Ski tours in Innsbruck: Discover the most beautiful tours around Innsbruck at Christmas

As Christmas approaches and Innsbruck is transformed into a winter wonderland, the most wonderful time of the year begins for many: the ski touring season. Tyrol's mountains around Innsbruck offer a wealth of attractive ski tours – from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging routes for experienced ski tourers. Whether you prefer a leisurely glide through snow-covered forests or a strenuous climb to conquer a summit, you're guaranteed to find the perfect tour for the holidays. In this guide, we'll show you the best ski tours around Innsbruck during the Christmas season, provide valuable safety tips, and compare selected tours based on difficulty, ascent time, and scenic beauty. Get inspired – and pack your skins!

Table of contents

• 1. Ski tours in Innsbruck at Christmas – An overview
• 2. Ski tours for beginners – Gentle start around Innsbruck
• 3. Intermediate ski tours – Perfect for advanced skiers
• 4. Challenging ski tours for experts
• 5. Tour comparison: The best ski tours compared
• 6. Safety & Equipment: Well prepared for the Christmas tour
• 7. Avoid common mistakes – Pro tips for ski tourers
• 8. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
• 9. Conclusion – Enjoying Christmas ski touring opportunities in Tyrol

1. Ski tours in Innsbruck at Christmas – An overview

Wintery conditions around Innsbruck

Innsbruck is the ideal starting point for winter ski touring adventures. The surrounding regions, such as the Sellrain Valley, the Stubai Alps, and the Kalkkögel mountains, are usually well covered in snow from mid-December onwards. Especially around Christmas time, stable conditions with sufficient snow often prevail in the lower mountain ranges.

Why the Christmas season is ideal

The holidays not only offer free time for tours, but also often stable high-pressure weather systems with clear skies and good visibility. The crowds at popular ski resorts shift to groomed slopes – this often creates quieter conditions for ski tourers away from the hotspots.

Popular regions around Innsbruck

• Sellraintal: Large selection of tours including classics such as the Lampsenspitze or the Zischgeles.
• Stubai Alps: Ideal for beginners and advanced skiers, including Pleisen or Hoher Burgstall.
• Kalkkögel: More challenging terrain like the Ampferstein – particularly impressive in terms of scenery.
• Wipptal: Quieter destinations like the Allerleigrubenspitze at Obernberger See – perfect for beginners.

region	Suitable for
Sellrain Valley	Beginners to advanced
Stubai Alps	Beginner to expert
Kalkkögel	Experienced hikers
Wipptal	beginner

2. Ski tours for beginners – Gentle start around Innsbruck

What beginners should know

Easy tours should be below the tree line, not too exposed, and have as few inclines as possible. Good basic fitness, solid kick-turn technique, and an introduction to avalanche awareness are essential. Absolutely essential: Always carry avalanche safety equipment!

Top tours for beginners

Axamer Lizum – Pleisen

Region: Stubai Alps | Elevation gain: 640 m | Duration: approx. 2–2.5 h

An ideal beginner tour with a groomed ascent track and straightforward route finding. The starting point is the parking lot at Axamer Lizum. Its moderate length and easily followed route make it the most popular beginner ski tour around Innsbruck.

Pfriemeswand – Muttereralm

Region: Innsbruck Central Mountains | Elevation gain: 600 m | Duration: approx. 2–2.5 h

A pleasant tour from the Mutters car park to the Pfriemeswand with panoramic views over the Inn Valley. Frequently tracked, technically easy, and ideal for your first ski touring experiences.

Gries im Sellrain – Windegg

Region: Sellrain Valley | Elevation gain: 600 m | Duration: approx. 3 hours

A less frequented route with gently sloping north-facing hillsides – ideal for first-time hikers. The starting point is the village of Gries, with ample parking.

Obernberger See – Allerleigrubenspitze

Region: Wipptal | Elevation gain: 700 m | Duration: approx. 3 h

A romantic introductory tour through the snow-covered mountain landscape with stunning views of the snow-covered Obernberg Lake. Ideal for contemplative tours during the Christmas season.

tour	Elevation gain	Length of time	region	Special features
Pleeisen	640 m	2–2.5 h	Stubai Alps	Prepared ascent track
Pfriemswand	600 m	2–2.5 h	innsbruck	Often tracked, ideally marked
Windegg	600 m	3 h	Sellrain Valley	Gentle ascent
All sorts of pits peak	700 m	3 h	Wipptal	Romantic sea passage

• Low altitude (under 700 m)
• Easy orientation
• No steep slopes
• Low to medium avalanche risk

3. Intermediate ski tours – Perfect for advanced skiers

Fitness and technique from level 2

Those who have already completed several hikes will find numerous moderately difficult routes around Innsbruck that demand more altitude, technical skill, and alpine orientation. The following selection combines scenic peaks and popular classics.

Praxmar – Lampsenspitze

Region: Sellrain Valley | Elevation gain: 1200 m | Duration: approx. 4–5 hours

A very popular tour with a steady climb from the Praxmar car park. The final slope below the summit is steeper and should be avoided in unfavorable avalanche conditions. Fantastic panoramic views from the summit.

Lüsens – Zischgeles

Region: Sellrain Valley | Elevation gain: 1150 m | Duration: approx. 4–5 hours

An absolute classic in the Sellrain Valley with perfect ski terrain, often tracked out. The final slope is avalanche-prone on steep days – be sure to check the avalanche report.

Rinner Alm – Glungezer

Region: Tux Alps | Elevation gain: 1100 m | Duration: approx. 4–5 h

A varied tour with the option to stop for refreshments at the Rinner Alm. The route leads mostly through larch forests, sheltered from the wind. Ideal for those who enjoy a leisurely hike with summit ambitions.

Kemater Alm – Roter Kogel

Region: Senderstal | Elevation gain: 950 m | Duration: approx. 4 h

A scenically stunning, quieter tour in the shadow of the Kalkkögel mountains. The long summit slope is relatively avalanche-safe and allows for enjoyable descents.

tour	Elevation gain	Length of time	season	Stop for refreshments
Lamp tip	1200 m	4–5 h	Dec–Apr	Praxmar Inn
Zischgeles	1150 m	4–5 h	Dec–Apr	Lüsens Alm
Glungezer	1100 m	4–5 h	Dec–Mar	Rinner Alm
Roter Kogel	950 m	approx. 4 hours	Dec–Mar	partially open

Tip: Check the avalanche conditions daily, especially on Zischgeles and Lampsenspitze. Increased caution is advised on slopes with an incline of 30° or greater.

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