive itinerary filling activities on visitors’ doorsteps. It’s a versatile destination that caters to all, even at the end of season. Direct flights to Innsbruck are available from major airports across the UK, including Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton, as well as Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester and Stansted.
Rooms at Stage12 Hotel start from €140 to €300 per night including breakfast. Additional guests include a supplement of €40.
For more details about the Welcome Card visit https://www.innsbruck.info/en/destinations/accommodation/welcome-card.html
Information on holidays in Kühtai, can be found at https://www.innsbruck.info/en/destinations/location/kuehtai.html
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