Sports, Nature & Culture - Winter edition

Sports, Nature & Culture

Winter edition

Towns

Skiing

Imst Imsterberg

bei Imst

Imst ski resort Ski school  Night skiing Ski resorts around Imst Children’s ski weeks Fun park Mountain huts & inns Ski touring Active

Cross-country skiing

Tobogganing

Alpine Coaster Winter hiking Snowshoe hiking Ice skating Ice stock sport

Information offices

Imst · Johannesplatz 4 Nassereith · Postplatz 28 Trofana Tyrol · Mils bei Imst

Sleigh ride Climbing Glenthof Sights

Thermal spa

Indoor swimming pools Excursions Culture Museums

Advent Fasnacht Carnival Easter SOS Children’s Village

Famous people

Guide to local dialect +43 5412 6910 0 info@imst.at www.imst.at

Key

Imst ski resort

Ski lifts Ski school Ski rental Night skiing Children‘s ski courses

Ski touring Cross-country skiing Tobogganing Winter hiking Snowshoe hiking Ice skating & ice stock sport Alpine Coaster

Mountain huts Horse sleigh ride

Ski resorts around Imst Climbing Glenthof leisure centre Museums

SOS Children‘s Village

Tarrenz

L Landeck

Schönwies

Karrösten

Mils bei Imst Karres

Arzl im Pitztal

Imsterberg

PITZTAL

Hoch-Imst Wenns Jerzens

A12

GURGLTAL

Haiming

INNTAL

Roppen

A12 Oetz Kühtai Fernpass

ÖTZTAL

Experience every day

Enchanting and atmospheric, what could be more beautiful and enticing than the mountain world covered in white?

Winter in Imst has arrived with slopes covered in powder snow, cosy mountain huts and crystal clear air. At this time, the villages are blanketed in snow and the scenery is simply breathtaking. This alone is reason enough to slip on your boots and blaze new trails through the snow. Whether you prefer skiing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking or tobogganing, there are so many additional oppor tunities to explore the mountains and valleys in the Imst Outdoor Region.

With opportunities for solitude and encounter, find balance in winter.

The Hoch-Imst ski resort comes to life during winter whilst cross-country ski trails wind through the valleys, and frozen waters glisten next to freshly snow-covered forest trails. The snow, the comfort and the varied activities ensure that holidays here are a joy for all ages.

Discover familiarity even far from home

The Imst Outdoor Region has gathered together everything that is good for the soul: special people with a sincere love of hospitality and their home land, moving culture and customs, and

In the small town of Imst and its surrounding 8 villages, an animated way of life is very much at home. Here, tradition has a youthful, bright spirit.

well-considered culinary delights with tradition and innovation. This is a place of joie de vivre.

A source of inspiration at the foot of the Lechtal Alps: plenty of sunshine, a wide range of offers and warm hospitality.

The Imst Outdoor Region is nestled in the Gurgltal valley and the Lechtal Alps. Whether for its romantic Christmas markets or uni que carnival celebrations, it is both a place of retreat and enter tainment for visitors and locals alike. With its distinctive culture, the spirit of the villages always comes to life. It’s an ideal choice for those in search of something special.

Imst

Town, mountain, river – the historic town of Imst, renowned for its natural springs.

For all those who be lieve that a good winter is impossible without sport and culture.

Experience more than just a holiday. Imst, the capital of the eponymous region, combines culture, winter sports and relaxation in one. Not only is it home to the world’s first SOS Children’s Village, many international visitors find it to be an oasis of peace and quiet and a source of inspiration. It offers a variety of refreshing changes, from an adventurous family day skiing in Hoch-Imst, or on the ice rink, to the spectacular traditional Imst “Schemen

laufen”, held once every four years. If you miss the colourful procession, you can get a flavour of it every Friday at Imst’s Fasnachtshaus carnival museum. Even today, the town of Imst itself, many of its 40 or so wells and fountains and above all its parish church are infused with Baroque and Gothic charm. The town’s interesting history is engaging ly presented in the Ballhaus Museum. Imst’s reputation as one of the Tirolean Alps’ most charming winter destinations is well earned.

P. 11: Imst Tourismus

–Mike Maas

Imsterberg

True relaxation only begins when you adopt the village pace of life.

Get closer to nature, to tradition and the real Tirol. Day after day, Imsterberg offers its visitors a fabulous, stressfree view of the beautiful Inntal valley, and is the perfect starting point for excursions throughout the region. The ski resort of Hoch-Imst, with pistes for the whole family, is close by and there are wonderful hiking trails on the village doorstep. There are many quiet corners and some cultural gems in the town, starting with the parish church of Our

Lady of Sorrows, with a venerable war memorial chapel, and the many little chapels in the community.

A restful oasis at an altitude of 879 metres for all those wishing to escape the hustle, bustle and stress of daily life.

Visitors feel that they have stepped into another world when they experience the restful village’s cosy, traditional accommodation and idyllic village life at 879 metres above sea level, yet they are just a stone’s throw from Tirol’s largest ski resorts.

Karres

The dreams of skiers, cross-country skiers and climbers come true at the foot of Tschirgant mountain.

Woes and cares are buried in the snow and borne away on the breeze.

Majestic Tschirgant mountain, with the unspoiled paradise of Karres at its foot, can be seen from afar.

The village entices passionate sports enthusiasts to the base of the mountain and its treasure trove of big and small ski resorts, ice rinks and toboggan runs. The Rote Wand crag is climbable

throughout most of the winter and offers climbing enthusiasts a wonder ful view of the surrounding summits. The heart of the rural village of Karres features the impressive St Stephen’s Church, with the artistic chancel, side altars and war memorial. Karres is a restful place to spend time and let the daily hustle and bustle pass you by.

Imst Tourismus –Melitta Abber

Karrösten

There are many facets to a rural village beyond the beautiful peace and quiet.

The unspoilt community of Karrösten, overlooked by 2,370 metre-high Tschir gant mountain, lies at the confluences of the Inntal and Gurgltal valleys. The vil lage centre is at a comparatively low alti tude of 918 metres, but is ranked second when it comes to the sunniest villages in Tirol. This attracts visitors who appreci ate the central location for a varied and active holiday in Tirol’s largest ski areas and the village’s indoor climbing centre.

Despite its down-toearth feel, the village also houses real trea sures for art and cul ture lovers. Artisan workshop Weberei Schatz provides a fascinating insight into traditional Tirolean textiles, whilst St Nicholas’s Church will transport visitors to the Baroque era and delight them with blowsy Roccoco prie dieus and a beautiful chancel.

Culture vultures, athletes and climbing addicts all come together in Karrösten, on the slopes of mighty Tschirgant mountain.

Mils bei Imst

Where the village’s oldest inhabitants are the founts of all knowledge.

If you are seeking peace and quiet, you will find it here, in the Imst region’s “powerful centre”.

The centrally located village of Mils attracts visitors to the out door region for its restful qualities. The remarkable snows capes play their part in the village’s agreeably quiet atmosphere, but it’s far from boring because the surroundings are ideal for cross-country skiing, winter hiking and ice skating. And Tirol’s best ski resorts - Paznaun, the Pitztal valley,

the Ötztal valley, Arlberg and Serfaus/ Fiss/Ladis are just a few kilometres away. Culture lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the parish church dedicated to St Sebas tian, which has survived disasters such as war and plague. The sun-drenched village, once dotted with numerous mills, has remained genuinely rural and even the name, from the Latin verb molereto mill, is a reminder of the past.

Imst Tourismus

–Melitta Abber

Nassereith

Nassereith am Fernpass is a village roughly 13 kilometres from the regional capital of Imst, on the ancient Roman road, the Via Claudia Augusta, which manages to combine culture, nature and sport at any time of year. There is some thing to suit every winter sports enthu siast, whether it’s cross-country trails against a picturesque backdrop, a 1.5 km natural toboggan run, the slopes of the Rossbachlift ski resort or a paradise for winter climbers and romantic winter walking trails around the Nassereithersee. Culture lovers are

not forgotten eitherthe famous Schellerlaufen pageant, held only once every three years, is an absolute must-see. If you miss the pageant, the Nassereith Fasnachtshaus carnival museum provides visitors with an insight into the spectacular carnival custom. Things are a little quieter in the atmospheric, historic Burg Fernstein fortress and the ruin of Sigmundsburg at lake Fernsteinsee, which shed light on the Nassereith of long ago.

