A far cry from the traditional African safari and catching sight of the 'Big Five' – Austria's 'Capital of the Alps' offers instead five unique experiences for winter wanderers.

From skiing under the stars or travelling through time at a Victorian Christmas market, to a magnificent carnival event that is only held every five years, the Innsbruck region is a hidden jewel, just waiting to be discovered.

Colette Verra, Marketing Manager at Innsbruck Tourismus said: “Innsbruck is a city of activity, light, fun and adventure during the colder months and we welcome visitors to come and join the enchanting experiences we have planned this winter.

“There is a huge variety of entertainments, cultural experiences, sporting fun and festive spirit to enchant young and old alike."

1. Ski under the stars

Perfect pistes and a magnificent mountain backdrop are yours to explore throughout the day and well past sunset in several areas of the Tyrol this year. A number of ski resorts around Innsbruck offer evening and night skiing on selected days: as an example, you can ski on the Heiligwasserwiese on the Patscherkofel mountain every Tuesday and Thursday until 6.30 pm. The floodlit slopes above the city's sea of lights, under a starry sky, make for a particularly enjoyable and unique experience.

Top tip: direct access to the pistes from your hotel room is possible in Kühtai, Austria's highest winter sports resort. Numerous accommodation providers are located in the immediate vicinity of the lifts, ensuring a straightforward ski-in ski-out procedure – even for nighttime skiers.

2. Take a trip on a toboggan

Appreciate the tranquillity and beauty of the surrounding snow-covered landscape on a leisurely ascent of the Rangger Köpfl – then, on the way down, enjoy the speed and the thrills. At over eight kilometres in length, the toboggan run down the mountainside is one of the region's longest – a delight for young and old alike. As a break from the action, you can also treat yourself to a local speciality or two at the Rosskogel hut or the Sulzstich and Stiglreith restaurants.

Top tip: the unspoilt nature of the Simmeringalm is ideal for snowshoe excursions, which will also open up magnificent panoramic views over the Mieming Plateau.

3. Amble through Ambras Castle

Towering majestically over the city of Innsbruck, the large park at Ambras Castle is worth a visit at any time of year. In winter, when snow covers this imposing Renaissance building, it becomes the perfect setting for a romantic stroll through the grounds. Wander past rocks, gorges and bridges – and enjoy the occasional dazzling display of colour from the Castle's peacocks.

Top tip: you can even enjoy a city experience in the mountains – in Innsbruck, up on the Seegrube, this entirely possible. The cable car whisks you straight from the city centre up to an altitude of some 2,000 metres, where Innsbruck's highest sun terrace, Cloud9, awaits.

4. Feel festive at the Christmas markets

Every year, during the Advent season, the city is transformed into a fascinating winter wonderland – not least thanks to the many Christmas markets, with festive lighting, charming melodies, seductive scents and abundant treats appealing to all the senses.

The markets, each with a different theme and programme, can be found all over the city. The days leading up to Christmas are also celebrated in style in neighbouring towns and villages.

A Victorian-style Christmas market is to be held for the first time in neighbouring Telfs, with the new musical 'Scrooge,' based upon Charles Dickens's famous tale, A Christmas Carol to be performed in the town hall.

Top tip: locals and visitors get in the mood for the upcoming festive season in the village of Igls on 23 December each year with a big Christmas procession. The Christ Child, Mary and Joseph, accompanied by numerous angels, shepherds and animals, all parade through the village.

5. Catch a captivating cultural carnival

Magnificently decorated hats topped with elaborate designs, colourful costumes, all kinds of dances, lots of music and wild characters, the Telfs Schleicherlaufen - 'sneaky dash' - is a carnival parade that offers an unmissable spectacle for onlookers from both near and far.

The carnival has taken place in this market town every five years since 1890 and on Sunday, 2 February 2025, the event will come round again. Around 500 participants will walk, dance and 'sneak' through Telfs as part of a custom that is included on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Top tip: extraordinary performances of a completely different kind can also be experienced at the Innsbruck Winter Dance Festival, with dance, theatre and a variety of events happening from 30 January to 2 March 2025.

Bonus tip: pick up a Welcome Card for stress-free sustainable travel

Buses, trains and trams are a straightforward and environmentally friendly way to get around the Innsbruck region – for winter holidays too. But that's not all: in the case of the 'Waldbahn' or 'forest tram' (tramline no. 6), which stops near Ambras Castle on its route between Innsbruck and Igls, it's the journey itself that is part of the adventure.

The Welcome Card is the best way to travel around the city and environs. This free guest card, available from partner establishments for stays of two nights or more, not only includes a range of leisure activities, but also provides free use of all public transport in the Innsbruck region.