Skiing and snowboarding
Probably the best-known alpine winter sport for which Tyrol is famous worldwide is skiing. Snowboarding, however, has long outgrown its status as a niche sport for young people and is now one of the most popular winter sports across all age groups.
Between the Arlberg region in the far west and the ski areas around Kitzbühel, home of the legendary Hahnenkamm Race in the east, Tyrol boasts more than 80 ski areas with a total of around 3,400 kilometres of slopes catering to all skill levels. From the challenging runs of St. Anton renowned for its rich skiing heritage and world-class terrain, and the extensive ski resorts of Sölden, Obergurgl, Ischgl and the Kitzbühel region to smaller, family-friendly destinations, there is an unparalleled variety of skiing opportunities, both in terms of quality and diversity.
Another highlight is the high concentration of ski areas surrounding Innsbruck. The Nordkette cable car area ("Seegrube", or simply "Grube" to locals), Patscherkofel, Axamer Lizum, Schlick 2000, Muttereralm and Rangger Köpfl are all located within easy reach of the city. Frequent bus and tram connections make travelling to these ski areas convenient even without a car.
An interactive map providing a detailed overview of all Tyrolean ski areas, including ticket prices, snow conditions, opening hours and much more, can be found here.
Back-country skiing and snow shoe walking
Ski touring is as much a part of Tyrolean identity as soup is to a traditional bacon dumpling. This endurance sport is enjoyed well into old age and offers an intense and physically demanding experience of nature unlike almost any other winter activity.
As many routes lead through open alpine terrain away from secured ski slopes, it is essential to practise this sport only with the appropriate equipment and the necessary knowledge in order not to endanger yourself, other ski tourers or potential rescuers. Unfortunately, avalanches claim numerous victims every year.
Cross-country skiing
Tyrol also offers cross-country skiing enthusiasts a wide variety of trails throughout the region. Whether you prefer classic cross-country skiing or skating, there are routes available for all ability levels.
An overview of Tyrol's cross-country ski trails, including information on style, location and difficulty level, can be found here.
Tobogganing
Tobogganing is a particularly special and deeply rooted winter tradition in Tyrol. Almost every Tyrolean family has its favourite toboggan run, and throughout the winter locals exchange recommendations on the best runs and current snow conditions.
Night-time tobogganing is especially popular. While some runs are floodlit, others require visitors to wear a headlamp attached to their helmet.
Please note that, although tobogganing is great fun, it can quickly become dangerous. It is therefore important to use appropriate equipment, including a helmet, and to choose a route and speed that match your level of experience and ability.
Detailed information on open toboggan runs and their current conditions can be found here and on the Winterrodeln website.
Cycling
Of course, the mountains also play a central role in cycling. But Tyrol also offers cyclists a wide choice of attractive routes in addition to mountain biking and downhill trails. An overview of the cycling areas of the Tyrol, regional cycle paths, long-distance cycle paths as well as tips for e-bike riders can be found here and, with a search function by fitness, vertical metres, length and proficiency, on the Bergfex platform.
Hiking
Hiking is a long-standing tradition in Tyrol and enjoys great popularity among people of all ages. The first point of contact for alpine hikes and mountain tours is the Alpenverein which operates mountain huts and offers guided day tours, multi-day hikes and a variety of hiking-related courses. The information portal Bergfex also provides a wide range of hiking routes and mountain tours, including a search function that allows users to filter tours by fitness level, elevation gain, distance and technical difficulty.
Climbing
Tyrol is also a true paradise for climbers. Innsbruck regularly hosts top-level sport climbing events, and some of the world's leading climbers train in Tyrol. The region offers more than 5,600 sport climbing routes, multi-pitch climbs and outstanding bouldering areas in a spectacular alpine setting. Tyrol also provides excellent opportunities for indoor climbing. Among the most renowned facilities is the Kletterzentrum Innsbruck (Sillside, WUB Climbing Hall).
A well-known resource for climbers is Climbers Paradise Tirol, which provides topos, maps and photographs of climbing areas in Tyrol and neighbouring regions.
Swimming and sauna
An overview of Innsbruck’s swimming pools and saunas is provided by the operator Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe (IKB). There are also several lakes in the surroundings of Innsbruck, including Lanser See and Natterer See, Wildsee on the Seefeld Plateau and in Möserer See in Seefeld. You can find more lakes for swimming, pools outside of Innsbruck, water parks, thermal baths and curative springs here.
University Sports Centre
The USI University Sports Centre (Universitätssportzentrum) offers a full range of facilities and programmes for all kinds of sports, including over a thousand courses per academic year. They are primarily open to students, graduates and staff of the universities, but free places can also be booked by others. Online registration is required for the courses (semester and vacation courses).
Sports clubs
Those who are more into team sports can choose from a long list of sports clubs in the Tyrol. You can use Vereinsportal to make quick and easy contact with the right sports club near your new home.
But also outside of clubs, there are many opportunities to get active with others, such as the Innpromenade parkrun, which is organized weekly by volunteers.
For active families and individuals, a variety of discount and leisure passes are available. These provide affordable access throughout the year to numerous cable cars, swimming pools and other leisure facilities.
The free Family Pass issued by Land Tirol also offers a wide range of discounts for families, including reduced rates for sporting activities, shopping and public transport.
Public transport provides a convenient way to reach natural areas and most sports and leisure facilities. In some cases, skiers and snowboarders travelling in full ski gear can use public transport free of charge.
