Skis, wheels and gamepads: 2026 is bringing some top-level sport to the Innsbruck region
Last updated on 24.02.2026
The snow line may be receding and the days are getting longer, but there are still plenty of sporting thrills in store in and around Innsbruck. From action-packed skiing contests on Olympic-standard slopes to world-class climbing and the largest trail running event in the German-speaking region, this alpine city and its surroundings are once again set to play host to some sensational sporting action in 2026. Here are five events that are sure to get your pulse racing, whether you’re taking part or cheering on from the sidelines:
A fitting finale to finish off winter: the International German Alpine Ski Championships
25–29 March 2026 | Axamer Lizum
Axamer Lizum, the venue for the alpine events at the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, will once again be staging some top-level skiing contests: the German Ski Federation is holding its International German Alpine Ski Championships here from 25 to 29 March. Elite skiers will be battling it out for the title in the downhill, slalom, giant slalom and super-G disciplines – and there will even be a parallel giant slalom team competition on 28 March.
More information is available at www.dmalpin.com
Celebrating an anniversary on two wheels: the Tour of the Alps
20–24 April 2026 | Innsbruck, Telfs
The Tour of the Alps is taking place for the tenth time this year – and the Innsbruck region will be right at the heart of the action at the start. This prestigious road cycling race runs through three provinces: Tyrol in Austria, and South Tyrol and Trentino in Italy. Over five days, 760 kilometres and 14,620 metres in altitude, the world’s top cyclists will speed their way from Innsbruck to Trento and then on to Bolzano. The first stage starts and finishes in the Tyrolean capital, while the second leg gets under way in Telfs. There is also a new feature this year to stir up even more excitement amongst the onlooking fans: the cyclists can pick up valuable time bonuses in special “bonus sprints”.
More information is available at www.tourofthealps.eu/en
Hitting the ground running: the Innsbruck Alpine Trailrun Festival
29 April–2 May 2026 | Tyrolean State Theatre forecourt, Innsbruck
Last year, the Innsbruck Alpine Trailrun Festival attracted around 7,000 keen runners from 70 different countries – which bodes very well for the 2026 edition. This event offers trails suitable for all levels of experience, from the beginner-friendly K7 to middle-distance routes and right up to the incredibly intensive K85 and K110 ultra trails, including some thrilling midnight starts. A new addition to the programme is the “Trail Hunt”, a one-of-a-kind pursuit race along the routes used for the 2023 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Innsbruck-Stubai. An expo featuring 50 exhibitors and various fringe events, such as the European Outdoor Film Tour, will add to the festival atmosphere. This year will also see the return of the “cheering buses”, which run a hop-on hop-off-style service for spectators so they can be right on the scene to encourage their favourite runners.
More information and details on how to register for the races and for the cheering buses are available at https://innsbruckalpine.at/en
Tackling an uphill task: the IFSC Climbing World Cup in Innsbruck
15–21 June 2026 | Kletterzentrum Innsbruck
18,000 fans and more than 500 athletes from over 50 nations set the bar high at the 2025 Climbing World Cup. This year, this event will be back in the Tyrolean capital for the sixth time in succession. Over a week, the world’s best climbers will put their paraclimbing, bouldering and lead climbing skills to the test in the outdoor area of the Kletterzentrum Innsbruck climbing centre. Top international competitors and Austria’s own star climbers will engage in some gripping contests and entertain enthusiastic audiences in a city that combines alpine sporting culture with urban character like no other.
More information is available at www.worldclimbingseries.com
Play, passion and prizes: Gamers Heaven
20–21 June 2026 | SportZentrum, Telfs
Gamers Heaven is a celebration of all things gaming, whether that involves digital or analogue formats, playing together or against each other, rediscovering old classics or exploring new features. Tyrol’s gaming festival at the SportZentrum in Telfs brings together gamers of all ages and from all cultural backgrounds to indulge their shared passion in e-sport tournaments, workshops, board game sessions and cosplay and immerse themselves in their favourite worlds. As ever, the focus is on diversity, community and the sheer joy of playing. The venue for this year’s festival has been expanded again, so visitors now have around 7,000 m² of space to play in.
More information is available at www.gamersheaven.tirol
About the Innsbruck region
The Innsbruck region is unique in its symbiosis of vibrant urbane space and captivating alpine landscape. It covers both Innsbruck itself – the capital of Tyrol – and over 40 locations in the surrounding area, with six distinct tourist regions: the city, the Inntal valley, Kühtai-Sellraintal, the Mieming Plateau and the south and west regions. Innsbruck offers all the sights and sophistication of a thriving city, yet sporting thrills and opportunities to conquer your next peak are never very far away. The free Welcome Card offers guests the chance to experience the region in all its diversity, with access to various attractions and free use of local public transport. The official destination management organisation for the Innsbruck region is Innsbruck Tourismus. Its 100 or so employees and eleven tourist information offices are on hand to help you enjoy unforgettable holiday experiences in true harmony with our local communities and natural surroundings.
Further links
Website: www.innsbruck.info/en/
Blog: www.innsbruck.info/blog/en/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Innsbruck
Instagram: www.instagram.com/innsbrucktourism
X: www.twitter.com/InnsbruckTVB
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/InnsbruckTVB
Pinterest: www.pinterest.at/innsbrucktvb/_created