If you treasure nature’s beauty, you will adore Nassereith at the Fern Pass.

Who says you can’t combine a cultural and sporting holiday?

Roppen

A restful holiday is guar anteed in this place of effortless winter magic and oasis of peace.

The joys of being outdoorsRoppen, paradise for nature lovers.

Where the Ötztal val ley and holidays begin. Roppen is renowned for its very pretty, old village centre that clusters around St Leonard’s Parish Church and is the per fect place for romantic walks on winter evenings. If you have enough time you can also continue your winter hike along the Inn river and walk past the Roman baths. Spring water containing calcium, magnesium sulphate and hydrogen car bonate at a constant temperature of 12 to 13 degrees throughout the year flows

into the modern Kneipp pool - perfect if you don’t easily get cold feet. Winter holidays in Tirol derive their unique charm from places like Roppen’s ice rink, in a beautiful woodland arena, which creates an especially romantic atmo sphere. Because the winter village is like something from a fairy tale, in spring the cold is driven out by lavishly costumed witches as part of Roppen’s carnival cel ebrations. This Fasnacht carnival custom only takes place once every four years and is a unique experience.

Imst Tourismus

–Melitta Abber

Schönwies

A village in the middle of nowhere yet in the heart of the region.

Schönwies is a place for chilling, resting and relaxing. Especially in winter it se duces visitors seeking rest and culture with its magical charms because, in addition to the glistening snowy land scape, there are historic monuments, impressive attractions and cultural highlights to explore. The village centre is dominated by the early baroque parish church of St Michael and numer ous chapels dotted around the village.

The Obsaurs Roman tower, whose original purpose is unknown, and Starken bach Chapel, with lavish mosaics and windows by Milan Batista, are very well known. Schönwies is also attractive to winter sports enthusiasts, who can reach the region’s loveliest ski resorts in no time at all, thanks to Schönwies’ excellent motorway connection.

The winter paradise for lovers of culture and quiet.

Tarrenz

A village tells the story of witches and the spirit of the modern age. Tarrenz is an auspi cious destination for those seeking rest and relaxation.

This authentic, rural Tirolean village scores top marks for culture and attractions, with the striking Baroque parish church dedicated to St Ulric and Starkenberg Castle and its mysterious world of knights’ banqueting hall. Tarrenz is also the perfect starting point for the best ski resorts in the surround ing Alps and offers skiers who prefer peace and quiet on the pistes access via

the Bungerloch drag lift. Your winter holiday is sure to be a complete success thanks to the picturesque cross-coun try trails through the snow-blanketed countryside. The entertainment takes a different turn once every four years, when Tarrenz Fasnacht takes place. Winter is driven out by a procession, lavish costumes and splendid floats. This custom has given Tarrenz its nick name of “witches’ village”.

P. 19:

Imst Tourismus

–Melitta Abber

SKIING

–Rudi Wyhlidal

Imster Bergbahnen

A skiing holiday in Imst is always an experience for young and old – on the snowy pistes, on challenging ski runs, making superb jumps, or basking in the sun.

Imster Bergbahnen –Rudi Wyhlidal

Happiness on two skis

Crunchy fresh snow, pure winter air and white mountain peaks - winter has well and truly arrived in the Imst Out door Region. From December to April it casts its icy mantle over the countryside and uses

Discover more than 3,000 kilometres of pistes in 80 ski resorts and enjoy the Tirolean Alps as a source of inspiration and sporting adventure.

every trick in the book to enchant visitors, with freshly snow-covered panoramic runs and untouched powder snow slopes to tempt them into the snowy paradise and give them a time they will never forget.

Welcome to Tirolean skiing heaven for novices, experienced sportspeople and true enthusiasts.

Winter sports enthusiasts have some 3,000 kilometres of pistes in 80 snow-covered ski resorts across the Imst Outdoor Region at their feet. Small, quiet ski resorts such as Hoch-Imst promise families in particular stress-free travel and reasonably priced offers. The outdoor region’s smaller ski resorts also cater well for novice skiers and returning skiers, who are given all the support they need to get back into the sport easily. World-famous resorts such as St. Anton am Arlberg, Sölden and Ischgl, on the other hand, offer ambitious winter sports enthusiasts a variety of exciting ski action and varied ski runs. Whether you are a beginner, professional or recreational skier, the Imst Outdoor Region is your key to a successful winter holiday. White slopes, blue sky and pink cheeks - you can look forward to the most colourful winter holiday ever!

The Imster Bergbahnen cable cars

Get ready for freeriding, carving and night skiing at the Hoch-Imst ski resort!

At the Hoch-Imst winter paradise, the entire range of skiing fun is at your feet. From freeriders and freestylers to carving fans and the next generation of sports super stars, there is something for everyone here. It’s all within easy reach thanks to the cable car! All you have to do is climb aboard, enjoy the views, and start a variety-rich day of skiing.

The atmosphere is ideal for families: Since 2021/22, the Imster Bergbahnen have ex panded the ski resort to include a gondola lift with spacious 10-passenger panorama gondolas, which transport guests via the middle station to the Alpjoch mountain station. For those keen to practice before hitting the big slopes, there is a surface lift and a practice lift at the Winterpark kids’ area. Once you feel secure on skis or snowboard, there are 9 optimally groomed kilometres of pistes just waiting for you to explore.

INFO

Imster Bergbahnen Hoch-Imst 19 6460 Imst, Austria Tel. +43 5412 66322 www.imster-bergbahnen.at

Free ski buses transport you conveniently from Imst and Tarrenz to the valley station and back. The timetable is available from information offices and Imster Bergbahnen ski lift company.

Imster Bergbahnen –Rudi Wyhlidal

If you want to warm up in between runs, we thoroughly recommend a stop at one of the ski huts. Some believe that a day of skiing is only complete after enjoying a delicious Kaiserschmarren shredded pancake and a warming goulash soup. Those who still prefer to stay on the slopes, can stop by the fun park. Directly at the Malchbach ski lift, there are pub

lic, beginner and pro lines where you can shred and jib. You’ll meet up with those who have already headed to the moun tain huts during après-ski at the latest.

Why look further afield when every thing you need is on the doorstep?

If you are fortunate enough to be in the Hoch-Imst ski resort on a Wednesday or Saturday, you’ll experi ence a true highlight: night skiing! Make the most of the slopes once the sun has gone down. Such an experience is definitely something you should enjoy at least once while on holiday!

Bergbahnen –Rudi Wyhlidal

Ski lifts in the region

Rossbachlift

The Rossbachlift in Nasse reith is perfect for the occa sional training session. There is half a kilometre of piste, a ski lift and pleasant piste conditions at an altitude of 910 to 1,030 metres, if there is enough snow.

SC Nassereith www.sc-nassereith.at

Bungerlochlift

The Bungerlochlift is located at 850 to 960 metres and offers visitors to Tarrenz approximately 0.3 kilometres of descent, a small lift and a child-friendly Sunkid magic carpet.

Municipality of Tarrenz Tel. +43 5412 63352

Imster

Ski school & ski rental

Whether it’s your first time on skis, you are swapping two boards for one, or want to properly ski powder - the ski school and ski rental shop are the places to go.

Snowschool Imst

Sport 2000 ski rental

With trained ski instructors not only do you learn faster and better, it’s also more fun.

Rent skis, snowboards and the cor rect equipment from Sport 2000 in the Hoch-Imst ski resort. Perfectly maintained top brands, individually adjusted to you, for a choice of enjoy able skiing and ultimate safety.

Snowschool Imst

Proprietor: Robert Monz

Hoch-Imst 11, 6460 Imst, Austria Tel. +43 699 17307876

www.snowschool.at

Hoch-Imst Sport 2000 ski rental Hoch-Imst 11, 6460 Imst, Austria

Tel. +43 5412 63540

Night skiing & ski tour night

Night skiing

Tirol’s longest lit piste is ready and waiting for night skiing, tobogganing, or cross-country skiing in the moonlight, and the magical atmosphere at the Latschenhütte or Untermarkter Alm mountain huts, every Wednes day and Friday.

INFO Free bus Floodlit pistes until 10 pm www.imster-bergbahnen.at

Ski tour night

Every Friday evening the ski tourers take the floodlit piste to Untermarkter Alm.

left: Imster Bergbahnen –Rudi Wyhlidal, p. 29: Imst Tourismus –Martin Lugger

Ski resorts in the area

The Imst Outdoor Region represents the beating heart of a fabulous winter paradise, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, that delights visitors with its proximity to Tirol’s best ski resorts. There is a variety of promising pistes for beginners and pros, for competitive and recreational skiing, for young and old, within a 60-kilometres radius.

