taytrum travels

Heading to Innsbruck, Austria this winter for snow sports and Christmas markets? This guide will help prep you for your upcoming snowy adventure.

In December 2024 I celebrated my 30th birthday with friends at a rented chalet outside of Innsbruck for a snowboarding and ski trip.

I was worried if there would be enough snow. After all, I was flying all the way from California to see friends I hadn’t seen in years and was celebrating a birthday!

To my relief, there was. But because of the worry, I spent a lot of time reading and researching for this trip. Here’s a summary of good to know information for Innsbruck in December.

Where is Innsbruck Exactly?

First thing to know is Innsbruck is in the skinny, squiggly part of Austria. This means there are many international borders just a short way away. This gives you lots of options for getting there and for onward exploration.

Innsbruck is also in the Tyrol (Tirol) region of the Austrian Alps. This is perhaps the most notable draw about Innsbruck geography.

How to Get to Innsbruck

You can get to Innsbruck in many ways, but if your flying in internationally the Munich airport or the Innsbruck airport are the most popular options. Across the border in Italy you could also fly into Milan.

Innsbruck is well connected by long-distance buses, making it accessible from several major cities in neighboring countries. From Austria, buses from Vienna typically take around 6.5 to 8 hours, while buses from Salzburg take about 2 to 3 hours.

In Germany, the connection from Munich is especially convenient, with buses taking just 2 to 2.5 hours, making it one of the quickest international bus options. Travelers coming from Italy can reach Innsbruck from Bolzano in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. From Switzerland, buses from Zurich take about 3.5 to 4.5 hours.

These routes generally arrive at Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, Innsbuck’s central station.

December Weather in Innsbruck

Will there be snow in Innsbruck in December? Most likely yes.

Innsbruck December weather is characterized by cold temperatures and frequent snowfall. Average daytime highs hover around 32°F (0°C ), while nights often dip well below freezing.

Snow usually covers the surrounding mountains. The city itself often sees light snow or frosty conditions, adding wintry charm to its Christmas markets and the historic Old Town.

Snowfall within town doesn’t get too bad, but you should still dress warm and wear boots or hardy sneakers if you’re wandering in the city.

So if you’re wondering if Innsbruck is worth visiting in December, I’d say yes. You’re more than likely to have a wintery wonderland experience.

Where to Stay in Innsbruck

Within Innsbruck’s city limits, the Altstadt (Old Town) and Innenstadt area is the best for winter tourism. You’d be centrally located near shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

A highly rated 3-star hotel in town is Basic Hotel Innsbruck. It is right by the Old Town with mountain views and great public transport access.

At a higher price point, ADLERS Hotel has a sleek design, mountain views, and a rooftop spa.

I rented a large chalet with a big group in Steinach am Brenner, right at the base of the Bergeralm ski resort. It was well equipped, had beautiful views, and was perfectly located for a ski-focused holiday in Austria.

The Innsbruck Christmas Markets

Now, you may be wondering what to do in Innsbruck in December. It mostly comes down to two things: Skiing and Christmas markets.

One of the best things to do in Innsbruck in December is to visit the Christmas markets. Innsbruck Christmas markets are usually best enjoyed in the evening when the lively atmosphere really kicks off.

They wind their way through the downtown area and make for a nice evening stroll while you shop, eat, and drink.

The holiday markets are family friendly, with areas where there are games and small rides. You can also find clusters of young adults usually clustered around music performances or the drink stations.

What to Eat at Austrian Christmas Markets (and in town)

As a vegetarian, I was initially not that excited about Austrian cuisine. I had been to Vienna many times and was always a little disappointed in the food (the coffee, pastries, and wine aside).

However, I found many things I loved in the Tyrol region of Austria. Here are some of the foods to keep an eye out for on the menu and in the market:

Schupfnudeln with Sauerkraut

These are hand-rolled potato dumplings that resemble short, thick noodles made from mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs and then are pan-fried until golden and crispy. They are often served with sauerkraut and sometimes bacon or onions for extra flavor. You can find these at the Christmas market.

Glühwein

Glühwein is a classic hot mulled wine, perfect for keeping warm in the winter. It is common throughout the region, and you can sip it either at home after a day of skiing or as you wander through the markets. It is commonly served in the markets in a local mug that you return (yay sustainability) or keep for a small fee.

Jagertee

Jagertee is a strong and hot Austrian punch made with black tea, spiced rum, and fruit flavors. You can find this at the Christmas markets too.

Raclette

Raclette is a melted Swiss cheese scraped over bread or potatoes with pickles and onions. Excellent stuff on a cold evening for sure.

Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes)

Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes) are crispy potato fritters, often served with applesauce or garlic sauce. I really wish I could have eaten more of these.

Krapfen

Krapfen is an Austrian doughnut, often filled with jam or vanilla cream. They’re topped with powdered sugar and remind me of a Boston creme.

Baumstriezel (Chimney Cake)

This is made from sweet yeast dough, wrapped around a spit, and baked until golden. The outside is crispy and caramelized, while the inside remains soft. It is traditionally coated with cinnamon sugar, but also comes with toppings like chocolate, nuts, or vanilla sugar. I’ve seen similar cakes in Prague, where they are even more popular.

Spinatknödel (Tyrolean Spinach Dumplings)

This was a new one for me! These spinach dumplings are made from stale bread, spinach, eggs, milk, and cheese (often Parmesan or Bergkäse). They’re shaped into round dumplings and boiled until tender. They are typically served with brown butter and grated cheese and sometimes with a light broth. They’re a perfect vegetarian item on what is usually a meat dominated menu.

You could also get the ultimate Tyrolean food sampling through a guided walking tour in town where you can try Käsespätzle, Tiroler Gröstl Rindsgulasch, and Knödel.

Where to Ski near Innsbruck

There are plenty of options for skiing and snowboarding near Innsbruck. Here are four good options:

Stubai Glacier
Austria’s largest glacier ski area, Stubai offers snow from October to June. With over 35 runs and 40 miles (65 km) of pistes (aka ski runs). It’s ideal for all skill levels.

Axamer Lizum
Next, Axamer Lizum is a popular option. Host of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, Axamer Lizum boasts many miles of runs with plenty of adventurous and steep drops. It’s known for good powder and sweeping views on a clear day.

Kühtai
Austria’s highest ski village at ~6,500 feet (2,000 m), Kühtai offers 28 miles (46 km) of runs. It is great for families and night skiing. An excellent hotel option here is Hotel Mooshaus with a luxurious slopeside hotel with ski-to-door access.

Bergeralm

Located in Steinach am Brenner, Bergeralm is a great beginner-friendly ski slope. It has two main cable cars going up and down the mountain with a few chairs going further up, as well as a bunny hill. They offer ski lessons for all ages and rental gear.

Traveling by car via the A13 Brenner Autobahn typically takes around 25 to 30 minutes to get there from Innsbruck. This is the resort where I stayed for my visit and while Bergeralm is smaller, it felt perfectly bite sized for a group of varying experience levels.

They also have a live camera where you monitor the snowfall, a feature I frequently took advantage of in the weeks leading up to departure.

Getting Around in Innsbruck

Getting around Innsbruck is easy, largely thanks to its compact size and excellent public transport. The IVB network of buses and trams covers the entire city, including routes to ski lifts like Nordkette and Patscherkofel.

A 24- or 48-hour Innsbruck Card includes unlimited transport and attraction access. Walking is enjoyable, especially in the Altstadt, where many sights are within minutes of each other.

Taxis and rideshares are available but pricier.

What to Pack for Innsbruck in Winter

When packing for a winter trip to Innsbruck, it’s important to prepare for cold temperatures, potential snowfall, and a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. Start with warm layers: thermal tops and bottoms, sweaters, and a thick, insulated jacket are essential. A waterproof and windproof outer layer will keep you comfortable during snowy days or while exploring alpine areas.

Don’t forget winter accessories like a hat, gloves, a scarf, and warm socks, as well as sturdy, waterproof boots with good grip for icy streets.

Innsbruck snow in December will make you glad you packed good gloves, especially if you plan to ski, sled, or snowboard.

If you plan to ski or snowboard, you should also bring something to cover your face like a bandana. A scarf works too.

Casual but cozy clothing is suitable for evenings in town, and bringing a swimsuit is a good idea if you plan to visit any local spas or wellness centers. There are a lot of saunas.

Lastly, commonly forgotten essentials like ChapStick, moisturizer, and sunglasses are useful in the bright, dry, and sometimes sunny winter atmosphere of the Alps.

Snow goggles are also good if you’re skiing. They protect your eyes from the sun and stay on better during a wipe out than regular sunglasses.

Innsbruck in December Conclusion

In sum, visiting Austria in December is a great idea. The Alps are truly beautiful and even just driving around is memorable.

Innsbruck in December is perfect for a weekend getaway too, as you can combine snow sports with laid back, festive markets. There are also great restaurants in town to sample many yummy bites and drinks.

Innsbruck weather in December will probably greet you with snow and low temperatures. Plan accordingly. Innsbruck skiing in December is a pretty safe bet for a good vacation.

Tschüss!

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