Axamer Lizum Ski Resort

Axamer Lizum offers skiers 40 kilometres of runs to explore on a mountain just a stone’s throw from Tyrol’s biggest centre. The “white roof” of Innsbruck is particularly popular for day trips due to its proximity to the city. The resort was created for the 1964 Olympic Games and extended for the 1976 Games. Advanced skiers feel particularly at home here given the vast selection of red-marked runs.

The Olympiabahn lift connects the car park at the end of the Axams Valley with Hoadl mountaintop. The ski area tops out here at 2,340 metres, and this is also where the former Olympic Women’s Course starts. This broad, blue-marked run is even suitable for beginners and pretty lengthy at 6.5 kilometres. There is even a speed check at the end of the course where you can test your best effort against your friends. There are also a number of red-marked runs across towards Pleisen (2,235m) on the other flank of the mountain. These can also be easily reached from the valley bottom via the Schönbodenbahn lift.

Experts head for the Birgitzköpflbahn lift on the other side of the valley, as this links to a black-marked trail which often becomes a mogul run during the course of the season. Alternatively, you can take the Götzner run down into the Mutterer Alm ski area from the peak. However, doing so means taking the bus to link back to the Axamer Lizum lifts.

A glance at the trail map reveals six sign-posted ungroomed routes which freeride skiers can follow through the powder off-piste. There are also numerous untouched slopes between the trails which can be easily explored. Before you take to the backcountry proper, we recommend heading for the Hoadlhaus and its avalanche transceiver checkpoint.

The Panoramarestaurant Hoadlhaus at 2,340 metres is without doubt one of the gastronomic highlights of the region, offering one of the largest covered terraces in the entire Alps. Café-Restaurant Liz, located by the valley station of the Olympiabahn, is also a great destination with a generously sized conservatory area. The Birgitzköpflhaus offers Tyrolean specialities, while the Pleisenhütte boasts a cosy and authentic atmosphere.

• Longest run: The valley run from Hoadl at 2,340 metres down into the valley (no.1)
• Most difficult run: Birgitzköpfl trail from the Naturfreundehaus (no. 10)

Away from the slopes, sledding fans can try out no less than three runs here. The run from the car park of Axamer Lizum to the bottom of the Axamer Valley is a treat, and the other two trails start at the Pleisenhütte and Birgitzer Alm.
If you fancy hitting the ice rink for some skating, leisure centre Axams has a small natural ice rink as well as a floodlit curling area. Skating options are also available in Birgitz and Grinzens.

In Axamer Lizum, you can get the après-ski started directly by the slopes at the Sunnalm near the Schönbodenbahn lift. This bar catches the sun’s rays for longest, while the cosy Dohlennest lodge by trail no. 1 is also a good choice. Down in the valley, the rustic Lizum Alm and Check Point Après Ski which overlooks the Olympic Women’s run are great places to have fun when the mountain closes. In the evening, night owls hit the Tucati Bar for drinks in Axam. If you want to party long into the night, you are best advised to head for Innsbruck (20 km away) and its wide range of bars and clubs.

Food lovers should make for the Bürgerstuben in Axams which serves a broad selection of top-notch cuisine.

By car: If you drive to Axamer Lizum, you can avoid tolls by taking the B177 from Garmisch (continue via Seefeld in Tirol, Zirl and Kematen). Axamer Lizum is also easy to reach via the A12. From Landeck, take the Kematen exit, then head for Kufstein at Innsbruck West before following the signs to Axams.

By public transport: As buses bound for Axamer Lizum also depart from Innsbruck every hour, travelling by rail or flying is also possible.