Ski Arlberg

See Kappl

Hoch-Imst Hochzeiger

Zugspitz Arena

Ischgl-Samnaun Galtür

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Kühtai Hochoetz Venet

Fendels

Sölden

Zweiländer Skiarena

Pitztaler Gletscher Rifflsee

Kaunertaler Gletscher

HochgurglObergurgl

Hoch-Imst

The perfect ski resort for families and casual skiers. Kilometres of piste: 9

J Distance from Imst

J 17 km

Hochzeiger

The family ski resort in the sun-drenched Pitztal valley.

Kilometres of piste: 40

J 17 km

Hochoetz

Carve and sunbathe with a view of the Inntal and Ötztal valleys.

Kilometres of piste: 39

J 17 km Venet

Small, but adorable ski resort with an impressive panoramic setting.

Kilometres of piste: 22

J 28 km

Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

Seven sensational ski resorts to the north of the Fern Pass. Kilometres of piste: 139

J 32 km Kühtai

Away from the fuss and noise. Guaranteed snow and variety. Kilometres of piste: 190

J 33 km Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Perfect infrastructure and extensive pistes. Kilometres of piste: 214

J 38 km

Pitztal Glacier Rifflsee

Tirol’s highest glacier. Cable car at 3,440 metres. Kilometres of piste: 40

J 43 km Ski Arlberg

Austria’s largest inter connected ski area.

Kilometres of piste: 305

J 47 km

Ischgl-Samnaun

One of Tirol’s largest and best ski resorts. Kilometres of piste: 238

J 48 km Sölden

Glacier resort guaranteed to have snow from October to May. Kilometres of piste: 144

J 56 km Zwei Länder

Skiarena

The delights of cross-border skiing at the Reschen Pass. Kilometres of piste: 211

J 59 km Kaunertal Glacier

Powder and natural snow slopes away from the hustle and bustle.

Kilometres of piste: 190

Imster Bergbahnen –Rudi Wyhlidal

Free children’s ski weeks

Enchanted slopes, a colourful winter wonderland and new friends to play with. The free children’s ski weeks will enrich your holiday and be gentle on your purse.

Head up to the cheerful winter park on the sunny practice slope by magic carpet. There’s so much to discover here – balloons, penguins, slides, although that’s not so easy on slippery skis. Thank goodness that the children’s ski instructors are there to show you what

to do. During children’s ski weeks the little winter sports lovers get a fun intro duction to skiing in a free skiing lesson, whilst parents can enjoy a carefree time on the slopes.

INFO

For visitors to the Imst Outdoor Region aged 3 to 6,9 years. www.imst.at

Imster Bergbahnen –Rudi Wyhlidal

Fun park

The action-packed playground for beginners and pros, with public park, beginner’s and advanced lines.

The new park area for snowboarders, free skiers and wannabes: Hoch-Imst has provided a fun park for pros, beginners and mini free skiers from the age of three. There is a choice of different degrees of difficulty to suit all skill levels. The beginner line features colourful box ing balls, high-5-low-5 monster figures and many little obstacles for children

and novice freestylers to improve coordination on skis and gradually prepare for bigger obstacles. Experienced freestylers, on the other hand, can test their abilities with boards and skis, backwards and upside down, on demanding kickers, with 6-metre high tables, rails and boxes, on the advanced line.

Beginner line

Little freeriders can demonstrate and improve their skills on the beginner line from the age of three. The little ones will have loads of fun amongst the cute monster figures and child-sized obstacles.

Advanced line

Bound to make a shredder’s pulse race: adrenaline and variety come to Hoch-Imst ski resort, with special obstacles, kickers and rails for competi tive free skiers to show off their tricks on the advanced line.

Equipment rental

Safety first. You don’t necessarily have to stay away from the fun park if you haven’t got quite the right equipment. Sport 2000 ski rental will rent you the correct kit.

Rider base

If you need to take a break occasionally, the terrace of the Untermarkter Alm mountain hut, close to the fun park, is the perfect place to catch your breath and a view of the advanced line.

Imster Bergbahnen –Rudi Wyhlidal, p. 35 below left: West Werbeagentur

Mountain huts & inns

The home of good taste and where locals and visitors come together.

A rustic ambiance that embraces centu ries of history. Traditional family recipes and a genuine taste of Tirol combine to make the perfect end to a day’s skiing.

Sample delicious Tirolean cuisine, give way to the temptation of the finest des serts and enjoy the cosy huts’ genuine friendliness.

Latschenhütte

Latschenhütte mountain hut, one of the oldest by far, is renowned for its genu ine hospitality and typical Tirolean dishes and lies high above Imst.

www.latschen.at

Untermarkter Alm

The UALM mountain hut combines renowned Tirolean hospitality with Alpine life style and familiar pleasures, to create a home from home at an altitude of 1,500 metres.

www.ualm.at

Happi's Hütte

Genuine hospitality is just as much a part of the Happi’s Hütte experience as homemade cakes and hearty mountain snacks. Enjoy a taste of the real Tirol.

www.happis-huette.at

Lehnberghaus

Soak up the sun and enjoy the food as you take in the view of Simmering. www.lehnberghaus.com

P. 36 centre: Imster Bergbahnen –Rudi Wyhlidal, p. 36 right: Happi's Hütte

Simmering Alm

Dine with a superb view of the Inntal valley and Mieming Plateau.

Sinnes Waldrast The hosts are personally in the kitchen and conjure up delicious dishes from careful ly selected ingredients. www.sinnes.at

More information about mountain huts can be found on www.imst.at

Take an expert local guide who knows the area like the back of their hand with you on your ski tour. He or she will safely guide you along the prettiest routes, pass on tips and tricks and enrich your tour with their knowledge of the region.

Sinnesbrunn Pilgrims’ Church

Ski touring

Discover the world of pristine slopes, oceans of sparkling white and snow-blanketed mountains.

Beginners & practice routes

The Ursprungweg route, which leads from Hoch-Imst to the Untermarkter Alm, is perfect for beginners and the really fit. The beginner’s tour runs parallel to the ski piste.

Opferstockweg route

The easy tour for new ski mountain eers. The Opferstockweg runs parallel to the Ursprungweg, from Hoch-Imst to the Latschenhütte mountain hut. This tour is primarily suited to inexperi enced ski mountaineers and beginners, rewarding the ascent with particularly beautiful scenery.

Imst, a winter paradise of picturesque white-covered mountains and cornflowerblue sky is a stimulating place that captures your heart and makes its mark.

Imst Tourismus –Thorsten Wenzler

An active winter is not confined to the slopes, it also involves ice skates, carriages and cross-country skis.

ACTIVE

Winter as far as the eye can see

While enthusiastic skiers swing down the snowy slopes outside, winter away from the slopes can also be truly enchanting. Could there be anything more relaxing than trekking through the pristine

Fend off the winter blues in Imst by taking advantage of the many alternatives to the usual skiing. Experience a different side of winter.

snow in warm boots, drawing a deep breath and com muning with nature in the blissful silence? Or picking out a toboggan and letting the varied winter scenery brighten your day? The cold weather offers unique

Looking for inspiration? A boring winter holiday is a thing of the past here.

opportunities to engage with nature - snowshoe hiking, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating and climbing are all part of winter too. There are many reasons to leave your cosy, warm living room, especially for people who are not always looking for the next challenge, but have promised themselves they will enjoy magical experiences. The endless, glittering crystal snow, the frozen waters and snow-adorned pine trees combine to create one such awesome memory. The snow crunching beneath your snowshoes, the adrenaline rush from winter climbing and toboggan ing are another. This is the right place, whether you are looking for a activity-packed holiday resort, or a tranquil place to soothe your soul.

Cross-country skiing

Both skaters and those who prefer the classic style of cross-country skiing will find their happy place on the region’s many cross-country trails.

What better place is there to relax and experience the magic of winter than on perfectly groomed cross-country trails, as you ski through the countryside, past white-capped trees and frost-rimed branches. The only thing you can hear is your own breathing, as you feel the cold

air on your face and enjoy the peace and quiet. The Imst Outdoor Region has more than 40 km of well maintained trails that criss-cross the snow-bedecked countryside, to bring the delights of cross-country skiing to your doorstep.

