Welcome Innsbruck - Winter 2016/2017

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WELCOME || 36
❶ Axamer Lizum
Olympia Skiworld Innsbruck’s freeride top spot is located only 19 km away
from the capital and boasts 300 hectare of off-piste fun. Thanks to its al-
titude and numerous hillsides with a northern exposure, the area offers
powder snow in abundance. The Axamer Lizum was awarded five stars in
the category “freeride” by the worldwide largest test portal for ski resorts.
Anyone who has been here before knows the rating is well deserved.
Free ski bus service from Innsbruck!
❷ Kühtai
At 2020 metres above sea level and only 35 km away from Innsbruck,
Kühtai with its fantastic slopes and awesome powder runs is a paradise
for freeride enthusiasts. The whole ski area is located above the forest
line, which makes it possible to go off-piste almost anywhere. However,
caution is always required! The 400 hectare offer a huge playground.
Next to the 8-seater-gondula Kaiserbahn you can find a marked route.
Tip: The popular ALPIN Deep Powder Days take place from 17 until 19
March 2017. This spectacular event is an absolute must for back-coun-
try fans, who will be getting together in Kühtai for informative workshops
and epic ski tours, to test the latest off-piste equipment and generally
enjoy the good vibes.
❸ Nordkette Mountain Range
A perfect winter haven! Access Austria’s biggest nature park within just
a few minutes from the city centre. The Hafelekar gorge is renowned as
one of Europe’s steepest runs. With an incline of 70%, it is a serious ter-
rain solely and exclusively for experienced riders. This is no place for be-
ginners or tenderfoots!
❹ Stubai Glacier
Austria’s largest glacier ski area, located within 45 minutes by car from
Innsbruck, boasts 14 off-piste powder department runs. All of them can
be found in a specifically designed off-piste-map. The downhills can al-
so be accessed as GPS-tracks on your smartphone. They are integrated
in the Stubai App. The service also includes route videos, two Freeride
Checkpoints at Eisgrat and at Gamsgarten and an avalanche rescue
training facility.
Nothing is more idyllic than conquering secluded hill
slopes with smooth sliding movements. The efforts
of hiking up will be rewarded with stunning views of
snow-capped peaks, a well-deserved rest in a cosy hut
and, of course, a fabulous run in pristine powder snow
conditions. The large amount of ski touring possibili-
ties around Innsbruck are overwhelming. We have put
together a small selection for you:
❺ The Mute (2398 m) in Kühtai
A 1.5 hours tour ideal for beginners and children with an
altitude of 415 metres and a quick and easy summit as-
cent. Starting point: The tour starts in front of the hut Dort-
munder Hütte, behind the restaurants in an easy, hilly ter-
rain. Rest stop: Dortmunder Hütte.
❻ Guided moonlight ski tour
Every Tuesday evening (starting time can be arranged individually) you
have the possibility to go on a ski tour accompanied by an experienced
mountain guide of the ski school Birgitz. The destination depends on
the level and wishes of the participants. Information and registration:
Tourist office Birgitz, Phone: 05234-32384,
➐ Patscherkofel (2246 m) from the hut Patscheralm
An easy and beautiful tour with panoramic views from the hut Patscheralm
via the hut Hochmahdalm to the Patscherkofel. Thanks to the Patscherk-
ofel cable car the tour is relatively short (540 m) and with an altitude of 3.8
km it only takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to hike up. It is ideal for beginners.
Rest stops: Teehütt‘n, Patscheralm and Schutzhaus Patscherkofel.
➑ Rangger Köpfl (1939 m) from Oberperfuss
A little insider tip in a very peaceful area. After the first, steep 500 me-
tres (which can be avoided by taking the Peter Anich lift), you will reach
Stieglreith, from where you will get to Sulzstich via a flat slope. The fol-
lowing section to the hut Rosskügelhütte is a little steeper and will fi-
nally lead you to the Rangger Köpfl. Here, you will be rewarded with
awe-inspiring views. The short version: Take the gondola to the top sta-
tion and use the slope to get to the Rangger Köpfl – 591 metres of alti-
tude, 3.3 km and around 1.5 hours hiking time. If you start at the valley
station, you will have to conquer 5.1 km and 1115 metres of altitude,
which usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Rest stops: Rosskogelhütte.
➒ Lampsenspitze (2875 m) from Praxmar
The summit Lampsenspitze is part of the ski tour area Praxmar –
Lüsental, which is one of the most popular ski tour areas of the Sellrain
Mountains. Here, you will also find Austria’s first educational ski tour
trail. Information boards until shortly before the summit impart valua-
ble avalanche knowledge. After 1194 metres of altitude (2.5 – 3 hours,
4.7 km) you will be rewarded with breath-taking views. ||