Where is Stubai Glacier Austria?

Stubai Glacier is located at the end of the Stubaital (Stubai Valley) in the Tyrol region of Austria. Its summits overlook the frontier with Italy and the Dolomites are on the southern horizon.

The ski resort of Stubai Glacier is approximately 42km south west of the closest city, magnificent Innsbruck. By car it takes approximately 45min to reach Stubai Glacier from Innsbruck and significantly longer by tram and bus transport.

The closest main town to Stubai Glacier is Neustift im Stubaital, 18km north of the ski resort. It is worth noting that immediate area at the base of Stubai Glacier is often referred to as ‘Neustift im St. Mutterbergalm’ or just ‘Mutterberg’ on many transport timetables and maps. The ‘St’ stands for Stubaital or Stubai valley!

Flights to Stubai Glacier

Stubai Glacier ski resort can be accessed via a variety of airports. Depending on your origin, Innsbruck (INN) airport is far and away the best option, but not necessarily practical for many international travelers. Munich (MUC) in southern Germany is one of the world’s best airports and provides options for powder seekers from the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania.

Other airports that are easily linked to Innsbruck and Stubai include: Salzburg (SZG) (for European & UK travelers); Zurich (ZRH), Venice (VCE) & Milan Malpensa (MXP) (for non-European origins).

Search here for a great deal on a flight to Innsbruck, Munich or other airport.

Flights into Innsbruck Airport

Innsbruck airport is serviced by flights from mainland Europe, Scandinavia, and the UK. Flights numbers and options increase during the winter season. The airport is conveniently located close to the centre of Innsbruck.

The Innsbruck city centre and central bus & train station is a 20min bus ride from the airport via the Route F bus at the terminal. Taxis offer an alternative.

If you are wanting to stay overnight near the Innsbruck try a wonderful Innsbruck city centre hotel, only a 10min taxi ride from the airport.

Flights into Munich Airport

Munich (MUC) international airport is rated as one of the world’s best. It receives a vast number of flights every day from worldwide destinations.

Munich airport is well served by efficient train transport which link quickly with train services to ski hubs like Innsbruck. Take the S8 line from the main terminal (trains every 10min) to the major Ostbahnhof for trains direct to Innsbruck and other ski resorts. Travel time is 2½hr.

At least 8 major car rental companies are available at Munich airport, however the vehicles may not be set up for winter driving (i.e. snow tyres, chains), and one may be better served hiring a car closer to the ski destination, i.e. at Innsbruck. Driving time to Innsbruck is around 2½hr.

Airport & Hotel Transfers

Private transfers are available to the village hotels below Stubai Glacier. Unless one has their own car, private transfers are the fastest way to reach the area. Private transfers are a more expensive option but can be cost effective for groups of 3 or more people.

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Train Transport to Innsbruck

As the gateway city to Stubai Glacier, Innsbruck is generally part of any journey to the ski resort. Luckily for skiers and snowboarders, Innsbruck is perfectly served by train services from all over Austria and Europe. In particular, it is easy to journey by train to Innsbruck from Italy, Germany or Switzerland and then transfer to bus or tram for Stubai Glacier at the Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (Hbf or central station).

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Tram & Bus Transport to Stubai Glacier

Tram and bus transport from Innsbruck to Stubai Glacier is very good, but travel times can be lengthy. Numerous services make the journey through the day to Stubai Glacier (on timetables known as ‘Neustift im St. Mutterbergalm’).

Bus transport to Stubai Glacier is provided via the route 590 bus. It journeys via two routes from Innsbruck via Schönberg im Stubaital, Fulpmes and Neustift im Stubaital to the Stubai Glacier every 30min between 0830hr and 1730hr. Buses on the half hour are quicker as they are limited express. Buy the return ticket direct from the bus driver and get a discount if in ski gear.

All public buses in the Stubai valley (up valley from Schönberg im Stubaital & then via Fulpmes) are free for people wearing ski gear between mid-October and early May every year. You are supposed to have a valid ski pass on you, but no one asks, so don't worry if you haven't got one yet!

The tram service to the Stubai valley is called the STB or Stubaitalbahn. It runs from the Innsbruck Hbf to the town of Fulpmes at least once every hour. Journey time is 1hr. From the Fulpmes Bahnhof (station), take the route 590 free ski bus to Stubai Glacier. From Fulpmes, the ski resort of Schlick2000 is a short bus ride away as well.

For day trippers from Innsbruck, one free ski bus picks up at various hotels in Innsbruck from 8.45am and provides another option for travel to Stubai Glacier. The bus fills quickly on some days, so the STB tram and 590 bus is the more dependable (and timely) option.

Driving to Stubai Glacier

Stubai Glacier is easily accessed by rental car off the A13 highway via Innsbruck or the Brenner Pass. Less than a 1hr drive from either Innsbruck or Brenner, Stubai Glacier is at the very end of the B183 road - you can’t possibly miss it! Day trips from the Dolomites in Italy are certainly feasible. There is a very annoying toll payable if driving up from Innsbruck. One effectively gets on the Brenner Toll Road, then immediately exits into the Stubaital. That few hundred metres costs a few € every time you do it!

Once at the ski resort base, there is ample free car parking at both valley stations, but the first, Eisgratbahn, is the best as it is a quicker ride and gets one higher on the mountain. The second, Gamgartenbahn, is a better option if heading up to the family friendly ski area at the Gamsgaten mid-mountain station.

For hints, tips & warnings about getting to Austrian ski resorts in winter, see our Travel in Austria page.

Car Rental & Hire

All the major airports and cities have car hire available, however for many skiers and snowboarders, Innsbruck is the most convenient place to rent a car. Whether you flying into or transiting via train, tram or bus, cars can be rented in Innsbruck from the airport or various locations near the relatively compact city centre. Check prices, as locations away from the airport are sometimes cheaper, but convenience is usually greatest at the airport. If hiring a car from Italy, ensure it comes with snow tyres and/or snow chains (bare minimum). All-wheel drive or 4WD vehicles offer the safest driving experience.

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Nearby Ski Resorts

Stubai Glacier is intrinsically linked to Innsbruck, which is centre stage for a huge range of Austrian, and even Italian, ski resorts. It is a train transport hub that allows easy travel east to the Zillertal (with Mayrhofen & Hintertux Glacier), and further to Kitzbuhel, SkiCircus Saalbach and Zell am See. Or perhaps west to Pitztal Glacier, the Oetztal & Soelden or fabulous St Anton and the huge Ski Arlberg area. South to Italy and the close Dolomites resorts like Plose, Gitschberg-Jochtal, Kronplatz and 3 Peaks - not to mention all of the other Dolomiti Superski resorts.

Stubai Glacier is also part of the Innsbruck Ski+City Lift Pass Region which includes 13 ski resorts. The closest is the super-fun ski hill Schlick 2000, near Fulpmes in the Stubaital. The next closest is Bergeralm. Other ski resorts range from the small, like Patscherkofel (Igls), to the larger like Axamer Lizum and Kühtai (the highest village resort base in Austria).