Good Hotel Location

Hi,

My girlfriend and I will be in Innsbruck from Dec 5 to 10 and are wondering what the chances are that there will be suitable conditions for skiing or snow boarding this time of the year. We have never tried this before so beginners slopes are what we are after. Also, if we are to get some snow, where would be a good area to stay?? Are there good public transport arrangements from Innsbruch old town to slopes??

Joe

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A website for general information about skiing in the Innsbruck area is at: skisnowboardeurope.com/innsbruck/index.html

Ski school information is at: www.skischool-innsbruck.com/index2e.htm

We have skied both Patscherkofel and Axamer so as beginners I would suggest starting at Patscherkofel, an Olympic mountain, which opens November 19th. I believe there is also snowmaking on the lower slopes and at Patscherkofel there is also a bobsled run were you can ride on the Olympic course for 30 € per person. Innsbruck to Igls (Patscherkofel) is less than 15 minutes by free ski bus. Specific information about Patscherkofel is at: http://www.bergfex.com/patscherkofel/?lang=en

Axamer Lizum, the other Olympic site, has some beginner’s slopes so consider skiing there after you are getting a little better. http://www.bergfex.com/axamer-lizum/?lang=en

The Hotel Innsbruck [http://www.hotelinnsbruck.com/indexeng.html] offers ski packages. Click on “Offers”, then “Winter Special”. The packages include breakfast, dinner and bus transport to the ski area.

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We stayed at Hotel Grauer Baer and will stay there again next trip. Its very close to the ski buses, and generally well located.

The free ski bus service is excellent. Its also worth taking the train to Seefeld.

Be warned about the local taxi drivers, it cost me 18 Euros to go 5 blocks, because I assumed he would use the meter (he didn%26#39;t).

In mid January 2005, snow depth was marginal.

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Blutek,

how was your stay at Hotel Grauer? We are planning to stay there over Thanksgiving. There are mixed reviews for this 4 star hotel. Any suggestions/advice are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

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One of the tram lines also goes to Igls. It might be easier than going to the station where the ski bus departs from.

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Yes, tram line J goes from downtown %26quot;old town%26quot; to the Parscherkofelbahn cable car and the Olympic Express chairlift in Igls. It stops at Marktplatz, Maria Theresienstraße and goes along Musuemstraße. Look for/at the big signs on the street posts were people are always standing. Ticket is 2 €.

From the Hotel Innsbruck mentioned above it would just down the street around the corner. I don%26#39;t know how %26quot;friendly%26quot; the tram is for skiers and their equipment.

Info in German is at: http://www.ivb.at/

A pdf map can be downloaded from: www.ivb.at/fpl_static/fpl_liniennetzplan.php

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Hi Rovermg99

We were happy with the Grey Bear and I would stay there again.

It is well located, just outside the Old City.

The room was in good condition. There also was a Sauna, Steam Room, %26amp; gym equipment (? from memory).

The restaurant, %26amp; bar were well run.

Its a continental breakfast - rolls, cheese, meats, fruits ... %26amp; coffee. This may be different to what you are used to.

We had a number of large groups staying there (including several US tours).

The bus stop is a good block away at the Congress Halls, but its the cheapest way to travel.

The Hop On - Hop Off Tour Bus is a good way to get orientated with the city.

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Blutek,

Thanks for the update and advice. Did you request a specific room or all rooms the same. Is it worth getting the suite? Any advice on getting a room away from the noise since we will be on our honeymoon?

Did you visit Venice? It is an excursion but not sure if we can do it in a day.

Thanks!

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Rovermg99,

We were pleased with the hotel - it was clean, efficient %26amp; quiet, however we do not require much more than that - we are skiers, out all day on the slopes and too tired to party at night.

It obviously would not be in the same class as an InterContinental or Hyatt, although we did meet a Consul from Belgium who was staying there for the University Games (must have been free accommodation for him).

We had a standard room, I can%26#39;t comment on suites. Best described as good, but still average - nothing special.