The Tirol mountains are ideal for hikers, bikers and skiers
Throughout the year, Tirol boasts spectacular scenery, but the summer months are particularly ideal for exploring the rolling mountains on foot. In winter, the slopes become a hub for skiers, attracting thousands of visitors.
According to Karin Seiler, Managing Director of the Tirol tourist board, the region currently receives 55 percent of its overnight stays in winter and 45 percent in summer. However, the popularity of summer tourism is on the rise, with significant potential for growth.
Tirol is a favored destination among returning visitors who enjoy trekking along the extensive network of winding trails, spanning 24,000 kilometers. In the evenings, they can unwind in elegant spa resorts, making it an ideal region for families as well.
For the year 2023, Tirol is proud to host the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships (WMTRC) from June 6th to 10th. This international event, which follows the inaugural edition held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, will take place in Innsbruck and the Stubai valley. The championships will attract participants from 60 nations worldwide.
If you’re planning to visit Tirol, it is worth considering leaving your car at home. The region has excellent rail connections with neighboring European countries, and currently, 30 out of the 34 destinations in the area offer free public transport. Although there is ongoing work to improve transportation to remote resorts, Karin Seiler is confident that the number of tourists arriving by train will increase in the coming years. Currently, 5 percent of guests arrive by train, and the goal is to raise that figure to 10 percent.
While the Austrian Alps are traditionally associated with winter tourism, Tirol is becoming an increasingly popular summer destination. Currently, winter accounts for 55 percent of overnight stays, while summer holds 45 percent. However, the trend is shifting in favor of summer tourism.
Despite the mention of trail running, Tirol is not exclusively for athletes. In fact, 85 percent of the market consists of regular hikers who enjoy two to three-hour hikes and later relax in cozy huts, spas, and swimming pools.
In the warmer months, visitors can explore other charming places, such as the village of Ellmau, nestled between the Kitzbüheler Alps and Wilder Kaiser mountains. In May, tourists can partake in the Ellmau Kaiserschmarren Festival, a celebration of the classic Austrian dish consisting of shredded pancakes mixed with plum jam and sprinkled with icing sugar. The festival also offers savory alternatives, including pancakes with beef and herbs, accompanied by traditional Austrian brass band music.
Once the summer tourists depart, locals and regular visitors prepare for the ski season. Tirol boasts over 80 ski areas, featuring 3,400 kilometers of trails that wind their way down the mountains. Ski schools are available for those who wish to improve their skills, and other snow activities such as tobogganing and snowshoeing offer alternatives for enjoyment.
After a day in the mountains, the perfect way to relax and soothe tired muscles is by visiting one of Tirol’s luxurious spa hotels. For those seeking the finest options, the Relax Guide is highly recommended, often referred to as the Michelin Guide of the spa world.