Hoch-Imst, 2,5 km easy, classic + skating

Imst Teilwiesen, 6 km moderately difficult, classic + skating

Gurgltal valley, 25 km moderately difficult, classic + skating

Imster Au, 2.5 km easy, classic

Mils bei Imst, 2.5 km easy, classic

Schönwies, 1 km easy, classic

Nassereith Sonnenloipe trail, 3 km easy, classic + skating

Nassereith Rossbachloipe trail, 1 km easy, classic

Nassereith Greitloipe trail, 2 km easy, classic

Nassereith Moosrunde trail, 1 km easy, classic + skating

Nassereith Klosterloipe trail, 1 km easy, classic + skating

Please refer to the crosscountry trails and winter hiking map for details.

Winter tobogganing

Anticipate the fun of racing down the groomed track on your toboggan’s polished runners as you drag it up the hill.

Many of the Imst region’s villages have natural toboggan runs and toboggan rental opportunities. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to skiing for a day, or want to burn off surplus energy

at the end of the day, tobogganing is fun for the whole family. Some of the runs can be reached by ski lift, others prom ise romantic times tobogganing under the moon.

Untermarkter Alm

The 4-km-long natural toboggan run has been awarded the Tirolean Tobogganing Association’s quality mark and starts at the Imst ski resort’s middle station. You can complete the ascent on foot, or take the gondola for the easy option. The toboggan run is lit for night tobogganing on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and the cable cars operate from 6.30 to 9.30 pm Wednesday and Saturday.

Obermarkter Alm

The natural toboggan run is just 30 min utes from Imst ski resort’s middle sta tion and is a mighty 6 km long. From the start at the Latschenhütte mountain hut, the course takes you to the Rastbühel. On Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays you have the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of tobogganing by moonlight.

Teilwiesen-Rotanger

Two kilometres of toboggan ing fun starts at Hahntennjochstraße level with the Linserhof hotel, close to the branch-off to Tarrenz.

Dormitz/Bockleite

The 1.5 km natural toboggan run goes from the Jörgenbichl hill to the Dormitz valley station.

Obtarrenz/Kappakreuz

Toboggan run with 1.7 km of fun and approx. one hour’s walk to the Sinnes Waldrast restaurant

Alpine Coaster

Pelt across country in your toboggan, on the world’s longest Alpine coaster on rails. A spectacular course, with waves, banked curves and jumps.

The action-packed run is 3.5 km long and not for the faint-hearted. The start is at an altitude of 1,550 m and during the rapid descent it covers a drop in eleva tion of 500 metres. In places the track runs up to 10 metres above the ground.

Take time to admire the view, if you don’t suffer from vertigo. The world’s longest Alpine coaster is an absolute winter must-do for children and the young at heart.

INFO

Minimum age: 3 years

Ride time: approx. 10-12 minutes

Maximum speed: 40 km/h

Highest point above ground: 10 m www.imster-bergbahnen.at

Imst Tourismus –Dominik Steindl

Winter hiking trails

When hiking in winter you can set your own pace and choose your own trail, following signed routes or simply heading across country.

The canopy of radiantly blue sky arches over the tops of the spruces; all you can hear is snow crunching underfoot. Wrap up warm in parkas and fur-lined winter boots to explore a paradise for anyone who uses the winter to recharge their batteries. The picturesque backdrop of snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and waterfalls frees your mind and creates the perfect conditions for switching off.

Nuireith-Runde circuit

Hoch-Imst, 1 km, approx. 1 hour

Linser-Runde circuit

Hoch-Imst – Linserhof – Hoch-Imst 5 km, approx. 2 hours

Gurgltal-Runde circuit

Imst – Tarrenz/Strad – Imst 9 km, approx. 3 hours

Latschenhütte mountain hut Imst – Latschenhütte mountain hut, TIP: take your toboggan with you 7 km, approx. 3.5 hours

Gunglgrün-Runde circuit

Hoch-Imst – Gunglgrün – Hoch-Imst 4 km, approx. 2 hours

Obtarrenz-Runde circuit

Obtarrenz – Glöck – Obtarrenz 3 km, approx. 1 hour

Karres – Karrösten 6 km, approx. 1.5 hours

Imsterberg village circuit

Imsterberg – Höfle – Imsterberg 2 km, approx. 1.5 hours

Schönwies village circuit

Schönwies – Lasalt – Schönwies 5.6 km, approx. 1 hour

Roppen village circuit 4 km, approx. 1.5 hours

Mils village circuit

Mils municipality – Mils-Au – Raststätte Trofana– Mils municipality 4.5 km, approx. 1.5 hours

Nassereith village circuit

village centre – fire department –Mühlsprung – lake – village centre 4 km, approx. 1.5 hours

See-Eck-Runde circuit

Nassereith – Mischwerke – See-Eck – Nassereith 4 km, approx. 1.5 hours

Dormitz-Runde circuit

Nassereith – Dormitz – Nassereith 5 km, approx. 2 hours

Please refer to the crosscountry trails and winter hiking map for details.

P. 53:

Imst Tourismus

–Martin Lugger

Please refer to the crosscountry trails and winter hiking map for details.

Snowshoe hiking

Discover a new way to explore the nicest hiking trails with the best views.

One of the nicest alternatives to skiing is snowshoe hiking, and the hiking route from Hoch-Imst, over the Opferstock, to the Latschenhütte mountain hut is a special experience.

If you don’t have snowshoes, you can rent the equipment from the Hoch-Imst rental shop and Imst climbing centre.

Opferstock

4.5 km and 624 metres of elevation gain

Hoch-Imst – Latschenhütte mountain hut

Sinnesbrunn

3.4 km and 475 metres of elevation gain

Obtarrenz – Sinnesbrunn Chapel

Ursprungweg

3 km and 427 metres of elevation gain

Hoch-Imst – Untermarkter Alm

Venetalm

5.5 km and 919 metres of elevation gain

Imsterberg – Venetalm

Ice skating and ice stock sport

The sharp blades cut deeply into the ice as you glide, more or less elegantly, across the rink, experiencing the fun and skilful aspects of ice skating and ice stock sport.

If you are brave enough to try your luck on the ice rink, the Imst region offers numerous opportunities. Artistic, recreational and competitive skaters can pursue their passion on specially con

structed artificial ice rinks. Whilst you’re on the ice, you could try your hand at ice stock sport. Some of the rinks have been prepared so that the ice stock players’ equipment glides across the ice too.

Imst

Imst artificial ice rink (+ ice stock sport)

Mils

Ice skating rink at Sportplatz in der Au sports ground

Roppen

Ice skating rink at sports ground (+ ice stock sport)

Nassereith

Ice skating rink at St. Wendelin sports centre

Schönwies

Ice skating rink at Schönwies sports ground

Imst Tourismus –Martin Lugger

Sleigh rides

Happiness is being on a horse’s back, or so the saying goes. Seems like a good reason to find out for yourself on a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Have you ever had the chance to be driven through the Gurgltal valley in winter in a two horsepower vehicle? See life from a different angle as you enjoy being pulled along by two graceful

Norica-Pinzgauer horses. Whether it’s a highly romantic trip as a couple, or a fun family outing, a winter horse-drawn carriage ride is a wonderful contrast to a busy winter’s day.

INFO

Book with Imst Tourismus on +43 5412 6910 0 a day in advance.

Important information: wearing a helmet is mandatory in winter. There is an increased risk of rockfall due to frost shattering.

Climbing in winter

Calling everyone who aims high, who prefers standing up to sitting down and who can’t keep their hands off rocks even in winter: you can still climb in freezing temperatures.

Andy Knabl

In Imst, climbing is not just confined to summer, but can be indulged in in winter too, if properly equipped with rope, climbing equipment and a Thermos flask. Instead of heading downhill on skis, you have the exciting option of climbing upwards. The covered climbing wall in Imst’s climbing centre can be used in almost any weather and, depending on the snow situation, the crags in Nasse reith and Karres are also available for

climbing all year round. It’s a little more comfortable in the climbing centres in Imst, Tarrenz and Karrösten because it’s warmer. It doesn’t matter whether climbers just want to enjoy their sport, or practice their grip, in winter the Imst Outdoor Region is heaven for them.

You can get further information from the Imst Outdoor Region tourist offices.

Mountain climbers who want to scale the walls in winter too and pit man against mountain in all weathers can get good advice from the climbing centres and bouldering halls.

