Innsbruck, a city in the Alps, might as well be full of space-travel portals, each one taking you to another adventurous outdoor activity. With its unparallel variety of things to do, it makes you wonder how can this beautiful capital of Tyrol be so uniquely versatile. But instead of asking questions, we prefer to simply embrace it, and choose between hiking, running, skiing, freeriding, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

This time, Mountain Moments will introduce you to an amazing freeride trio – Nordkette, Axamer Lizum, and Stubai Glacier. See maps, photos, tips and tricks, and plan out your trip with us.

Skiing area Nordkette

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Steep and high directly above the city center

The ski area on the Nordkette is probably unique in the world. Directly from the city center, it takes a record-breaking 20 minutes by funicular and gondola to the snow-covered Karwendel mountains. The piste area is very small compared to many other areas in the Alps, but very steep throughout and with many options in a small space.

As soon as fresh snow is reported, the free riders fight for the place in the first gondola.

Main photo tip for Nordkette – watch out for clouds

The best conditions are in high winter after fresh new snowfall. But the devil is in the details: clouds often form between Nordkette and the city, so the view can prevent good photos and views despite the best weather forecast. 

Hafelekar photo spot

The steepest low views down to Innsbruck are from the Hafelekar mountain station on the Nordkette. Pedestrians and inexperienced skiers should stay at the viewing platform at the top station. Experienced skiers and freeriders explore the steep, famous flanks of the Nordkette from here. Especially with fresh new snow, it is called to be fast and still be careful.

Snowpark photo spot

The snowpark at the Nordkette is small but nice. Here, Tyrolean junior athletes train lap after lap on the lift, which is only 200 meters long. The short laps make a high repetition rate possible and thus give the athletes and recreational athletes a good training effect. Photographers can place themselves at the obstacle of their choice and wait comfortably for the best execution. 

Fresh snow photo spot (Hafelekar+Treeskiing)

The Nordkette is one of the snowiest places and steepest ski areas in the Alps. When it snows here, it is often persistently heavy. And only those who are technically confident on skis and like steep descents will get their money’s worth. The amounts of new snow here are almost as legendary as the lines to the first gondola in the morning. If free riding is possible all the way to Hungerburg, the forest area becomes the place of choice to have crazy-deep snow blowing around your ears. If all conditions play together perfectly, you can reward yourself at the Hafelekar on one of the extremely steep downhill variants with a deep view all the way to the city. 

Tip: After fresh snow, clouds often move into the slope in the morning and obscure the view of the city. 

Attention: Pay attention to the avalanche situation! 

Skiing area Axamer Lizum 

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Varied area in the Tyrolean Dolomites 

The most varied skiing area around Innsbruck was twice the venue of the alpine competitions at the Olympic Games in 1964 and 1976. Every Innsbruck resident has his favorite skiing area – we recommend the Axamer Lizum. The slopes are varied, the freeride terrain is sometimes playful and sometimes wide, and there are so many touring options that every American and Canadian ski resort is envious. You won’t find mass processing here either. 

Main photo tip for Axamer Lizum – the views of Innsbruck and Kalkkögel

The Axamer Lizum ski area may be relatively small, but it is all the more varied.

Mountain Moments Photo Workshops provide Photo Tours for everybody, Alpine Experience for beginners and intermediate-level photographers with 3 to 6-hour routes, as well as Summit Experience for more advanced photographers and hikers. We have private workshops and group classes.

Photo spot Hoadl

The Hoadl is probably the most popular alpine meeting place for Innsbruck leisure enthusiasts. Here you can sunbathe, meet friends for a fun round of skiing, go freeriding when there is fresh snow, or set off on a ski tour. The view over the Sender Valley into the Sellrain to the west and to the south into the fantastic Kalkkögel are the most popular photo motifs and vacation memories.

