The skiing resort of Igls is very pretty. It is traditional and has access to Innsbruck which is situated lower in the valley. The Patscherkofel provides skiing which is ideal for beginners and lower intermediates whilst the Innsbruck ski area has many ski and snowboard facilities.

Hotels in this resort

• Bon Alpina
• Bon Alpina (CRYH-ATIN0111)
• Eagles Astoria
• Eagles Inn
• Gruberhof
• Hotel Bon Alpina (INGH-ATIG104ACC)
• Roemerhof
• Sporthotel
• Sporthotel Igls

Igls Guide

Igls is located above Innsbruck, the charming city that in 1976 was the Olympic centre. Several areas around the Stubai glacier and Olympic capital are covered by a regional lift pass. Nine ski areas can be found here. There is a beginners ski area at the lower station of the Patscherkofel cable car as well as a further small learning area aailable at the top station. The tree-lined skiing on the Patscherkofel is perfect for beginners and intermediates but the section of the Patscherkofel that is above the tree-line offers some of the steepest skiing with a few sections that are tough both on and off-piste.

There is access which is direct to 12km of skiing downhill. Three red runs and two blue runs can be found here. Snow cover is usually very reliable as skiing is above 2000 metres. The seven ski lifts of Igls are able to carry 1,600 skiers or snowboarders every hour.

Beginners will love the local skiing in Igls. They will be out on the nursery slopes at Patscherkofel, which are beside the centre of the village, however, more are to be found up the mountain and these can be reached by the cable car if the snow level in the village is falling short. After mastering the basics the aim is to progress to the stretching blue run from the top of the gondola down the tree lined broad run.

The intermediate skiers will enjoy time on the two long runs here but will probably want to try the challenges in the surrounding resorts. The Innsbruck ‘Glacier Lift Pass’ ensures they are all included and it also includes the glacier lifts which are on the Stubai. The skiing is guaranteed here as they are open every day of the year. The areas are dotted with travelling distances varying from 45 minutes the longest to 15 minutes the shortest journey time from Igls. They circle around Innsbruck as do the numbers round the face of a watch. Igls is linked to the other areas by a scheduled ski bus which is free. The pass is excellent value. From Igls, it goes to Fulpmes then Neustift clockwise, then crosses the valley and comes back closer to Innsbruck to Axamer Lizum and the area of Seegrube located north of Innsbruck.

To the Hungerburg plateau from the centre of Innsbruck a funicular runs. There is a two stage gondola that carries on to the Nordkette mountain range and the Seegrube-Hafelkar area. Halfway, the Seegrube is ideal for beginners and intermediates. However, there are signs to warn that only expert and skilled skiers should continue up towards the peak.

There is also the main Olympic ski site, Axamer Lizum which has a relatively modern funicular and nine ski lifts serving a 762m vertical. The terrain is mainly suited to intermediates but it is a challenge to tackle any championship course. There are one or two longer runs which are not served by lifts and these end in the neighbouring villages.

Nightlife

When it comes to Apres Ski you will find approximately twelve bars and restaurants to take your pick of in Igls. Two popular haunts are the Bon Alpina and the Batzenhausl’s typically Tyrolean wine stuberl. If you are looking for really lively night life with lots going on you should go to the city centre of Innsbruck. With a great university Innsbruck’s student population livens up most of the evenings here. There are plenty of bars that can accommodate them all. The main place where most of the activity happens is in the Old Town and this is where you will find many of the bars and cafes. The Zwolver is always a lively night as is the Piano Bar, both are very popuular choices – always very busy and there is a lively mix for drinks and good food. Later on all the action takes place in one of the many of other lively venues.

Accommodation

Accommodation varies from guesthouses and hostels to four star luxury hotels so the choice is yours. Innsbruck Airport is only an hour’s drive away from Igls. There are also two other airports which are only two hours from the resort making this ideal for a short break or a weekend away with friends skiing.