Imst climbing centre

Passionate climbers can still prac tice their sport in winter on 1,420 m² of indoor climbing wall and 1,312 m² outdoors. The Imst climbing centre has 200 routes, graded levels 2 to 11, for beginners and experts.

Imst climbing centre

Am Raun 25, 6460 Imst, Austria www.kletterzentrum-imst.at

Steinblock bouldering hall

Steinblock bouldering hall opens its doors in winter so beginners and advanced climbers can dig in in a lovely, warm bouldering hall to train, practice, or take lessons.

Steinblock bouldering hall Bundesstraße 1a, 6460 Imst, Austria www.steinblock.at

Karrösten bouldering hall

4.5 m high wall and 30 m² bouldering area. Routes have been set by European champion Bettina Schöpf.

Tarrenz bouldering hall

3.5 m high wall and 100 m² bouldering area. Routes set by Mike Gabl and Werner Nothdurfter.

Alpinschule

High-Mountainworks

Guided rock climbing and ice climbing tours with professionals, who will get you closer than ever before to the loveli est spots in the mountains and valleys.

Hoch-Imst 5, A-6460 Imst

Tel. +43 650 9209315 oder Tel. +43 660 6822001 www.high-mountainworks.at

Freeride CenterÖtztal Mountain School

Personalized climbing courses for beginners and advanced climbers at the Imst climbing hall.

Markus Morandell

Tel. +43 650 4153505 www.bergschule-oetztal.tirol

Imst Tourismus

–Martin Lugger, p. 60

right: Steinblock Imst –Rudi Wyhlidal

Glenthof leisure centre

A day in Glenthof will introduce a breath of fresh air to your winter holiday, whether you want something to do indoors if the weather is inclement, or simply an alternative to skiing.

Glenthof leisure centre is the sports and event location that adds variety to your winter. It gives you the chance to burn off energy away from the piste, protected from the wind and weather, or to enjoy entertainment provided by mu sicians and performers in the evenings. The sports range from tennis matches with a private instructor, via squash

with your playing partner, to bowling with the family. And when your stomach grumbles so loudly you have to stop playing, you can treat yourself in the adjoining restaurant to delicious regional and international dishes, or an afternoon coffee and cake. In the evenings and at weekends, Glenthof becomes the setting for musical and cultural events.

INFO

Glenthof leisure centre Am Raun 24, 6460 Imst, Austria Tel. +43 5412 63094 www.tennismoitzi.at/glenthof

Squash

The squash box is ideal for a showdown with your partner.

Tennis

You can smash a few balls in any weather at the indoor tennis centre.

Dreams Come True, wavebreakmedia, George Rudy, Bizi88, Olena Yakobchuk / shutterstock.com

Mini golf

The whole family can test their accurate putting skills on the 18 holes.

Bowling

The three bowling alleys are particularly sociable for families, friends or colleagues.

Courses

Would you like some tips and tricks from a pro? Book your private lessons or courses.

Don’t be surprised if winter has you in a quandary. The Imst Outdoor Region also changes your outlook away from the pistes, with fascinating winter experiences.

SIGHTS

Between sport and culture you can enjoy an almost mystical world of crystal, the diversity of the animal kingdom, a journey into a life long before our time and much more.

Tatiana Popova/shutterstock.com

Balm for the soul

When winter’s icy grip has taken a firm hold, our favourite place to relax is a beautiful, warm wellness temple in which to completely relax and surrender to pampering.

You’ve been flat out all year, daily life re quires your full attention, so now is the time to properly switch off. A day’s pam pering in the Aqua Dome thermal spa helps you to think of other things, free your mind and do your body some good. If you’re looking for peace, quiet and total relaxation and the chance to enjoy some wellness and beauty treatments,

you can relax under the palms, bathe in the energising water and take a dip in an outdoor Kneipp pool. Aqua Dome is all about the restorative power of contrasts: whilst your body recuperates in the warm water, your gaze roams over the white-coated mountain summits. Can you feel the peacefulness?

INFO

Aqua Dome thermal spa

Oberlängenfeld 140, 6444 Längenfeld, Austria Tel. +43 5253 6400 www.aqua-dome.at

Aqua Dome

Thermal spa

Relax in one of 12 indoor and outdoor pools, with water at temperatures of 33–36° C (competition pool approx 25° C), in the Alps’ loveliest thermal spa resort. Your outlook on life will be sweetened by an incredible mountain backdrop.

Sauna complex

Exceptional saunas, steam baths, outdoor pool, restful quiet zones. Plunge pools, ice grottoes and a series of outdoor Kneipp pools for an icy way to cool off. Access from 15 years of age.

Beauty Spa

Skilled hands will release the tensions from your body and cater to your individual wellbeing needs. Booking advisable.

Children’s leisure pool

Endless aquatic fun for water babies, pirates and mermaids: hurtle down the funnel slide, descend via the tyre slide with light show and head straight on to Noah’s Ark in the water fun park. What are you waiting for?

Ehrwald indoor swimming pool

At the foot of the Zugspitze, the Ehrwald family indoor swimming pool even impresses adults with its children’s pool and numerous attractions for the little ones, as well as a beautiful wellness area with sauna, a sports pool and counter current system.

Familienbad Ehrwald

Hauptstraße 21, 6631 Ehrwald, Austria Tel. +43 5673 2718 www.familienbad.at

Telfer Bad indoor swimming pool

Swimming, sliding and taking a sauna. The indoor swimming pool in Telfs offers varied swimming fun for the whole fam ily. Little water lovers can splash around in the children’s area while adults relax in the sauna area or swim their lengths in the pool.

Telfer Bad Betriebs GmbH & CO KG Weißenbachgasse 17, 6410 Telfs, Austria Tel. +43 5262 62137 www.telferbad.at

Elena Yukusheva / shutterstock.com, Alpenbad Leutasch, ARLBERG-well.com

Indoor swimming pools

A visit to a swimming pool makes a welcome change when the weather refuses to cooperate for skiing.

Erlebniswelt Alpenbad Leutasch

Families, couples and solo travellers can enjoy a stress-free time at the Alpine themed pool in Leutasch, with a massage bay, waterfall, saunas and a variety of wellness facilities. Time flies by for little ones as they play on the water slides in the separate children’s area.

Alpenbad Leutasch

Weidach 275, 6105 Leutasch, Austria Tel. +43 5214 6380 www.alpenbad-leutasch.com

ARLBERG-well.com

Could alpine wellness be any better than with a view of the magnificent Arlberg mountain range, as you luxuriate in 30° C water, surrounded by contemporary architecture and a comprehensive range of wellness services.

ARLBERG-well.com

Hannes Schneider Weg 11, 6580 St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria Tel. +43 5446 4001 www.arlberg-well.com

Highlights in the area

Beautiful crystals sparkling to outdo the snow, an en chanting, charming town, and a church whose photo has gone around the world.

Silberbergwerk Schwaz silver mine

You can travel back to a time more than 500 years ago, when the Earth was still unspoilt and copper and silver were mined in the biggest silver mine of the Middle Ages. The mine train takes you 800 metres into the mountain on a thrill ing journey through times, with surpris ing information about life in those days.

Silberbergwerk Schwaz silver mine

Alte Landstraße 3a, 6130 Schwaz, Austria Tel. +43 5242 723720 www.silberbergwerk.at

Swarovski Kristallwelten

A fantastically imaginative place that brings together great names from art, design and architecture in a totally unique interpretation of crystal. Hyp notic, magical and fascinating. Visit the Swarovski giant and be transported, delighted and amazed by the beauty of its inner crystal world.

Swarovski Kristallwelten

Kristallweltenstraße 1, 6112 Wattens, Austria Tel. +43 5224 51080 www.kristallwelten.swarovski.com

Innsbruck

sasimoto, Tatiana Popova, Max Blank / shutterstock.com; Swarovski Kristallwelten

The city on the Inn River is renowned for its colourful façades and Golden Roof and will make an indelible impression on you, whether you are beguiled by a singer’s rich voice in the State Theatre, the Old Town’s romantic charm, or the taste of Tirolean cuisine. Stroll through the shopping streets, admire the unre stricted view of the Nordkette Range and enjoy every facet of Tirol’s beautiful capital city.

Innsbruck Tourismus

Burggraben 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Tel. +43 512 5356 www.innsbruck.at

Alpenzoo

Almost all of the animals at Alpenzoo can be seen even in winter because only the marmots, reptiles and amphibians hibernate. This means there is always an enormous variety of species, almost 2,000 individuals that call the Alpine re gion’s woods, rivers and ice their home, to be admired. Please note that dogs are not allowed into the zoo.

