Fulpmes

Fulpmes, in the Stubai Valley, is one of the nearest ski areas to Innsbruck (20km) and is connected by train. It is part of a shared lift pass, the 'Innsbruck Glacier' pass, which totals 130km and includes the Stubai Glacier, one of the biggest and best in the world. Fulpmes itself only has limited skiing (20km), which best serves beginners (good nursery slopes) and early intermediates. This is not directly accessible from the village centre. Better skiers should head for the glacier and its 55km of longer runs, some moguls and occasional powder. There are a couple of tough runs at the local Schlich Mountain, but not enough for a day's hard skiing.

The scenery in the valley is superb and Fulpmes makes a good quiet spot from which to explore the other road-linked areas (including Neustift and Igls). The only problem is the infrequency of the connecting buses. Fulpmes has a good range of off-snow stuff, particularly with Innsbruck so close. If you buy the Super Skipass, you can have a day's skiing at Kitzbuehel or one of the Arlberg resorts.

Overall, Fulpmes is very convenient as a resort with guaranteed snow at the glacier, but not ideal for piste-bashers.