Stubai Glacier Ski Resort Guide
The Stubai Glacier (Stubaier Gletscher) is Austria’s largest glacier ski area and one of the few places in the Alps where you can ski every month of the year. Located at the end of the Stubai Valley, just 40 km south of Innsbruck, it offers a unique combination of high-altitude glacier terrain, reliable snow, and easy access from one of the Alps’ most beautiful cities.
Quick Facts
| Location | Stubai Valley (Stubaital), Tyrol, Austria |
| Summit elevation | 3,210 m (10,531 ft) |
| Vertical drop | 1,268 m (4,160 ft) |
| Skiable area | 110 km of pistes |
| Trails | 35 runs: 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 40% advanced/expert |
| Lifts | 26 lifts including 2 underground funiculars, cable cars |
| Season | Year-round (summer glacier skiing June–October; full winter season November–May) |
| Average snowfall | Glacier ensures reliable snow cover all year |
| Ski pass | Not on Epic/Ikon; own pass required |
The Mountain
The ski area rises from the valley base at Mutterberg (1,750 m) to the Daunkogel summit at 3,210 m. The terrain divides neatly: lower mountain runs through natural snowfields and trees, upper mountain on glacier ice and wide open snowfields. The signature route is the Downhill Run from the Eisgrat plateau — a 10 km descent with 1,268 m of vertical that takes even strong skiers 30 minutes to complete.
Glacier skiing at Stubai is exceptional because the runs are consistently well-groomed, and the elevation keeps snow firm even in shoulder seasons. The Schaufeljoch and Daunkogel peaks offer off-piste routes for expert skiers, though you’ll want a local guide as glacier crevasses are a real hazard beyond marked pistes.
Why Visit Stubai Glacier
Stubai’s headline advantage is Innsbruck: a genuine Austrian city with a stunning old town, excellent restaurants, award-winning museums, and a lively nightlife scene — all 40 km from the glacier. Staying in Innsbruck means ski-trip accommodation at city prices, with easy access both to Stubai and to three other nearby ski areas (Nordkette, Axamer Lizum, Kühtai).
The glacier also means summer skiing — a rare option in the Alps outside of a handful of destinations. Training camps and ski race teams use Stubai through the summer, but regular recreational skiers are equally welcome. For those chasing the longest possible ski season, Stubai is one of the best choices in Europe.
Where to Stay
Two options: stay in Innsbruck (city experience, wide accommodation choice, bus to the glacier) or stay in the Stubai Valley villages of Neustift, Fulpmes, or Mieders (closer to the slope, quieter, traditional Austrian atmosphere). The Hotel Stubaierhof in Neustift and the Sporthotel Neustift are popular resort-style options. Innsbruck has everything from budget hostels to 5-star hotels.
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When to Go
Peak winter: January–March for maximum snowfall and full resort operation.
Summer skiing: June–October on the upper glacier. Snow coverage is reliable but terrain is more limited.
Shoulder bargains: November and April/May offer glacier skiing at lower prices with fewer crowds.
Getting There
Fly into Innsbruck Airport (INN), which has direct connections from London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Zürich. From Innsbruck, take the bus toward Neustift (STB bus line) or drive the 40 km up the valley. A ski bus runs from Neustift directly to the Mutterberg base station. From Munich, the glacier is approximately 1.5 hours by car.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really ski on the Stubai Glacier in summer?
Yes — the upper glacier (above 2,600 m) retains snow year-round. Summer skiing typically runs from late May through October, though the number of open pistes is limited compared to winter. The glacier is used extensively by national ski teams for summer training.
Is Stubai good for beginners?
The lower mountain has good beginner terrain. However, the glacier’s main runs are intermediate and advanced, so true beginners may find progression routes limited compared to purpose-built beginner resorts.
Is there off-piste skiing at the Stubai Glacier?
Expert off-piste routes exist in the Schaufeljoch area, but glacier crevasses make off-piste skiing genuinely dangerous without local knowledge. Hire a certified mountain guide if you want to explore off the marked runs.
What is the Innsbruck Super Ski Pass?
The Innsbruck Super Ski Pass covers Stubai Glacier plus five other resorts around Innsbruck (Nordkette, Axamer Lizum, Kühtai, Schlick 2000, Glungezer). It’s excellent value if you plan to ski multiple areas during your stay.
How cold does it get at the top of the Stubai Glacier?
At 3,210 m, temperatures can drop to -20°C or below in winter. Wind chill makes it feel significantly colder. Dress in proper alpine layers and always check the weather forecast before heading to the summit.
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