FREERIDE TIROL'S BEST SKI AND SNOWBOARD RESORTS WITH OUR LOCAL GUIDE
Join the Innbruck Freeride Tour for a week shredding some insane spots, with incredible backdrops and some of the most consistent powder in the European Alps.
Innsbruck is the snowboarding capital of Europe and where the city meets the alpine. You’re probably thinking why stay in the city? It’s all about the access, terrain and snow quality. Within a 30 – 50 minute drive, you’ve got dozens of places to ride – from smaller old-school ski hills to the modern mega resorts, all filled with endless riding options from alpine to the trees. Of course, no trip is complete without a day riding the famed Stubai Glacier. There’s arguably no zone in Europe that’s littered with as many good spots to ride, still with minimal tourists and insane snow quality.
While the Austrian Tyrol is home to some of the biggest resorts in the world, some of the best powder days are to be had in smaller, ‘locals’ resorts which get overlooked. These are our secret spots where you’ll still find powder, even days after a storm. Our local Innsbruck guide is on-hand to give you that local intel and put you in the right spot each day for the best snow. You’ll chase the snow and ride at different resorts each day.
On this trip you’ll stay in the heart of Innsbruck’s historic Old Town so you can immerse yourself in the culture as well as enjoy the vibrant hustle and bustle. The city is steeped in history and it’s a tourist attraction in its own right. Each night, join the crew to explore the narrow winding streets of old town packed with traditional restaurants, bars and beer halls.
You’ll have a guide on-hand who knows a thing or two about finding the best snow and terrain, as well as sharing unique insights into the local culture and food. Our local guide is born and bred Innsbruck and can’t wait to show you the highlights of his hometown. Plus he’s a passionate freeride snowboarder, instructor, photographer, FWQ athlete and all-round good guy.
Dates
8 December - 14 December, 2024
19 January - 25 January, 2025
9 February - 15 February, 2025
9 March - 15 March, 2025
Duration
6 nights & 5 days on-mountain
Price
EUR 2,390 per person
Single Room
Tour Type
Freeride - off-piste and in the trees
Why Travel With Mint
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. We are a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conduct business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
Innsbruck Freeride Tour
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
SNOW & CONDITIONS
When to visit? December is typically cold and snowy with frequent winter storms. January and February you can expect cold temperatures, frequent storms and top to bottom riding. March is the locals favorite season with quiet resorts, plenty of snowfall and more terrain options. Even if there's no overnight snowfall, the altitude and our local knowledge will ensure you’ll be able to find fresh tracks, even days after a storm.
INNSBRUCK CITY-STAY
On this tour you'll get a unique cultural perspective being based in a lively and historic city. By night, you'll have countless food, beer, and entertainment options on your doorstep. By day, your guide will shuttle you out of the city and to the resorts. There's plenty of variety in resorts to choose from. Where you'll ride largely depends on the snowfall and conditions as well as the groups appetite for adventure. The driving times can range from a 30 - 70 minutes.
ABOUT INNSBRUCK
Innsbruck is the capital of the Tyrol region and has over 30 resorts within driving distance. With 128,000 residents and steeped in history it’s a tourist attraction in its own right and with has all the services you’d expect for a city. Wander into the old town, the narrow winding streets lead into the plaza where you’ll see the Gothic 15th century three-story balcony called the Golden Roof.
CITY STAY
We make sure all our guests stay in quality accommodation that’s in the best location. Throughout the tour you’ll stay in a 4 star hotel in the heart of Innsbruck's Old Town. Our single rooms are equipped with a comfortable bed, flat-screen TV, safe, WIFI and ensuite bathroom. Every morning you’ve got a hot breakfast to enjoy in the restaurant.
SMALL GROUPS
We offer one of the smallest client to guide ratio’s in the industry which ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. Our small groups allow greater manoeuvrability and ease of access to the best areas a destination can offer. When we are on mountain, our typical guest to guide ratio is 6 people per guide. This also makes for a more personal experience between our guests and guides.
FLEXIBLE ITINERARY
We keep the itinerary flexible so your local Mint Tours guide can hunt down the best conditions all day, every day. Each day your guide will assess the conditions and decide which is the best place to ski and snowboard based on weather and snowfall. Each day we’ll load up the van’s and drive to our chosen area. This flexibility ensures that we will find you the best snow and conditions all day, every day!
Essential Info
INCLUSIONS
✔ 6 nights accommodation in a Single Room, 4* hotel in Innsbruck (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of on-snow guiding
✔ 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts
✔ 6 buffet breakfasts at the hotel
✔ Arrival and departure transfers, Innsbruck Airport or Innsbruck HBF
✔ Hosting and guiding by Mint Tours
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guide on hand throughout the tour
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✘ Flights to/from Innsbruck
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches – expect to pay EUR 10 – 20 per meal
✘ All dinners – expect to pay EUR 20 – 30 per meal
✘ All lift tickets – expect to pay EUR 50 – 70 per day
✘ Any activities, meals, drinks, snacks not listed
✘ Guide gratuities
WINTER 2024/25 DATES AND PRICE
All of Mint’s tours are 7 days and 6 nights and run from Sunday to Saturday. You’ll ride every resort during the week (Monday – Friday) to avoid the weekend day-trippers and maximise your time on-snow.
