Axams is a pretty, traditional Tyrolean village located on a sunny terrace above Innsbruck and surrounded by the breath-taking scenery of the Tirolean Alps. Both it and its neighbouring village of Gotzens share, the Axamer Lizum ski area 700 vertical metres above. This was a major centre for the Innsbruck Olympics of 1964 and 1976, hosting many of the downhill events. It's possible to ski back down to both villages when snow cover is adequate on black and red runs. The Axamer Lizum ski area suits all standards but there is no slopeside resort, just one very nice four star hotel and several restaurants. Most people choose to stay down in Axams, Gotzens or even Innsbruck. All villages, the city, seven surrounding ski areas and a bus service connecting them all are included in a multi-region pass.
Mountain
The main Olympic ski site, Axamer Lizum, has a relatively modern funicular and nine ski lifts serving a 762m (2,477 ft.) vertical. There is a variety of terrain, mainly of the intermediate persuasion, although there's some challenge in emulating the championship courses. There are two much longer runs to be reserved for day's end (not served by lifts) which end in the neighbouring villages of Axams and Gotzens. There is a small nursery area with drag lift in Axams but most beginners will head up to the base area at Axamer Lizum where the good ski school works on wide, sunny plateaus. Intermediates will find the most to enjoy here with 40km (25 miles) of mostly intermediate level cruising) on wide, sunny slopes. There are black level attractions however, including the men's Olympic slalom run from Birgitzkopfl and local guides will be keen to show you off piste routes from the top of Hoadl after fresh snow has fallen. Most intermediate level skiers or above staying more than 48 hours will wish to purchase the 'Glacier Lift Pass' however, which includes the lifts and runs of eight ski areas around Innsbruck are available on the, including as it does the glacier lifts on the Stubai, open 365 days a year for guaranteed skiing. The areas are scattered at distances varying from 15 to 60 minutes travel time from the city centre. Free scheduled ski buses pick up at points convenient to the main hotels and proceed via a central transfer point to all the ski areas. The single lift pass, valid for all eight ski areas, offers some of the best value in European skiing. The premium "Super Ski" variant from the basic lift pass throws in a day's skiing in Kitzbühel and St. Anton (Arlberg Region) including the one-hour transfer. Innsbruck has been unfairly branded a wimpy destination for skiing, although it is true that the mountains offer predominantly intermediate territory. However, only a few very skilled skiers are up to the narrow steep crétes and couloirs atop the Hafelekar, and locals can point out lots of other challenges at Stubai. A funicular from Innsbruck city centre runs to the Hungerberg plateau and a two stage gondola carries on to the Seegrube-Hafelkar area on the Nordkette mountain range. Midway, the Seegrube is good beginner and intermediate terrain, favored by Innsbruckers on their lunch-break. Signs warn that only very skilled skiers should proceed to the top. The Patscherkofl is the other of the two Olympic ski sites extending above the plateau village of Igls, and is the location of "Kaiser" Franz Klammer's famous all-out victory in the 1976 Men's Downhill. This run is accessed by an aging two-stage gondola, due soon to be replaced by a detachable quad, and snowmaking has recently been installed. There are a few other runs mainly in the trees. With 1,367 m (4,442 ft.) of vertical, the Glungezer area at Tulfes is best for long cruising runs. At a peak altitude of 3,240 m (10,532 ft), the Stubai glacier area has 1,474 m (4,790 ft.) vertical spread over a broad area served by 19 lifts. In bad weather, conditions can be severe, but the area guarantees skiing in Innsbruck throughout the winter (and the summer!). Stubai offers trails for all skill levels and some challenging off-piste runs. Finally the Schlick 2000 ski region above Fulpmes, served by a gondola and six T Bar lifts and recently added to the pass, offers varied and interesting skiing opportunities. The resort added a new ski jump stadium at Bergisel in September 2002. It is a state of the art facility with lifts for jumpers and visitors as well as a spectacular panorama café. The Kuhtai and Oberperfuss ski areas were added in 2004-5 There are long term plans to create a skiing link from Axamer Lizum to a new centre to be created at neighbouring Mutters.
Families
Axams is rather a good choice for families unless daycare is required for those under four, as there isn't a non-ski kindergarten only a ski kindergarten with child care provided by the ski school for children aged four or older. However the relaxed resort atmosphere, unintimidating local ski slopes, good choice of family friendly eateries from ice cream parlours to pizza and off slope attractions like the swimming pool and ice rink all make Axams good for most family groups. Short transfers from Innsbruck is another plus point and Innsbruck is good for a family day trip to the zoo or one of the cities many other attractions if anyone wants a break from the skiing.
Eating Out
There are 20 or so eateries around Axams ranging from simple cafes to sophisticated restaurants. For serious Austrian cuisine try the Alpengasthaus Adelshof, Bürgerstuben, Neuwirt or Kögele. The Lizumer Alm is a full-service restaurant serving hearty and delicious Tirolean home-style fare. There are three options for pizza (we're not far from Italy, after all) including the Restaurant Madonna and simply named Pizzeria. The Café and Italian Restaurant at the Axams Recreational Center serves homemade pizza and pasta as well as Tirolean specialties and international cuisine and does an evening home delivery service. Make sure you visit the newly-built Hoaldhaus panoramic restaurant which features a large winter garden and offers a panoramic view of Innsbruck and the Kalkkögel mountains. It is as worth a visit not only for the food and the views but also its own stylish architecture. There are two coffee shops, the Café Guglhupf and Cafe Günter which also serve snacks, sweets and other desserts as well as the Gelateria Ice Cream Parlor run by Marlene Leis on Stafflerstr.
Apres
There are half a dozen hotel bars in the resort and one dedicated pub - the First Pub on Syl.-Jordan-Strasse. Lizumstubn is a usually lively après ski hangout at Axamer Lizum whilst the rustic Stamperl has an excellent choice of beers and wines. The two night clubs are the Alte Mühle , which stages a Five O´Clock Tea Dance on Sundays as well as late night dancing; and the Disco Beiler on Pafnitz which is open until 2am.
Boarding
Snowboarders have a snowpark and to practice freestyle tricks on at Axamer Lizum. There's something for all ability levels here from first rate tuition for first timers through the off piste powder treats from the top of the Hoadl peak for the more advanced boarder accompanied by a guide. The long runs down to Gotzens and Axams through the trees open up plenty of exciting hits in the trees.
