Winter guide to Innsbruck-Austria 7 non-ski activities & igloo stay

As you could have seen in my previous Innsbruck blogs including map, this Austrian city is very atmospheric, filled with history, culture and plenty of Instagrammable spots, with even more to do in winter, which I will show you in this winter guide to Innsbruck, including igloo overnight stay!

After a summer visit in 2025, I went back here in January 2026 and found out that this is a great time to visit, with even more photogenic settings. In January-March the city is less busy and even more charming with its snow-peaked backdrop and many winter activities.

Having fun at the Rodelbahn of Kühtai

Innsbruck is surrounded by 12 ski areas with endless slopes, but if you don’t like skiing there's an abundance of fun non-ski winter activities offered here for everyone. Convenient if you've stepped away from skiing, like me, after a shoulder injury 3 years ago.

From exhilarating rodel runs to peaceful snowshoe hikes and unique overnight stays in an igloo, Innsbruck offers winter magic without needing skis or boards.

Winter Guide: Non-ski activities in & around Innsbruck

In this guide I will show you 7 highlights for snow-filled fun, thrilling winter adventures and of course breathtaking views in and around the city:

Seegrube (1,900 m)

You can get up to the mountain directly from Innsbruck’s city center via the Nordkettenbahnen with the train and cable car. In just 30 minutes you will be surrounded by mountain peaks with panoramic views over Innsbruck and the Inntal valley.

In winter, the snow-covered landscapes create epic photo opps, and the atmospheric Seegrube mountain restaurant is ideal for warming up with hearty Tyrolean dishes like Käsespätzle and delicious Kaiserschmarrn.

Top of Innsbruck / Hafelekar (2,300 m)

Continue in another gondola to get to the highest point of Innsbruck for eternal snowfields, dramatic 360° vistas of the city below and the Karwendel Alps beyond. With activities like a short Via Ferrata (a secured climbing path suitable for adventurous non-skiers) and several other trails, this is a must experience in my book!

Patscherkofel (up to 2,248 m)

Innsbruck's 'local mountain' in the south is easily accessible by bus J and cable car from Igls. While known for its Olympic downhill history (1964 and 1976 Winter Games), it's excellent for non-skiers in winter too. Take the Patscherkofelbahn gondola up for stunning views over the city and Inn Valley.

Non-ski activities include groomed winter hiking trails (like the Vitalweg from the middle station) and snowshoeing routes through snowy forests and open plateaus with panoramic views.

The mountain's compact size and frequent events make it ideal for a half-day escape.

Bobsledding Olympic Ice Track in Igls

Just a short drive or bus ride from Innsbruck (near Patscherkofel in the Igls district), the legendary Olympic Ice Track at Olympiaworld Innsbruck offers thrilling non-ski adrenaline experiences on the same combined artificial ice track used for the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics (bobsleigh, luge and skeleton).

Modernized in 2024-2025 for enhanced safety, it's now one of the most advanced facilities globally.

Public thrill rides available here are:

• Bobrafting (pilot-free raft, 3-4 people, up to 95 km/h on the full 1,399 m track with 15 bends and the iconic 360° "Kreisel"). Safe for families/groups, ages 10+. Price: €45 per person.

• Race Bobsleigh Rides (2 guests + 1 pilot + 1 brakeman in an original Olympic 4-man bobsleigh). Experience pro-level adrenaline at up to 115 km/h. Ages 14+, minimum height 1.50 m, ideal for winter sports fans. Price: €119 per person.

Booking in advance required, as groups may arrange custom slots. Available mainly from December - March and limited availability in summer. Something we didn't get to do this time, but would love to come back for! Find all info on to the Olympiaworld website.

Kühtai (2,020 - 2,500 m)

An extensive ski area 40 km from Innsbruck city. Beyond its 50 km of slopes, it features rodeling tracks, dedicated snowshoe trails through pristine forests, and the ultimate highlight: Austria's only igloo village!

Igludorf Kühtai - stay overnight in an igloo

Truly an unforgettable experience: staying overnight in artistically carved ice igloos with temperatures between 0 and -10°C. See for yourself on my Instagram account or get an impression via this gallery:

This is the only igloo village in Austria, just a 40-minute drive from Innsbruck. You can also take bus 420, which takes about 1 hour, get out at Jagdschloss Kühtai and walk 5 minutes to the iglu village, located right next to hotel Alpenrose.

Here you will find 16 artistically carved ice igloos where you can stay overnight during a unique and complete winter experience! 

What kept me warm and cozy was:

• Expedition sleeping bags with thermal liners, sleeping in thermo underwear with a scarf in this specialty sleeping bag is the way to go

• Sauna access and heated (outdoor) bathrooms 

• Welcome drinks and an aperitif tray 

• All-you-can-eat Swiss cheese fondue dinner with mountain cheese and a night snow shoe hike, both included in the package

• Morning tea delivered straight to your sleeping bag

• Followed by a hearty breakfast at the nearby Dorfstadl restaurant.

Good to know:

• This is one of the few iglu villages in Europe & the only one in Austria

• There are 12 igloo accommodations, for solo travelers, couples, families or groups, each with different ice art and themed snow carvings

• The village is open from 26 Dec to 5 April 2026

• It's family-friendly (for kids 6+)

• Prices range from €200–400+ p.p. (depending on package/group)

• The igloos all have electricity, plugs and a wooden door with space for 2 - 4 persons

• With 2 bars, a disco and a restaurant they host occasional events too

• And you can also drop in for a fondue dinner and/or drinks to take a look and taste the magic without staying overnight! 

Check the official Iglu-Dorf website for all details and the current rates.

Rodelbahn Kühtai

Just behind the Iglu dorf you will also find a relatively easy 1,4 km rodeling track. The highest rodelbahn of Tyrol at 2,020 meters, where sledges can be rented at the Graf-Ferdinand-House, a steep 1 hour walk up from the Drei-Seen-Bahn talstation.

This track is also lit in the evenings until 10.30 pm and can be accessed from the restaurant, open from 10.30 am - 10 pm for drinks, lunch and dinner.

Winter tips

• Layer up for variable mountain weather with a good winter coat

• and make sure to bring thermo socks, good quality gloves, a scarf, hat, thermo underwear and winter boots.

• Although the city center is usually less cold, conditions can get snowy and especially in the mountain areas temperatures drop far below zero in winter.

• Book the Nordkettenbahnen, Igludorf, or bobsled experiences ahead (especially in weekends)

• and monitor snow conditions for those perfect winter photos and fun snow activities.

Innsbruck's compact layout and lively university scene make it quaint, comprehensible, but also vibrant and atmospheric. Winter adds extra enchantment and snowy thrills with endless possibilities, besides skiing, and plenty of authentic restaurants all around.

Check my previous Innsbruck travel guide and 10 Instagrammable spots blog for even more tips for a city trip to this Tyrolean city. And I hope this winter guide can help you get the most out of your visit to Innsbruck-Austria if you like non-ski activities too.