Alpenzoo Innsbruck Weiherburggasse 37a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Tel. +43 512 292323 www.alpenzoo.at

Culturally, Tirol is characterised by impressive fortresses and palaces, churches and monasteries that are must-sees.

Stams Abbey

Stams Abbey is a place of faith, commu nity and encounters and encompasses a monastery, school, interesting exhibi tions and also a venue for concerts and religious events. The Orangery next to the Abbey garden houses a restaurant and the Abbey shop that provide visitors with fortification and information about the Abbey’s history respectively.

Stams Abbey administration

Stiftshof 1, 6422 Stams, Austria

Tel. +43 5263 6242 www.stiftstams.at

Landeck Castle

Life has always been hard, here at the most important pass across the Alps. The soil was poor, land in scarce supply, conditions tough and, more often than not, Tirol was caught up in conflicts and wars. The “Bleiben oder Gehen” (Stay or Go) exhibition in Landeck Castle tells the story and fate of the people who have fought for survival here since the 13th century. It talks about life here in Austria and abroad, about exciting encounters and surprising findings.

Landeck Castle

Schloßweg 2, 6500 Landeck, Austria Tel. +43 5442 63202 www.schlosslandeck.at

Anibel Trejo / shutterstock.com, TVB Tirol West / Rupert Gapp, Ötztal Tourism –Ricardo Gstrein, Burgenwelt Ehrenberg

007 ELEMENTS - Spectre

007 ELEMENTS is a James Bond expe rience that offers a deep insight into filming: interactive high-tech galleries, breathtaking action scenes, cult studio sets and persuasive charac ters. The James Bond world is located at a spectacular 3,048 metres above sea level inside the Gaislachkogl in Sölden.

Ötztal Tourism Gemeindestraße 4, 6450 Sölden, Austria Tel. +43 57200 www.oetztal.com 007elements.soelden.com

Burgenwelt Ehrenberg fortress complex

The Ehrenberg fortress complex was once a mighty defensive system, admin istrative seat and customs station. It still consists of the building that controlled the pass, the ruins of Ehrenberg Castle, Schlosskopf fortress and Fort Claudia. Ehrenberg fortress complex offers visitors an interactive museum, a nature exhibition and a 400-metre-long sus pension bridge that spans the valley at a dizzying height.

Burgenwelt Ehrenberg fortress complex

Klause 1-5, 6600 Reutte, Austria Tel. +43 5672 62007 www.ehrenberg.at

All your senses are enthralled by old snow and new snow, yet this blindingly white blanket conceals lovely ways to experience peace and the rare sensation of freedom.

CULTURE

Culture is best experienced where it is still part and parcel of daily life. Imst’s many hidden corners, curious customs and wonderful choice of attractions are the perfect way to take a cultural and artistic journey through time.

People, places and history

Culture is everywhere - out doors, beneath the towns’ roofs, in the village. Culture lovers have a rich variety, from classic to modern, to explore in Imst, especially in winter, when the snow casts

Imst derives its incomparable fascination from a judicious mix of customs, tradition and entertainment.

its romantic magic over the town’s Christmas markets, nativity scene exhibitions and festive events in celebration of this special time of year. The peaceful Advent period is in stark contrast to the

Experience at first hand a constantly evolving culture that regularly culminates in the infa mous Fasnacht Carnival celebrations.

change that takes place at the end of winter, when the Christmas lights, peace and quiet and Christmas celebra tions give way to the colour and hurly-burly of the Fasnacht Carnival. The lively traditional celebrations transform even the smallest villages into a witch’s cauldron of fun and games. The Imst Sche menlaufen procession, Tarrenz’s Fasnacht carni val, Nassereith Scheller laufen pageant and others are only held every couple of years, but are expres sively brought to life by exciting, dynamic presen tations in the region’s museums and Fasnachtshaus carnival museums throughout the year. Imst unique ly combines its considered cultural life with exciting traditions. In this way, the villages continue to pay tribute to their histories and customs and create an exceptional variety of entertainment and artistry.

Museums

Discover the great art, interesting collections and significant moments in cultural history, then and now.

Museum im Ballhaus

The Museum im Ballhaus exhibitions take you from prehistory to modern times, covering the history of mining and pro viding an insight into the traditional guild system and the life of Imst’s famous bird dealers. The Ballhaus frequently holds exhibitions, previews and events on various topics, such as the fabulous exhibition of splendid Nativity scenes.

Ballgasse 1, 6460 Imst, Austria Tel. +43 5412 64927 www.kultur-imst.at

Imst Carnival Museum

The Imst Fasnachtshaus Museum brings Imst’s Schemenlaufen carnival proces sion to life with captivating film excerpts, lively sound collages and sophisticated presentations. Visitors suddenly find themselves in the midst of a carnival procession, surrounded by rhythmic music and arcane costumes. This is a museum that makes a lasting impression and has been awarded both the Tirolean Museum prize and the Austrian Museums’ quality mark.

Streleweg 6, 6460 Imst, Austria Tel. +43 664 60698221 www.fasnacht.at

P. 82 left: Imst Tourismus –Martin Lugger, p. 82 right and p. 83 left: Imst Tourismus –Thorsten Wenzler

Nassereith Carnival Museum

Nassereith Schellerlaufen is an impres sive custom that transforms the little Tirolean village into a stronghold of Car nival every three years. The Fasnachts haus Museum lets you experience this spectacle throughout the year by means of lively presentations. The highlights include the lavish costumes from Tirol’s most colourful Carnival procession, more than 450 hand-carved wooden masks by famous artists and a realistic panoramic show.

Sachsengasse 81a, 6465 Nassereith, Austria Tel. +43 680 3131184

www.schellerlaufen.at

Theodor von Hörmann Municipal Gallery

The municipal gallery, 160 m² of con temporary art, is named for the great painter Theodor von Hörmann, who was born in Imst in 1840 and is regarded as one of the most important Austrian Impressionists. Since 1993 the Gallery has been located in the Old Town Hall in Imst’s town square and exhibits predom inantly contemporary works of art in three interconnecting rooms.

Tourismus –Melitta Abber, Imst Tourismus –Martin Lugger, Weberei Schatz

Imst

Weberei Schatz Crafts

For thousands of years, the elegant art of weaving and delicate lace making has been valued as a way to adorn quality place mats, tablecloths and cushions.

Weberei Schatz has been making this beautiful product and demonstrating the craft to visitors since time immemorial.

The Schatz family still creates lavish works of art today, using fascinating techniques probably developed in Italy in the 16th century, and is happy to let visi tors observe them at their skilled work.

Agricultural College Museum in Imst

The museum of agricultural implements is devoted to the hard work of many generations of farmers and takes visitors on a journey through farming before industrialisation. Some 400 exhibits are not works of art, but real tools used after the Second World War in homes, in the forestry industry and farming. The museum’s emphasis is on the equipment used by Tirolean mountain farmers and tells a story that has almost been forgotten.

Meraner Straße 6, 6460 Imst, Austria Tel. +43 5412 66346-0

www.lla-imst.at

Kunststraße Imst

Imst Art Trail offers artists, creative people and free thinkers the opportu nity to present themselves and their work in an unconventional way in Imst. Every year the exhibition is devoted to a specific theme. The exhibition fills empty business premises, museums, galleries, workshops and public spaces with art. Whether you are an art lover, culture vulture or simply curious, Imst Art Trail is hard to beat in terms of variety.

www.kunststrasse.at

Heimatmuseum Tarrenz, Brauerei Starkenberger

A very varied selection of museums and exhibitions invite you to make a foray into the region’s history and culture.

Starkenberger BierMythos

Learn about the history of Starkenberg beer, still brewed today in the castle cellar. Explore more than 4,000 m² of brewing history in the characterful setting of a vaulted Medieval cellar, castle passageways and rooms. The exhibition introduces you to the art of brewing and explains the healthgiving properties of beer.

Griesegg 1, 6464 Tarrenz, Austria Tel. +43 5412 66201 www.starkenberger.at

Tarrenz Local History Museum

Tarrenz Museum of Local History is located in an original Tirolean farmhouse barn. The gallery exhibits objects from the 17th and 18th centuries that provide an insight into the farmers’ and craft mens’ traditions. At Christmas the local history museum exhibits are comple mented by splendid Nativity scenes and, in summer, by paintings and artworks by local artists.

