Stubai Glacier Ski Area
Offering a varied and snow-sure skiing experience for all degrees of skiers and snowboarders, Stubai Glacier Ski Area is the biggest and most well-known glacier ski resort in Austria. Just 45 minutes from Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, Stubai Glacier Ski Area features breathtaking views of 109 peaks over 3,000 meters, 35 well-groomed slopes, 26 contemporary lifts, and a range of attractions and services for a unique winter experience.
From Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol and a little city with a great cultural and historical legacy, the Stubai Glacier is readily reachable. After flying to Innsbruck Airport—which multiple airlines from big European cities service—you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to the Stubai Valley, around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you might catch a train to the major railway station, Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, then ride a bus or tram to the Stubai Valley—about an hour away. Driving to the Stubai Valley—which is conveniently connected by roads and highways—you can park your car at one of the free parking lots at the base stations of the ski lifts.
From little guesthouses and apartments to opulent hotels and chalets, the Stubai Valley presents a range of lodging choices for many budgets and tastes. Either closer to the glacier at the Stubai Glacier Resort, which has direct access to the slopes and the Eisgrat and Gamsgarten cable cars, or stay in one of the charming towns along the valley, including Neustift, Fulpmes, Telfes, or Mieders. Staying in Innsbruck and driving or traveling to the Stubai Glacier allows you to experience the city and its attractions as well.
With 23 contemporary ski lifts and gondolas that gently and safely carry you to the slopes, the Stubai Glacier is a heaven for skiers and snowboarders of all ability. From the top station at 3,210m, the highest point in the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers and then select from a range of runs that fit your ability and tastes. Among the nine ski routes—which are designated but not groomed—you can also try ones that provide a more daring and difficult experience. Visit the Stubai Zoo snow park, which conducts events and contests all year long and has beginners, intermediate, and expert levels, if you’re looking for some freestyle action. The Stubai Valley features cross-country skiing paths, winter hiking paths, toboggan runs, and ice climbing routes for you to also investigate.
See some of the sites and activities the Stubai Glacier and Valley have to offer if you require a break from the slopes or if you are visiting with non-skiers. Located at 3,200m and provides a 360-degree view of the Alps, the ice sculptures and ice grotto at TOP OF TYROL viewing platform is something you might appreciate. The Stubai Glacier Museum, which features artifacts and displays connected to the glacier and its evolution, allows you to also learn more about the history and culture of the area. With indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, spas, and wellness amenities, the StuBay Leisure Centre also offers a place for you to unwind and revitalize. One of the several eateries, cafes, and huts offering traditional and foreign cuisine and beverages will let you also appreciate the local food and hospitality.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Neustift im Stubaital, Tyrol, Austria |
| Resort Altitude | 1,750 – 3,210 m |
| Ski season | October – June |
| Ski pass prices | From € 31.80 for children to € 63.60 for adults for a day ticket |
| Opening times | 8:15 am – 4:30 pm |
| Number of pistes | 35 |
| Total piste length | 44 km |
| Longest Run | 10 km (Wilde Grub’n) |
| Easy Slopes | 8 km |
| Moderate Slopes | 23 km |
| Advanced Slopes | 13 km |
| Directions of Slopes | N, NE, E, SE |
| Night skiing | No |
| Snow Making | Yes |
| Total Lifts | 26 |
| Uphill Capacity | 35,000 people/hour |
| Highest Lift | 3,210 m (Schaufelspitze) |
| Gondolas/Cable cars | 6 |
| Chairlifts | 10 |
| Drag Lifts | 8 |
| Snow Parks | 1 (Stubai Zoo) |
| Ski rentals | Yes |
| Après-ski | Yes |
Location and Accessibility
Rising in the middle of the Stubai Valley, above the town of Neustift am Stubaital, is Stubai Glacier Ski Area. By automobile, the ski area is conveniently located on the A13 Brenner motorway; leave at Schönberg and follow the signs to the Stubai Glacier Road. At the base stations of the Gamsgarten and Eisgrat cable cars, which carry you up to the glacier, there are lots of free parking places.
Alternatively, you can use the free ski bus service, which runs often and stops at the main ski area entrance from Innsbruck or any of the Stubai Valley towns. The train from Innsbruck to Fulpmes can also be used, then you hop on the bus to reach the glacier.
From many points of view, one can reach Stubai Glacier Ski Area by:
- From Innsbruck: The free ski bus service leaves the main train station and stops at many spots throughout the city. Based on the season and the time of the day, the bus operates every 15 to 30 minutes; it takes roughly 50 minutes to get to the ski area. About an hour and a half, you can also travel the train from Innsbruck to Fulpmes then the bus to the glacier.
- From Munich: As said above, you can take the rail from Munich to Innsbruck, which takes roughly two hours, and subsequently the bus or train to the ski area. The Flixbus from Munich to Innsbruck takes roughly two and a half hours; after that, the bus or train will get you to the ski resort.
