INNSBRUCK-NORDPARK – HAFELEKAR EXTEME & OFF-PISTE

Innsbruck-Nordpark is the closest ski area to Innsbruck and its top restaurant is illuminated and dominates the Innsbruck skyline throughout the winter. The ski routes that run from the top lift station at the Hafelekar are rated as some of the steepest in the Alps and even for foot passengers to the viewing platform at the Hafelekar, the vertiginous drops can be very intimidating. For those hitting the area on a powder day the rewards can be considerable with extreme steeps offering some superb routes.

INNSBRUCK-NORDPARK – THE ALARM CLOCK OF INNSBRUCK

After snow the overnight silence around Innsbruck is broken by the thunderous detonations that take place at Nordpark, the steep mountains reverberate the explosions around the valley indicating that Innsbruck-Nordpark has had a dump of snow. Locals are often chomping at the bit around the base or mid-station for the top section to be opened and some times after storms the area can be closed for days. The Innsbruck-Nordpark ski area is ideal for off-piste and seriously steep skiing and snowboarding. From the Hafelekar top station descents run under the cable car – the Seilbahnrinne or after a climb along the ridge the Karrinne awaits. There are very many other variants on these routes and none of the area is patrolled or controlled – this is seriously unforgiving terrain and those there are given ample warnings of the dangers. Innsbruck-Nordpark is ideal for the beginner or the extreme skier / snowboarder. There is a limited range of intermediate skiing but a popular kids area at the Seegrube mid-station where the Innsbruck locals teach their kids to ski and snowboard.