Photo spot ladies slope 

The women’s downhill run to the Olympic Games in the 1950s and 1960s is a popular, because varied, ski run. Photographers like the viewpoint from just north of the ski slope in the open ski area across the ski slope to the limestone hills. Sometimes residual cloud cover hangs in the steep limestone peaks. This can create exciting light games. Here you have to be fast and hope for some luck.

Photo spot Pleisen

From the mountain station at Pleisen you have the best view of Innsbruck city and the Inn valley. A panorama picture or a ski action photo? Both can bring photographically valuable results here. Sometimes – and especially at sunset – beautiful light shows in view of the steep Karwendel mountains and the Zugspitze massif are worthwhile.

The best Winter Adventures in and around Innsbruck – Skiing, Freeride, Skitour and more

Fancy more Winter adventures in Tyrol and around Innsbruck? We got you covered! The best outdoor sports activities for Winter enthusiasts as eBook: Innsbruck Winter Outdoor Guide.

Here we have compiled the most beautiful locations and photo opportunities. 30 activities with numerous photo spots are selected and described in such a way that you can easily experience these wonderful adventures around Innsbruck for yourself – including track infos, and maps and all other information that you need.

You can take a closer look at the Innsbruck ebook here– – why not share it with your adventure partner in crime?

Skiing area Stubai Glacier 

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Glacier skiing area with a view of the Dolomites 

The most popular glacier area in the Alps – the Stubai Glacier regularly takes this title in relevant surveys. The slopes are pleasure-oriented and very wide. The lifts are modern, the snow conditions are future-proof thanks to the altitude. 

Main photo tip for Stubai Glacier – keep an eye on north-facing slopes

Especially in high winter, the sun games on the mostly north-facing slopes are particularly exciting for photographers.

Photo spot Schaufeljoch/Snowpark

The snowpark on the Stubai Glacier has been a well-known spot in the freestyle scene since around 2010. Here, amateurs and pros alike try their hand at perfecting their sometimes daring maneuvers in the air and on the snow. The big jumps are built in such a way that they offer a view of the Dolomites from the side. A simple panoramic picture without skiers is best taken directly after exiting the Schaufeljoch mountain station, facing southwest with Zuckerhütl and the Dolomites.

Caution: Do not disturb the skiers on or next to the jumps and landings! Danger to life!

Photo spot glacier slopes Eisjoch/Daunferner

The ski slopes at Daunerferner and Eisjoch are very popular due to their width and low steepness. Especially when the sun is low in high winter, you can find spots only lightly touched by the sun. The sun’s rays illuminate the snow crystals as grazing light – these diverse plays of light and shadow can be used particularly well photographically. The two chairlifts Eisjoch and Rotadl also provide an exciting viewpoint from above. 

Caution: When photographing from the chairlift, do not neglect safety precautions. Attach the camera well and enter and exit the lift station in an orderly manner.

Photo spot Wildspitze mountain station

The highest point in the ski area at the top station of the Wildspitz lift opens up further panoramic views. Especially the view to the southwest towards the Dolomites is worth carrying a telephoto lens. Likewise, the view to the northwest into the Stubai Alps to the Inn Valley is worth a snapshot, especially in slightly cloudy weather. To get the best view of Tyrol’s highest mountain, the 3798m Wildspitze, you should also use the telephoto lens. You can see the glaciated peak a little to the left of the Sölden ski area.

The best Winter Adventures in and around Innsbruck – Skiing, Freeride, Skitour and more

Fancy more Winter adventures in Tyrol and around Innsbruck? We got you covered! The best outdoor sports activities for Winter enthusiasts as eBook: Innsbruck Winter Outdoor Guide.

Here we have compiled the most beautiful locations and photo opportunities. 30 activities with numerous photo spots are selected and described in such a way that you can easily experience these wonderful adventures around Innsbruck for yourself – including track infos, and maps and all other information that you need.

You can take a closer look at the Innsbruck ebook here– – why not share it with your adventure partner in crime?