If you want to bag peaks while also getting a dose of urban energy and culture, look no further than Innsbruck. The capital of Tirol has hosted the Olympics twice (in 1964 and 1976) and is surrounded by 13 ski resorts (Kühtai, Axamer Lizum, Muttereralm, Patscherkofel, Nordkette, Oberperfuss Cable Cars, Hochoetz, Schlick 2000, Glungezer, Bergeralm, Serlesbahnen Mieders, Elferbahnen Neustift, Stubai Glacier) each with its own personality. Stubai Glacier is Austria’s largest glacier resort area and often stays open through May, Axamer Lizum features challenging championship runs, and Schlick 2000 is a family favorite for its ski school and progressive terrain. Collectively called Olympia Ski World, the massive area can all be explored with just one ticket, the Ski Plus City Pass, which includes non-ski activities like tobogganing and bobsledding an Olympic run. During the Christmas season, you won’t want to miss exploring the charming holiday markets in the surrounding villages.
Where to stay: The 120-room Stage 12 hotel is set right in the old quarter of the city and is an easy bus ride to the resort. Ski-in/ski-out Mooshaus in Kühtai is known for its infinity pool in the Alps, a doting kids club, and fantastic service.
Stats: 111 lifts and cable cars and with just over 190 miles of runs. Two-day pass from $144.
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