WEEK 1 – 8 December – 14 December, 2024 – EUR 2,390 pp single room
WEEK 2 – 19 January – 25 January, 2025 – EUR 2,390 pp single room
WEEK 3 – 9 February – 15 February, 2025 – EUR 2,390 pp single room
WEEK 4 – 9 March – 15 March, 2025 – EUR 2,390 pp single room
CONDITIONS – WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR TOUR
From December to March, temperatures are typically below freezing and the snow stays in good condition even days after a storm. Even if there’s no overnight snowfall, the altitude and our local knowledge will ensure you’ll be able to find fresh tracks, even days after a storm. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski anything.
December is typically cold and snowy with frequent winter storms, perfect for riding powder. Frequent storms can mean that you will often spend back-to-back days riding in the trees. It is one of the most scenic times of year to visit as the medieval houses of Innsbruck’s Old Town host one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world each evening.
January and February you can expect cold temperatures, and the resorts are at their best with frequent storms which offers top to bottom riding. Frequent storms can mean that you will often spend back-to-back days riding in the trees.
March sees regular storms, however the weather is more settled which opens up more options for locations, including high alpine and increased terrain choices. If you don’t like riding treed terrain, our recommendation is to book during March when there is more alpine riding options.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL DAY
Servus! Welcome to Austria. Make your way to Innsbruck Airport or Innsbruck HBF where your guide will meet you. Make the short 1o minute drive back to the accommodation located in the centre of Innsbruck. For the next 6 nights, you are staying in the heart of Innsbruck’s historic Old Town. Once you arrive, your guide will be on hand to check you in. You’ve got some time to get settled in, and then we will head out in Innsbruck for an afternoon exploring Old Town. We will then head for a traditional Austrian meal at one of the most well known beer halls in Innsbruck. If you’re travelling solo, it’s a great way to get to know the other guests and guides.
DAY 2 TO 6 – STORM CHASING
You’ll spend the next 5 days riding the surrounding resorts. We keep the tour itinerary flexible so you can ride at the best resort on the day. Your guide will monitor storm cycles to ensure you’re scoring the best conditions at each resort as weather and snowfall affect each resort differently. There is over a dozen resorts nearby. Drive times can range from 30 – 70 minutes and largely depend on weather, snowfall and the groups appetite for adventure. Each day will follow a similar format:
Mornings – Enjoy the breakfast buffet at your leisure. Your guide will advise the departure time the evening before which is typically around 7:30 am. Each morning your guide will explain the weather and snow conditions for the day and advise the group where you’ll be riding. There’s plenty of options, so your guides will keep a sharp eye on the weather so we can find you the best snow daily. Load up the van and drive to the resort.
Throughout the day – Once at the resort the aim is to spend a full day on-mountain. Your guide will take the guess-work out of it and give you a locals perspective from day one. Be the first into the trees and hit the secret powder stashes. They also know the best places for a great lunch and have all the photo spots for the ‘gram on lock. These resorts all have incredible freeride terrain, and your local Mint freeride guide is on-hand to show you why this is the best place to ride in Austria. Each day we’ll ride to the conditions. If conditions are good, we’ll aim to spend a full day on mountain. Typically we’ll break for lunch on mountain and you’ll get to sample some of the local Tyrolean specialties.
Afternoons – After riding, your guide will make plans according to time, the groups interest and energy levels. No one does après like the Austrians and of course there will be some time spent embracing the local après tradition, listening to loud Europop and downing an obligatory shot or two. Each day you’ll return to the around 5:00 pm.
Evenings – Each night your guide will plan a group dinner at one of the many great local restaurants in Innsbruck. Our hotel is located just steps away from many lively restaurants and bars. You’ll get to enjoy some of the local delicacies, washed down with some with Tyrolean beers and schnapps. For anyone wanting to explore the nightlife, our hotel is located in the heart of Innsbruck with many late-night bars on offer.
DAY 7 – DEPARTURE DAY
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Say farewell to your guide and new friends and we will transfer you back to Innsbruck Airport or Station.
ABILITY
This tour is suitable for Strong Intermediate to Advanced snowboarders and skiers. You’re confident riding the entire mountain, including off-piste and in powder and can safely navigate in treed terrain. You can maintain a continuous and moderate pace, through trees, traverses or flat sections.
On this tour you will ride for 5 consecutive and full days. Guests need to be able to ride or ski multiple days in a row at a moderate pace.
If you’re not quite up to the ability level for this tour, talk with the Mint team and they will be able to make recommendations for other suitable tours, or how to work towards joining this tour.
When you are ready to book, you’ll be asked to self-evaluate what type of rider/skier you are. The more accurately you’re able to self-assess your on-snow abilities, the more you (and others in your group) will be able to relax and enjoy the tour.
GROUPING
Each day you’ll travel, ride and ski together in a small group of up to six people with a dedicated guide leading the way.
WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT?
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. Mint is a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conducts business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we can take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre-or post tour arrangements.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Once you’ve signed up for the tour we will send you through a comprehensive guide with details about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information.
