Austria

Whilst Innsbruck is known for being a top destination for world-class sport climbing, many of the most popular areas can get very busy, especially in the summer months. This summer we discovered the small crag up at Obernberg and it quickly become one of our favourite places to climb. The crag is...

Park at the large car park (paid parking) for the main Obernberg lake, but instead of following the trail to the lake, take the road on the right towards Haus Waldbauer.  At the end of the paved road, a gravel road bends off to the right. Follow this gravel road as it leads you uphill and back al...

Starting from central St Anton, head west and follow signs for the Rossanaweg. The gravel path will pass under two tunnels, and then continues up the river. Follow signs for Verwallsee. The path climbs at a reasonable grade up the valley, alternating between singletrack trail and gravel paths. Ev...

Goldbichl is a small sport climbing area close to the Patscherkofel in Igls that's perfect for beginner climbers, with bolted routes ranging from grade 3 to 6a. The area is extremely easy to find. From the village of Igls, drive towards the village of Patsch (postcode 6082). At the T-junction, yo...

The Patscherkofel in Igls near Innsbruck is the perfect ski area to try ski touring for the first time in a completely safe environment. This ski area offers beginner ski tourers the opportunity to give the sport a try without having to venture out into the backcountry or tour up the crowded pist...

A short walk from the top lift station of Schlick 2000 in the Stubai valley is the "Alpin Erlebnispark". This area is an amazing spot to train your mountain stills in some of the most beautiful scenery in the Stubai valley. Reaching the area is easy. From the lift exit, keep walking straight and ...

Schlick 2000 is hands down my favourite ski resort in the Innsbruck region. This small and modest resort is often overlooked by many tourists who head straight to the larger nearby Stubai Glacier at the end of the valley. But while Schlick 2000 might be small, not only is it usually quieter than...

Arlenweg Loop, easily accessible from St Anton, has views aplenty. If you go counter-clockwise, you can start from anywhere in central St Anton and head towards Nasserein. Follow signs for the Arlenweg. The trail climbs through lush forest for a bit before leveling off to traverse the mountainsid...

I did this loop as a wonderful trail run, although it would also be possible to hike it in a long day, or split it up with a stay at Kaltenberghutte or Konstanzerhutte (book ahead). Starting at St Cristoph (a short bus from the center of St Anton), the trail climbs sharply before leveling out an...

Stubai Glacier is the largest and highest ski area in the Stubai Valley, just outside Innsbruck in Tirol. Stubai is the perfect ski area for the whole family, and for beginners and advanced skiers, as there really is something for everyone. For kids and beginners, you've got a huge beginner are...

From Salzburg, find transportation to the lakeside town of Fuschl am See. You can catch Bus 150 from the main railway station, and pay roughly 5 euros for a 30 minute ride to the town. This bus lets you off on the small highway, and you'll see you route to descend into town. Walk to the north end...