Stubai Glacier from Innsbruck 2026/27: season dates, ski pass prices and the bus

The glacier sits at the head of the Stubai valley above Neustift, and its top lifts reach 3,212 m. Because the snow is on ice at altitude, the operator calls it snow-sure from October to May: the 2026/27 season began on 9 October 2026, and passes stay valid on the glacier until 17 May 2027. That makes it the first choice for an early-season trip in November and for spring skiing after the lower areas around Innsbruck have closed.

On the mountain there are 26 lifts: 5 gondolas, 7 chairlifts, 9 T-bars and 5 magic carpets. Lifts run daily from 08:00 to 16:30, with the last ride down at 16:15.

The operator counts 65 km of pistes measured down the fall line: 23 km blue, 14 km red, 2 km black, plus 18 km of ski routes and the snowpark and children's areas. Mostly blue and red, it suits intermediate skiers and confident beginners best, and families have their own BIG Family area.

Freestylers head for the Stubai Zoo snowpark, one of three fun parks, and freeriders for the Powder Department terrain. Strong skiers looking for steep pistes will find only one black run, so for them the glacier is about altitude and snow quality rather than difficulty.

The TOP OF TYROL platform at 3,210 m juts out from the summit ridge with views over the Stubai Alps as far as the Dolomites. Take the 3S Eisgrat gondola and then the Schaufeljoch gondola (about 20 minutes in total) and walk about 7 minutes from the top station; sturdy footwear helps. Access is included in the ski pass, and non-skiers can buy the 2026/27 winter hiking ticket (one return ride to all three top stations) for 42.40 euros adults, 21.20 euros children. The platform can close after fresh snow while cornices are cleared.

The Eisgrotte, an ice cave cut into the glacier, has been a well-known stop on past visits, but the operator's current site does not list it or its opening times, so ask at the valley station before you plan around it.

Day passes from 08:00 for 2026/27, set by the operator in three periods. Autumn (9 to 23 October 2026) and spring (17 April to 17 May 2027): adults 64.20 euros, teenagers 41.70, children 32.10, seniors 51.40. Winter (24 October 2026 to 16 April 2027): adults 75.50 euros, teenagers 49.10, children 37.80, seniors 60.40. An afternoon pass from 13:00 in winter costs 61.40 euros for adults.

Children under 10 ski free with a paying parent on the same ticket type; this is sold only at the glacier ticket desks with photo ID, not online. Children are born 2012 to 2016, teenagers 2008 to 2011, seniors 1942 to 1961, and seniors born 1941 or earlier ski free.

Yes. The Stubai Glacier is one of the 12 ski areas on the SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck, valid from 10 October 2026 to 25 April 2027. A 2026/27 adult pass costs 162 euros for 2 days and 433 euros for 7, and it adds city sights such as the Hofburg and the Alpine Zoo.

On a single glacier day the day pass is cheaper; from two days, or if you want to mix the glacier with the Nordkette, Axamer Lizum or Schlick 2000, the regional pass is the better buy. In the spring weeks after 25 April 2027 you need a glacier pass.

Bus lines 590, 591, 592, 593 and 594 run from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof through the Stubai valley; check which one continues to the glacier at Mutterberg on the VVT timetable. From Innsbruck to Mieders, skiers with equipment pay 4.70 euros each way on board. From Mieders up to the glacier the buses are free in the ski season with a glacier, Stubai or SKI plus CITY pass, or a Stubai guest card.

With the SKI plus CITY Pass, ski buses are free if you stay at least two nights in Innsbruck or the Stubai valley; line 590 needs a voucher from your Innsbruck partner hotel, the Innsbruck Information office or Die Boerse ski hire. By car the operator gives about 45 minutes, and parking at the valley stations is free.

INTERSPORT runs the hire shops at the Eisgrat and Gamsgarten top stations, plus heated ski depots at the Gamsgarten and Eisgrat valley stations, so you can arrive by bus in normal clothes and collect your skis on the mountain. Booking online and paying at least 10 days ahead takes 10 per cent off the hire price.

If you would rather sort your skis out in town, Die Boerse in Innsbruck rents piste and freeride skis, snowboards and touring kit.

Most visitors base themselves in Innsbruck and ride the bus up the valley, which leaves the evenings free for restaurants and, in Advent, the Christmas markets. Stay near the Hauptbahnhof for the shortest walk to the Stubai buses, or in Lans for a hotel ski bus.