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Innsbruck questions

Minnesota, USA
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Innsbruck questions
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I am researching Innsbruck for a honeymoon in late November and I have A LOT of questions.

1. What is the best way to get there from the US? IS it cheaper to fly to Munich and then transfer?

2. How close are the ski mountains? What is a good hotel to stay in that is close and nice?

3. Is there a language barrier there? (I speak English)

4. How is the weather/skiing in late November?

5. Would you recommend that I try to plan the whole trip myself or use an agency?

Thanks for any feedback

Wichita, Kansas
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4,118 posts
16 reviews
51 helpful votes
1. Re: Innsbruck questions
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1) Fly into Munich and take the S-Bahn and train from the airport to Innsbruck via Garmisch and Mittenwald using the Bayern Ticket. The Bayern Ticket which costs 27 € is only valid on regional trains and is for travel by up to 5 people after 9 AM on weekdays or all day on weekends. The ticket would be valid to the Austrian boarder at Mittenwald and from there the fare would be 9.70 € each. The one-way 2nd class fare on the faster EuroCity trains would be 38.60 € each.

http://www.bayern-takt.de/public_main_modul.php?unit=441b645ac24a7&document_id=334

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

2 and 4) The majority of the ski areas around Innsbruck do not open until mid-December. Patscherkofel usually opens in late November if there is enough snow. This year there was no new snow until late December. The only guaranteed skiing in November would be at Stubaier Gletscher [glacier].

A good overview map of all the ski areas can be found at - http://www.alpineskimaps.com/htm/austria/innsbruck/wintermap.htm

You can get to Patscherkofel on public transportation. The free skier bus goes to Axamer Lizum but the bus service does not begin until the areas are open. See info at - http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g190445-i792-k944898-Skibus_Innsbruck-Innsbruck_Tirol_Austrian_Alps.html

General info about the areas is at - http://skisnowboardeurope.com/innsbruck/index.html

Info about specific areas can be found at -

http://www.bergfex.com/stubai-gletscher/

http://www.bergfex.com/patscherkofel/

http://www.patscherkofelbahnen.at/winter/en/start.html

http://www.bergfex.com/axamer-lizum/

http://www.axamer-lizum.at/winter/index.htm [only in German]

3) You will have no language problems but it would be good to know a few German phrases.

5) You can do this on your own by using the Internet to book your flights, hotel and find train schedules. A few Innsbruck hotels have packages that include lift tickets. The Hotel Innsbruck is close to the Altstadt and has several package offers. http://www.hotelinnsbruck.com/indexeng.html

Skiing in Europe is not like skiing in the US. The 'trails' are out in the open, above tree line and are not well defined. Until you learn the area, the first time down you basically just follow the person in front of you or take a half day lesson and use the instructor as your guide.

It would be best to wait until February to ski Innsbruck.

West Chester...
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334 reviews
210 helpful votes
2. Re: Innsbruck questions
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What an incredible place to visit on your honeymoon! A few thoughts ....

2. Don't count on skiing - we were there over Christmas, and the only skiable area was the Stubai Glacier. We stayed at the Goldener Adler, and it was incredibly charming. It is located in the center of the historical district, and the staff is extremely kind and helpful. They have a honeymoon suite - large corner room w/canopied bed, Tirolian furnishings, large bath.

3. Everyone we met in Austria either spoke English, or was incredibly helpful as we tried to communicate.

5. Plan the trip yourselves ... it is so much fun, and Trip Advisor people offer amazing advice. We flew in and out of Rome, and only used the train system this time - in 9 days, we were able to visit Florence, Perugia, and Innsbruck.

Northants
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29 posts
10 reviews
23 helpful votes
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Hi

We stayed in Igls (about 15 minutes from innsbruck) for the new year 2005-2006 and had plenty of slow but not sure how early it started. We stayed in the Gruberhof which was a small family run hotel. There are some photos of the area which we posted with our review against the hotel if it helps. Ive just looked at this years reviews however and there seems to be much less snow in the photos for this Jan. We are going to St Anton this year which is higher altitude and even they havent had as much snow as usual.

There were trams which ran though Innsbruck and one went from near the Bergisel ski jump right up to Igls which we travelled on twice. It was the most beautiful journey and much prettied that taking the bus. The tram station is tucked away a bit down a path behind the tourist info office in Igls.

We had no real language problems and found the people very friendly and helpful. Good luck with your search.

Austin
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933 posts
12 reviews
34 helpful votes
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1. Innsbruck has a tiny airport that seems to serve mostly business travelers. Most Innsbruck-bound folk fly into Munich. We pre-booked our transfer with Four Season Travel, which was comparable in cost to the IC trains yet without the schlepp to the S-Bahn and then onto the IC train. Their van was waiting just outside the arrival area and it dropped us off at the edge of the pedestrian zone in Innsbruck. We had some friends take the train who said they wish they had taken the van service.

2. We stayed at the Goldener Adler and plan to again, when we go skiing next year. I've been to Innsbruck three times and the Goldener Adler became my favorite this last trip. Ditto about the great staff, location and charm.

5. I wouldn't try an agency, but this winter I noticed some well-priced hotel and air packages (and skiing, sometimes) that included the Goldener Adler.

Fresno, California
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1,636 posts
6 reviews
3 helpful votes
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If were going to Innsbruck on my honeymoon (actually I did spend part of my honeymoon in Innsbruck!) I would check out a great spa hotel outside Innsbruck called Alpenresort Schwarz http://www.schwarz.at/en/. I know about it because we have friends from austria, and her brother owns it. It started out as a family farm and was converted and enlarged to make a spa hotel. The have package deals and will pick up at Munich or do train transfers. Its not cheap, but is sort of an all inclusive type hotel. My parents have been there and said it was fabulous. The food was wonderful! Looks like rates start at 129 euros per person per night, but includes almost everything! It might be a nice way to relax after a wedding. Just thought I'd suggest something different.

6. Re: Innsbruck questions

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