17 Winter Activities in Innsbruck for Non-Skiers
Disclaimer: The information on this blog is for informational purposes only. These outdoor activities involve inherent risks, and conditions may change. I am not responsible for any injuries, losses, or damages resulting from the use of this information. Undertaking these activities without proper experience, equipment, or a qualified guide can be dangerous. Always assess your skill level, check local conditions, and proceed at your own risk.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase though my links, at no additional cost to you, which I’ll probably spend on more outdoor gear and travel to cool places.
Table of Contents
As a long-term Innsbruck local, I’ve seen how often winter visitors assume skiing is the main reason to come here. After moving from the UK 15 years ago and working in tourism and as a local ski instructor and hiking guide, and answering the same question again and again: What can you do in Innsbruck in winter if you don’t ski? This guide focuses on the best winter activities in and around Innsbruck for non-skiers, based on firsthand experience of what’s genuinely worth doing in the colder months.
When is the winter season in Innsbruck?
Innsbruck has two main tourism seasons in the year. Summer, which is from June to September, and Winter, which is from December until April.
Winter season in Innsbruck typically starts when the Christmas markets open at the end of November, and goes through until around Easter/mid-April. For the ski resorts around Innsbruck, they typically open in early to mid-December (depending on snow) and close in early April (again, depending on the snow levels).
Best Winter Activities In & Around Innsbruck for Non-Skiers
Below you’ll find my personal top recommendations based on years of living in Innsbruck and helping visitors plan their winter stays. When I refer to Innsbruck, I mean not only the city itself but also the surrounding holiday villages and nearby destinations that are easily reached within about an hour. Many of these places are where locals actually go in winter, and they offer some of the best non-skiing experiences in the region – often without the crowds you’ll find at major ski resorts.
Visiting the Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets in Innsbruck begin in mid-November. While the main Christmas markets in the Old Town and Marktplatz finish on 23 December, you can still enjoy a few stands on the Maria-Theresien Strasse and at the Hungerburg until 6 January.
Tobogganing
Don’t want to ski, but do want to slide down a mountain? Several locations around Innsbruck have toboggan (sledge) runs (it’s not allowed to toboggan on a ski slope). Some of these locations involve walking up the route and sledging back down, whereas others offer cable car transportation to the top of the run. In most of these locations, you’ll be able to rent a toboggan nearby.
Some of the most popular locations for tobogganing include Kühtai, Glungezer, Mutterer Alm, Oberperfuss, and Schlick 2000. Many of these can be easily reached by public transport from Innsbruck, which is free with the Innsbruck Welcome Card.
Paragliding
Paragliding is an unforgettable way to experience the mountains in Winter. Take off from the top of the hill and soar back down to the valley, enjoying a view that usually only birds get to enjoy.
Schlick 2000 and Elfer in the Stubai Valley are two of the best locations for paragliding near Innsbruck in winter.
Winter Walking
There are several winter walking paths around Innsbruck to choose from, suitable for a variety of ages and abilities. Around Innsbruck and many of the holiday villages, such as Igls and Seefeld, you’ll find marked winter walking trails around the nearby towns and villages.
Winter walking trails are typically marked with pink signs (as opposed to the yellow signs in summer); however, you may find different signs to indicate prepared winter walking trails within ski areas, such as blue circular signs with the photo of a walker.
Snowshoe Hiking
Showshoe hiking can be a nice change from winter walking, especially when there is fresh snowfall, since you don’t sink deeply into the snow like you do when you’re wearing hiking boots.
There are a few areas with nice snowshoe hiking trails. My personal favourites include the Patscherkofel Summit Trail and hiking from the top of the Serles cable car in Mieders to Maria Waldrast via the Waldraster Jöchl.
Ice Climbing
Why go climbing in the gym when you can go climbing outside with deadly weapons! Ice climbing is one of my favourite winter activities, and anyone can give it a try on the ice tower at Stubai Glacier (with an instructor, of course!). One of the local mountain guide schools offers taster ice climbing sessions.