Hermann-Kuprian-Weg 15, 6464 Tarrenz, Austria www.tarrenz.at/ Museumsverein_Tarrenz

Advent, Advent

Advent is a time for pleasure, for mulled wine and as many mince pies as you can eat.

Advent has arrived when Imst’s streets glow with Christmas lights and decora tions, accompanied by romantic Christ mas markets, Nativity scenes, concerts

and Krampus processions. The time before Christmas works its magic on the region and everyone is in a fever of festive anticipation.

Nativity Trail & Exhibitions

A nativity scene is just as much a part of Christmas as a Christmas tree.

There is a long tradition of nativity scene construction and every year the Alps’ best nativity scenes are displayed on romantic Nativity trails.

End of November to the start of January Nativity trails in Imst and Nassereith Nativity scene displays in Imst, Karrösten, Nassereith, Roppen and Tarrenz

Christmas Markets

There has been a tradition of romantic Christmas markets, with their delicious edible treats, bright lights and convivial atmosphere, in the Imst Outdoor Region for many years. They are the perfect excuse for relaxed Christmas shopping in a great atmosphere.

End of November to Christmas Christmas markets in Imst, Imsterberg, Mils, Nassereith, Roppen and Tarrenz

P. 88: Imst Tourismus –Melitta Abber

Christmas events

Experience a different side to Advent, with special events, such as Nassereith’s magical Christmas, or the atmospheric Advent evenings in Imst.

Christmas magic in Nassereith Advent evenings in Imst

Children’s Advent

Every year, children in particular get swept up in the magic of Christmas and their eyes start to shine with excitement at the children’s theatre.

Children’s theatre, Bummelbär choo-choo train, children’s carousel

INFO

All dates can be found at www.imster-advent.at

Gorgeous Fasnacht Carnival

Imst derives its incomparable appeal from a judicious mix of customs, tradition and entertainment.

Have you ever heard of “Schemen laufen”? Do you know what a “Sackner” is? If you don’t, then the answer can be found in the Tirolean Oberland’s most gorgeously colourful and unusual event – the Fasnacht Carnival. For weeks, every few years, even small villages such as Nassereith, Roppen and Tarrenz are transformed into a stronghold of living customs. Bears, bear keepers, violin

painters and witches process through the streets, wearing laboriously carved masks, and celebrating spring’s victory over winter. The “witch’s village” of Tarrenz brews a beer specially for the Carnival. The two most famous Carnival celebrations, Imst Schemenlaufen and Nassereith Schellerlaufen, have even been placed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

For current dates, please visit our website www.imst.at

When there’s an infectious cheer in the Tirolean Oberland’s villages big and small, when charming masks and costumes appear, then the longed-for spring has finally arrived.

Imst Schemenlaufen

The Alpine region’s biggest Carnival is held in Imst every four years and is known as Imst’s colourful Schemenlaufen. It’s all about the jumpers (Roller) and ringers (Scheller), the colourful tra ditional costumes and mysterious masks and has been on the UNESCO Intangible World Cultural Heritage List since 2012.

Imst Buabefåsnåcht

The Buabefasnacht gives adolescents an opportunity to hold their own Carnival procession every four years. It is similar to Imst’s Schemenlaufen, which is reserved for adult men.

Imst Tourismus –Melitta Abber

Imst Tourismus –Thorsten Wenzler

Nassereith Schellerlaufen

Nassereith Schellerlaufen is the Tirolean Oberland’s most splendidly colourful Carnival, held every three years. Each of the valuable, eye-catching, colourful silk costumes is unique and is the result of much hard work, time and devotion.

The Schellerlaufen is based on a cen turies-old, almost mystical Nassereith tradition and, in 2012, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible World Cultural Heri tage List. For some years now it has also been possible to learn about the custom all year round in the Fasnachtshaus Museum.

left: Imst Tourismus –Mike Maass, p. 95 bottom left: Imst Tourismus –Thorsten Wenzler

P. 95 top

Tarrenz Fasnacht Carnival

The “witch’s village” of Tarrenz gets its nickname from the wild Carnival witches. Every four years, the Roller, or jumpers, battle the Schaller, or ringers, spring battles winter and spring’s victory is routinely celebrated with a specially brewed Carnival beer.

Roppen Fasnacht Carnival

Even smaller villages, such as Roppen, approach Carnival as an honourable tradition whose roots stretch back to the 20th century. The colourful custom transforms the village into party central.

Carnival all year round

“Auskehren” in Imst and Tarrenz

Every year, on Shrove Tuesday, winter is “ausgekehrt”, or driven out of Imst by the night-time procession. At its heart are the witches, commanded by the chief witch, who process through the village and inns with the whole Carnival troupe.

Easter customs

Spring heralds a certain euphoria and the time for excursions, long walks and colourful Easter celebrations.

Easter is announced by cheerful ribbons, beautifully decorated churches and wayside shrines. Religious people celebrate the Resurrection and turn Easter Week in Imst into a moving experience, with atmospheric customs. In Imst, Easter celebrations focus on the old shrine on Imst’s Calvary, the “Imster Bergl”. People process past

here carrying palms on Palm Sunday, the faithful come here on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. The Plague Chapel features an imaginative shrine, St John’s Church holds a traditional Easter concert and brings the Easter celebrations to a close with the torch-lit procession to Imst Parish Church.

INFO

All dates can be found at www.imst.at

SOS Children's Village

The world's first SOS Children's Village in Imst is the origin of an idea that has changed the whole world.

It is now 70 years since a stone was set rolling in Sonnberg in Imst that still moves the whole world today. Her mann Gmeiner founded the first SOS Children's Village with a handful of like-minded visionaries in 1949. Today, more than 550 SOS Children's Villages exist in 135 countries, giving children in need a loving home with dignity and warmth. Hermann Gmeiner died at the

age of 66 and was buried on the SOS Children's Village's grounds in Imst at his own request. The themed trail traces the origins, development and distribution of the SOS Children‘s Village‘s programme and addresses topics that contribute to a happy childhood and raise awareness for young people‘s issues and rights. The range on offer addresses all age groups in an interactive, partly playful way.

More information on the themed trail can be found on www.imst.at

SOS Children's Village archive

“Am Stadtplatz” watercolour by Karl von Lutterotti

Famous people

People you know, or should do. Many people don’t know that Imst is home to famous sculptors, painters and wordsmiths.

Thomas Walch 1867–1943

Thomas Walch was born in Imst and worked as a painter. He was awarded a diamond pin by Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1909, worked as a voluntary war artist in the First World War, from 1914 to 1916 and then returned to his home in Imst and founded Imst Museumsverein.

Works: “Blick in die verlorene Heimat”

“Hirtenbub auf Hochalm mit seinen Ziegen” “Die Heimatlosen”

Karl von Lutterotti 1793–1872

After a dull job as a civil servant, Karl von Lutterotti devoted himself to researching ethnology and dialects. He created numerous vernacular poems, landscape sketches and paintings that are regarded as masterpieces. A memo rial was erected in Postplatz, Imst, in Lutterotti’s honour.

Works: 1848 dialogue “Die Zeitverhältnisse” 1848 dialogue “Gespräche über die Herren” 1928 poem “Der St. Nikolausmarkt in Imst in 1829” 1809 poem “Der Koatlackler Auszug”

1830 watercolour “Imst Schemenlaufen am Stadtplatz”

Franz

Xaver Renn I

1784–1875

The Imst-born sculptor was primarily a sacred artist, working on altars, altar figures and church accoutrements. His son, Gottfried Renn, was also known as a sculptor in wood and stone. Franz Xaver Renn taught Johann Grissemann, amongst others.

Works: 1813 Figures on Häselgehr Parish Church’s high altar

1832 Figures and reliefs in St Joseph’s Parish Church in Biberwier

1843/1845 Altar figures in Sautens Parish Church

1840 Figure of St Michael in the chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows in Brand in Berwang

1850 Figure of Madonna with crescent moon in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity in Gröben in Berwang

Alfons Gorbach

1898–1972

From 1961 to 1964, the native of Imst and Austrian People’s Party politician was Austrian Federal Chancellor. After his father was displaced in 1900, Gorbach grew up in Wörschach, in the Ennstal valley, Styria.

