The ski areas around Innsbruck open between early October and late December: the Stubai Glacier starts the 2026/27 season on 3 October 2026, the first valley areas follow from late November, and the city mountains like the Nordkette and Patscherkofel join in December. Daily lift hours are roughly 8:30 or 9:00 am to 4:00 pm across the region. Here are the confirmed season dates for every ski area around the city.

One honest note before we start: these dates are announced by the lift companies in advance and can shift with snow conditions, especially at the start and end of the season. We keep this page updated, so you are always looking at the latest confirmed information.

The Ski Areas Directly at the City

Nordkette (Seegrube): 19 December 2026 to 25 April 2027

The ski area above the rooftops starts later this season but skis deep into spring. You reach it by funicular directly from the city centre, which makes it the fastest skiing (and the fastest snow view) in Innsbruck. The Hungerburg funicular itself runs far longer hours year round, so sightseers are not tied to the ski schedule.

Patscherkofel (Igls): 12 December 2026 to 29 March 2027

Innsbruck's sunny home mountain with the famous Olympic downhill is the classic family and beginner choice, and its southern position makes it a favourite for relaxed ski days with city views.

Muttereralm (Mutters/Götzens): 5 December 2026 to 21 March 2027

Small, friendly and reachable by the STB tram from the city, Muttereralm is where many Innsbruck kids learn to ski, and one of the earliest starters among the city areas this season.

Rangger Köpfl (Oberperfuss): 5 December 2026 to 29 March 2027

The quiet local hill west of the city: uncrowded slopes, a long toboggan run and a relaxed atmosphere that feels far away from the big-resort bustle.

Axamer Lizum: dates to be announced

The former Olympic area is the biggest in Innsbruck's immediate backyard, with 30 km of slopes between 1,580 and 2,340 metres and excellent snow reliability. Its 2026/27 dates were not published yet at the time of writing; in recent seasons it has been one of the first non-glacier areas to open, typically in the second half of November, and it usually skis well into April. We will add the exact dates as soon as they are confirmed.

Glungezer (Tulfes): dates to be announced

The natural-snow insider tip east of the city, with one of Tyrol's longest valley runs, typically opens in early December, snow conditions permitting. Exact 2026/27 dates will follow here once announced.

The Stubai Valley: the Early Starters

Stubai Glacier: 3 October 2026 to 16 May 2027

The region's snow-sure giant, about 45 minutes from Innsbruck, opens a full two months before everyone else and skis into late May. If you visit Innsbruck in October or November and want guaranteed skiing, this is your answer.

Schlick 2000 (Fulpmes): 28 November 2026 to 11 April 2027

The first non-glacier area of the season and a favourite for families and beginners, just half an hour from the city at the entrance of the Stubai valley.

Worth the Short Trip

Bergeralm (Steinach am Brenner)

Half an hour south on the Brenner railway line, the Bergeralm offers 29 km of slopes between 1,000 and 2,200 metres and is the region's night-skiing favourite, with floodlit runs on selected evenings.

Kühtai

At over 2,000 metres, Kühtai is one of Austria's highest ski villages and reliably snow sure from early season to spring, easily reached by ski bus from Innsbruck.

The Seefeld Plateau

Half an hour by train, the Seefeld region adds two more options for 2026/27: the Rosshütte (5 December 2026 to 29 March 2027) and the Gschwandtkopf (5 December 2026 to 21 March 2027). Seefeld is also Tyrol's cross-country capital, if skating and classic tracks are more your thing.

What Time Do the Lifts Run?

Daily lift hours around Innsbruck are pleasantly consistent: most areas run from about 8:30 or 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. Practical tips from experience: the first hour after opening has the best snow and the emptiest slopes, last entry up the mountain is often 30 to 60 minutes before closing, and in early and late season, individual lifts may close earlier than the posted times, so check the live lift status on the resort's website on the morning of your visit.

One Pass for All of Them

If you want to sample several areas, look into the SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck: it covers 12 ski areas around Innsbruck and the Stubai valley and combines them with city attractions, which fits perfectly if you mix skiing with sightseeing. For trip planning around the season dates, our guides on the best time to visit Innsbruck and how to get to Innsbruck cover the rest. And if only half of your travel group skis: our guide for non-sporty travellers shows what the other half can do in the meantime.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the ski season in Innsbruck start?

For 2026/27, the Stubai Glacier opens on 3 October 2026, Schlick 2000 follows on 28 November, the first city areas (Muttereralm, Rangger Köpfl) start on 5 December, Patscherkofel on 12 December and the Nordkette on 19 December.

Which ski area near Innsbruck opens first?

The Stubai Glacier, opening on 3 October 2026 for the 2026/27 season, a full two months before the valley areas. Among the non-glacier areas, Schlick 2000 starts first on 28 November 2026.

What time do ski lifts open and close around Innsbruck?

Typically from about 8:30 or 9:00 am until 4:00 pm daily during the winter season. Exact times vary slightly by area and time of year, so check the resort website on the day.

Can you ski near Innsbruck in November?

Yes: the Stubai Glacier is fully open from early October, and Schlick 2000 joins on 28 November 2026. Most other areas around the city open in the course of December this season.

When does the ski season around Innsbruck end?

Most areas close between early March and mid-April 2027: the Nordkette skis until 25 April, Schlick 2000 until 11 April, and the Stubai Glacier runs all the way to 16 May 2027.