Ice Skating
From December to February, you can enjoy ice skating on one of the many outdoor ice rinks around Innsbruck. The largest is the outdoor ice rink at the Olympia World (there’s also indoor skating here), but other options include the Baggersee ice rink, Igls ice rink (behind the old Patscherkofel lift station), and outside of the Sillpark shopping centre in the city centre. For skating on natural ice, the closest option to Innsbruck is the Möserer See lake near Seefeld.
Curling (Ice Stock Curling)
As well as ice skating, another popular sport in winter is curling. This isn’t the same as the Olympic curling – there are no brushes involved. Instead, the stones have a long, tall handle that you use to throw them. The sport is great for all ages and abilities, making it a fun family activity. Locations for curling include the Olympia World, Igls, Axams, and Seefeld.
Watch Ski Jumping at Bergisel
On January 3rd and 4th, you can watch the world’s best ski jumpers fly off the Bergisel ski jump and compete for the title as the Four Hills Ski Jumping Tournament comes to Innsbruck.
Even if you miss the event, I highly recommend taking a visit to the Bergisel ski jump stadium during your trip to Innsbruck. It is possible to see athletes training here throughout the year, and the cafe at the top offers some of the best views over the city of Innsbruck.
Visit the Olympic Bobsleigh Track
Being the 3x host city of the Winter Olympics (1964, 1976, and the 2012 Youth Olympics), as well as a stop on the Bobsled World Cup circuit, Innsbruck is home to one of the best bobsled tracks in the world. Take the bus up to the bottom station of the Patscherkofel and walk over to the Igls Bobsled track. You can walk up the full route of the track, and if you’re lucky, you may get to see athletes from around the world training here.
And for those who love a bit of speed and adrenaline, it’s also possible to take a ride down it too. In the winter they offer “Bob-Rafting” and well as the possibility to speed down in a real 4-man bobsled with a professional driver and brake man. Find more information about it here.
Alpaca Hiking
For those who like a slower pace, spending time in nature, and meeting very cute animals, you could book a winter walk with alpacas in Seefeld or Oberperfuss.
Ride a cable car & enjoy lunch with a view
You don’t need to be a skier to enjoy using the cable cars. Many of the cable cars around Innsbruck have great mountain restaurants at the top – perfect for enjoying lunch or a glühwein with a view. My favourites are Das Kofel restaurant on the Patscherkofel, the Seegrube on the Nordkette, Hoadlhaus at Axamer Lizum, and the new Panorama Restaurant Kreuzjoch restaurant at Schlick 2000.
Horse-drawn Carriage Ride
If you’re looking for something relaxing and romantic, why not consider a horse-drawn carriage ride? There are a few locations around Innsbruck that offer this experience, and while snow does make things feel more magical, it doesn’t need snow to go ahead. The closest option is in Völs, just outside of Innsbruck, but there are also a few options in Seefeld.
Spa Day
Bad weather day, or sore legs from the slopes? Why not spend a day doing some self-care at one of Innsbruck’s many indoor pools, saunas, and wellness centres?
Read More: Best Day Spas Around Innsbruck
Dog Sledding
Another outdoor activity that doesn’t originate in the Alps has started to become more popular over here in the last few years too – dog sledding. At the Lottensee near Seefeld, you can try your hand at becoming a musher during a sled dog workshop.
Explore Innsbruck’s Sights and Museums
Innsbruck doesn’t only attract people for its many mountain sports, despite being known as a mountain destination in Austria. While it might only be a small city, there’s plenty of history and culture here to delight visitors all year round.
Wander around the cobbled streets of Innsbruck’s Old Town (Altstadt) and marvel at the Golden Roof (Goldnes Dachl), visit the Hofburg Imperial Palace, Schloss Ambras, or one of the many other museums around the city.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
A short bus ride from Innsbruck, in the town of Wattens, you’ll find the Swarovski Crystal Worlds. Here you’ll find rooms filled with different installations and artworks, all linked to the theme of crystals.