- From Salzburg: As shown above, you can take the rail from Salzburg to Innsbruck, which takes roughly two hours, and subsequently the bus or train to the ski area. About three hours from Salzburg to Innsbruck, you may also catch the Flixbus; subsequently, the bus or rail will get you to the ski resort.
- From Zurich: You can take the train from Zurich to Innsbruck, which takes about three and a half hours, and then the bus or the train and bus to the ski area, as described above. You can also take the Flixbus from Zurich to Innsbruck, which takes about four and a half hours, and then the bus or the train and bus to the ski area.
Skiing and Snowboarding Trails
From basic to difficult, Stubai Glacier Ski Area provides 44km of slopes and 21km of ski paths for all ability and tastes. With natural snow cover from October to June, the slopes are primarily broad and open. Eisgrat, Gamsgarten, Daunferner, and Schaufelspitze make four sectors out of the ski area.
Beginner Trails
At the Eisgrat and Gamsgarten sectors, where they can hone their abilities and confidence, beginners can enjoy mild and roomy slopes. Two further ski schools, Intersport and Schischule Neustift, provide courses and lessons for novices of all ages. Little ones have a children’s area including a snow playground, carousel, and magic carpet.
Intermediate Trails
Where they may challenge themselves and hone their technique, intermediate skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a range of red slopes at the Daunferner and Schaufelspitze sectors. More excitement and variation are provided by some picturesque and exciting ski routes such the Wilde Grub’s n and the Fernau.
Advanced Trails
On the black slopes of the Schaufelspitze sector, where they may find the steepest and longest runs in the ski area, advanced skiers and snowboarders can test their talents and adrenaline. Some exciting and difficult ski routes that call for high abilities and equipment are also the Daunkogel and the Pfaffengrat. The Powder Department offers many freeride options for individuals looking for more off-piste activity where they may explore the thick powder and unspoiled terrain under a guiding.
Ski Lifts and Facilities
With 26 contemporary and cozy lifts—including cable cars, gondolas, chairlifts, and draglifts— Stubai Glacier Ski Area guarantees a quick and easy access to the slopes. Season and weather determine whether the lifts run from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm. Additionally housed in the ski area is a ski storage depot for renting or keeping your gear.
| Name | Type | Capacity | Length | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eisjoch SL | T-bar | 2 | 1,000 m | 3,210 m |
| Fernau SL | T-bar | 2 | 1,000 m | 2,600 m |
| Gaiskarferner | T-bar | 2 | 1,000 m | 2,900 m |
| Windachferner | T-bar | 2 | 1,000 m | 3,000 m |
| Daunferner I | T-bar | 2 | 1,000 m | 3,000 m |
| Daunferner II | T-bar | 2 | 1,000 m | 3,000 m |
| Daunscharte | T-bar | 2 | 1,000 m | 3,000 m |
| Übungslift Gamsgarten | T-bar | 2 | 300 m | 2,600 m |
| Kitzlift | T-bar | 2 | 300 m | 2,600 m |
| Zoo-Shuttle | T-bar | 2 | 300 m | 2,600 m |
| Gamsgarten I | Gondola | 8 | 2,000 m | 2,600 m |
| Gamsgarten II | Gondola | 8 | 2,000 m | 3,000 m |
| Schaufeljoch | Gondola | 8 | 2,000 m | 3,200 m |
| Pfaffengrat | Chairlift | 2 | 1,000 m | 3,000 m |
| Wildspitz | Chairlift | 2 | 1,000 m | 3,200 m |
| Daunjoch | Chairlift | 4 | 1,000 m | 3,000 m |
| Eisjoch | Chairlift | 6 | 1,000 m | 3,200 m |
| Fernau | Chairlift | 6 | 1,000 m | 2,600 m |
| Murmele | Chairlift | 6 | 1,000 m | 2,600 m |
| Schneekarussell | Cable car | 30 | 1,000 m | 2,600 m |
| Rotadl | Chairlift | 8 | 1,000 m | 2,600 m |
| Eisgrat I | Gondola | 32 | 2,000 m | 2,600 m |
| Eisgrat II | Gondola | 32 | 2,000 m | 3,000 m |
| Zauberteppich 1 | Magic carpet | 1 | 100 m | 2,600 m |
| Zauberteppich 2 | Magic carpet | 1 | 100 m | 2,600 m |
| Zauberteppich 3, 4 | Magic carpet | 1 | 100 m | 2,600 m |
For your comfort and enjoyment, Stubai Glacier Ski Area also provides a variety of facilities and services including:
- The ski area boasts eleven restaurants and pubs where you may savor regional and international cuisine, snacks, drinks, and panoramic views. Among the attractions are the Eisgrat mountain restaurant with a self-service and a table-service area, the Jochdohle, the highest restaurant in Austria at 3,150 meters, and the Schirmbar, a well-liked destination for après-ski.
- Stubai Zoo is among the best snow parks in the Alps, where you may have fun and display your skills on the pipes, boxes, kickers, and rails. Open from autumn to spring, the snow park features sections for pros, intermediate, and novice athletes. At the snow park, there are also frequent events and contests such Stubai Prime Park Sessions and Ski Austria Snowpark Day.