Citations and honours:

1954 and 1960 Gold Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria

1965 Lifetime Honorary Chairman of the Austrian People’s Party

1971 Honorary Ring of the Province of Styria

1972 Appointed an honorary citizen of the city of Graz 1978/1980 Bronze statue in Graz financed by donations

1982 Square in Graz named Gorbachplatz

1983 Gorbachgasse in Oberradlberg, St. Pölten named in honour

Franz Kranewitter

1860–1938

The dramatist from Nassereith wrote poems during his early school days and published his first drama “Um Haus und Hof” in 1895.

Works: 1890 “Kulturkampf”, Epic poem. 1895 “Um Haus und Hof”, Folk play. 1902 “Andreas Hofer”, Play 1905–1925 “Die sieben Todsünden”, Drama cycle 1911 “Die Teufelsbraut”, Comedy 1919 “Das Eßkörbl”, Comedy 1922 “Emle”, Play

Johannes Raffl

1858–1927

Johannes Raffl came into the world in 1858, in Roppen, as the seventh of nine children. In 1879 he attended the Fran ziskanergymnasium school in Bolzano/ Bozen, was ordained a priest on 18 April 1921, and finally became a prince-bishop. 44 years to the day from his ordination, Raffl died in Bressanone/Brixen and is buried in Brixen Cathedral.

Photo credit: Johann Holzner: Franz Kranewitter (1860–1938), Innsbruck 1985 (ALO)

Elmar Kopp

1929 – 2020

Elmar Kopp learnt painting and sculpture at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, despite losing his right hand three years earlier. Since 1956, Kopp has been work ing as a freelance artist in Imst, creating works of art for public spaces.

Works: 1956 Fresco, The Entombment of Christ, St Michael’s Chapel, Imst 1965 Thomas Walch fountain, Imst 1984 Relief, 700 years of Imst, Imst Town Hall 1988 Paintings on the façade of Luise-Wallnöfer building, Imst 1988 Fountain with children’s scene, Innsbruck

Ernst Grissemann

Born 1934

The radio presenter, journalist and actor from Imst is also known as “The Voice” and he and his team founded radio broadcaster Ö3 in 1967. Grissemann’s voice, appearance and commentaries are also synonymous with Austrian cultural radio channel, Ö1.

Gerhard Jäger

1966–2018

The author of “Der Schnee, das Feuer, die Schuld und der Tod” made waves with his first work. The novel concerns a Tirolean mountain village, in which young historian Max Schreiber from Vienna arrives in 1950 and tries to get to the bottom of an almost 100 year-old mystery. The critics agreed that the language, form and storytelling are of an international standard.

Works: 2016 “Der Schnee, das Feuer, die Schuld und der Tod.”

2018 “All die Nacht über uns.”

Markus Köhle

Born 1975

The author, presenter and organiser from Nassereith is not only a practised poetry slammer but, together with Jörg Zemmler, is half of the musical and literary duo “Abendroth”. Köhle is also part of the “Sinn & Seife” readings in Innsbruck, on the event team at “Slammer.Dichter.Weit er.” and works for the newspapers “20er” and “DUM”.

Works:

2017 Jammern auf hohem Niveau.

2017 Wonnenbrand.

2016 Alles außer grau.

2015 Kuhu, Löwels, Mangoldhamster.

2012 Hanno brennt.

2010 Dorfdefektmutanten.

People make an impact on the world, let its stories take flight and influence its roots. A chance combination that gives rise to masterpieces. The Imst Outdoor Region repeatedly turns out to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration.

Imst Tourismus –Melitta Abber

How to speak and understand Tirolean

A crash course for visitors who don’t want to be outed as a tourist from the first “Hello”, during their holiday.

Greetings and small talk

Griaß-di, Griaß-enk, Griaß-eich = Grüß dich, Grüße euch = Hello Pfiat-di, Pfiat-enk, Pfiat-eich = Auf Wiedersehen = Goodbye

Griaß Gott = Guten Tag = Hello, how do you do?

Wiederschaun = Auf Wiedersehen = Goodbye

Wohea kimmschn du? = Du bist nicht von hier? Wo kommst denn du her? = You’re not from around here. Where are you from?

Incorrect greetings

Standard German “Tschüs“ should be avoided, if at all possible. More casual expressions, such as “Pfiat-di” or “Servus” are more popular.

At table and in the kitchen

Tiroler Kasspatzln = typical Tirolean spaetzle dish, with mature cheese and fried onions

Fleischkas = Leberkäse, Fleischkäse = meatloaf

Kaspressknedl = bread dumplings with onions and cheese, served in a soup, or as a side dish.

Verlängata = Verlängerter = a cup of coffee prepared with a lot of water

Kracherl = a sweet, carbonated drink made with herbs

Hot’s gschmeckt? = Hat es geschmeckt? = Did you enjoy the food/your meal?

Zohl’n bitte! = Zahlen, bitte! = We’d like to pay the bill, please.

Mogsch an Schnaps? = Would you like a (home-distilled) schnapps to end your meal?

Out and about

arschlings = rückwärts = backwards grodaus = gerade aus = straight ahead oche = hinunter = down auffe = hinauf = up ume = hinüber = across auße = hinaus = out oalig = eilig, gestresst = in a hurry, stressed

In company

Fesches Madle = ein hübsches Mädchen = a pretty girl Bua = Bub, junger Mann = young man, boy Haberer = Freund = friend Bussl = Bussi auf die Wange = kiss, peck on the cheek zua zwinkere = zuzwinkern = to wink at someone

Mogsch di her hockn? = Möchtest du dich gern zu uns setzen? = Would you like to sit with/join us?

Mogsch tanze? = Möchtest du tanzen? = Would you like to dance?

Was trinksch du? = Darf ich dich auf ein Getränk einladen? = What would you like to drink?

Worth knowing in everyday life

Mei schia! = Ach, ist das schön = Oh, that’s nice. Beware: under no circumstances should this be confused with “schiach” (nasty, mean)!

Na schiach! = So was schlimmes = How awful! (To express dismay) Isch des bärig! = Das ist ja toll = That’s great! (Has nothing to do with bears!) Na gea! = Das glaub ich ja nicht = I don’t believe it!

Ha? = Wie bitte? = Pardon? Excuse me? potschad = ungeschickt = clumsy Oachkatzlschwoaf = squirrel’s tail (and popular Austrian tongue-twister) Lota, Weibetz = How toilets are labelled for Men and Women in traditional mountain huts

How to swear in Tirolean

“Iatz schaugsch obar, dass Metar gwinnsch!” = It’s high time you made yourself scarce, otherwise things will get hairy around here.

“Verfluacht noamol eia.” and “Kruzifix noamol eia.” = Verflucht noch mal! = Damn it!

“Halt di Goschn.” = Sag jetzt besser keinen Laut mehr = Shut up!

“Hergottzagra, dea Beißzange isch aber a a Kretzn!” = Ja Wahnsinn, diese unfreundliche Person (meist Frau) ist ja ein Fluch = Crikey, this unfriendly per son (usually a woman) is a pain.

How to flirt in Tirolean

“Mogsch a Bussl?” = Darf ich dich auf die Wange küssen? = May I kiss you? “Hasch du zwoa verschiene Auge? Oans schianer wie’s andre.” = Have you got two different eyes? One is more beautiful than the other.

“Glaubsch du an die Liab aufn erschte Blick oder soll i noamal eia kemme?” = Glaubst du an die Liebe auf den ersten Blick oder soll ich nochmal reinkommen? = Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I come in again?

“I schmier dir oane” or “I fotz dir oane” = Run! Your chat-up line definitely hasn’t succeeded.

We look forward

Quality time among the mountain summits and valley stations - spend your holidays in the region of Tirol with the most to offer.

We will be delighted if you choose a vacation in Imst Outdoor Region and guarantee you a kingdom of glittering snow in the Alps, a stimulating cultural environment and an entertaining range of leisure activities. The Tirolean winter

wonderland is perfect, with several ski resorts, traditional mountain huts and more than 100 kilometres of winter hiking trails. Let it work its magic on you, catch the infectious après-ski fun and get swept up in the Carnival processions.

Hope to see you soon in the Imst Outdoor Region. Servus, Pfiat-di and Auf Wiederschaun.

Imprint

Published by: Imst Tourismus

Concept and design: West Werbeagentur, Imst Foto Titelseite: Imster Bergbahnen – Rudi Wyhlidal

Photos: West Werbeagentur, Imst Tourismus archive, see photo credits Amendments and printing errors reserved, careful research notwithstanding.