WHAT IF I’M TRAVELLING SOLO?
About 99% of our guests are travelling solo, so you’ll be in good company. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snow sports and an eagerness to explore all that a destination has to offer. Every guest has their own room throughout the tour, so you don’t need to worry about sharing a room.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THIS TOUR?
There is a maximum of 6 guests per guide on this tour. By offering one of the smallest client to guide ratio in the industry allows you to ski or snowboard at your preferred pace, and ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. This ensures you get the most out of your time with us, and keeping the groups small means less time waiting and more time riding.
IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?
This tour is suitable for Strong Intermediate to Advanced snowboarders and skiers. You’re confident riding the entire mountain, including off-piste and in powder and can safely navigate in treed terrain. You can maintain a continuous and moderate pace, through trees, traverses or flat sections. On this tour you will ride for 5 consecutive and full days. Guests need to be able to ride or ski multiple days in a row at a moderate pace. If you’re not sure, give us a call. Weather and ski conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski anything. If you have never ridden in powder or shy away from it at your local resort, this is not the tour to learn.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
For most tours you can arrive earlier or stay later. We can tailor the trip to suit your travel plans. Speak with one of our tour specialists when you are booking and they will be more than happy to assist.
WHO ARE THE GUIDES?
All of our tours are guided by friendly, knowledgeable and expertly trained guides who are passionate about the mountains. Most of our guides work for us season after season.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No, flights are not included. If you need assistance booking flights, we can book you the best flight options for the tour, with no booking fees.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. All guests on tour need to be covered be comprehensive travel insurance. Once you have booked on the tour, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We offer all of our tour guests discounted snow specific travel insurance.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE BOOKED?
Once you’ve booked your spot on tour, we will send you through a booking confirmation and provide updates about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information. We will send out a Pre Departure Guide 30 days prior to departure. Prior to the tour commencing we will invite you to a group chat which is managed by your guides.
HOW DO I CHECK MY ABILITY LEVEL?
The best way to check if a tour is suited to your ability is by speaking with one of our tour specialists. They will be able to determine if the tour you have selected is a good fit for your ability, as well as suggesting other tour options.
HOW DO I GET TO INNSBRUCK?
We’ll provide you with a guide with options to get to our meeting point. If it’s your fist time to to Europe or if you’re unsure about travel arrangements, often we can link you up with other tour guests to travel with.
WHAT TYPE OF TERRAIN WILL WE RIDE/SKI?
On this tour we will ride a mix of terrain within the resort boundaries. There’s a range of terrain to access from alpine, bowls, playful or challenging tree runs. All guiding is conducted within the resort and avalanche safety equipment, snowshoes, split boards or touring skis are not required.
HOW DO I CHECK AVAILABILITY?
Speak with one of our tour specialists. As this is a small group tour with limited availability, it’s best to get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
No, lift tickets are not included for this tour. This allows us to keep the itinerary flexible and chase the snow. Expect to pay EUR 50 – 70 per day. Please note that none of the resorts that we visit on this tour are on the Ikon or Epic Pass.
BUDGETING FOR THE TOUR
Here’s an indication of what you can expect to pay :
- Lunches – expect to pay EUR 15 – 30 per meal
- Dinners – expect to pay EUR 30 – 50 per meal
- Lift tickets – Expect to pay EUR 50 – 70 per day
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?
It’s hard to estimate when the tour will fill up. That being said, the Innsbruck Freeride Tour is Mint’s most popular tour in Europe, so our advice is to book as soon as you’ve made the decision to travel. That way you can secure your preferred travel dates and you won’t be disappointed. Bookings close 90 days before a trip departs, however most tours typically fill up well before this.
FITNESS
The best thing you can do to get the most out of your tour is to start a pre-trip fitness regime. We’re not looking for you to be an Olympic athlete, but you do need some fitness endurance. You’ll spend every day being active, so you should be physically fit enough to comfortably ski/ride for 5 consecutive days. Your muscles should be up to this task, and your cardio fitness means you can sustain a consistent pace.
DO YOU TAKE SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS?
Yes! We are ski and snowboard friendly. Please note that the majority of our tours are led by snowboard guides.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
No, you will need to bring your equipment with you.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Innsbruck can be a very cold place in winter, with temperatures typically ranging from 0 to -15°C / 32 to 5°F. We strongly recommend that guests dress in clothing specific for traveling in backcountry areas. We recommend that guests have a good quality waterproof jacket and pants, lightweight insulated layer, merino base layers, merino gloves and waterproof gloves, goggles with low light & high light lenses, sunglasses, balaclava, beanie, and helmet. Guests need to bring their own ski or snowboarding equipment for the tour (board, boots, bindings & outerwear).
WHO WILL BE ON MY TOUR?
Your group will be made up of travellers from diverse backgrounds and will be varied in age. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snow sports and an eagerness to explore all that each destination has to offer.
HOW TO BOOK
To reserve your spot, email info@minttours.com with your preferred dates and one of our travel managers will send you a quote, availability and further information for the tour.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A 50% deposit is payable to secure your booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
View our terms and conditions HERE