Question 1

What is SKInnovation?

Accepted Answer

SKInnovation is the startup conference on skis - a 2½-day conference in the Tyrolean Alps that brings startups, investors, corporates and ecosystem builders together on and around the slopes.

It's open to every industry and built around real work: pitching, 1-on-1 meetings, masterclasses and hands-on networking, with skiing as the format, not a side event.

Question 2

When and where does SKInnovation take place?

Accepted Answer

The next edition runs 10-12 March 2027 in Innsbruck and the Axamer Lizum ski area, with the main venue at the Hoadlhaus at 2,340 m. All travel and venue details are on the Plan your trip page.

Question 3

Who is SKInnovation for?

Accepted Answer

SKInnovation is built for startups (mostly pre-seed and seed), investors (VCs, business angels, corporate VCs), corporates and ecosystem players like accelerators, incubators and universities. At the 2025 edition, around 950 people attended - roughly 70% from the DACH region and 30% from the rest of Europe and the US.

Question 4

Do I need to know how to ski or snowboard?

Accepted Answer

No. Skiing or snowboarding is never a requirement to attend SKInnovation. You can reach every location and take part in the full programme without them - the only exceptions are a small number of on-slope sessions. Most attendees who don't ski spend the day around the Hoadlhaus at 2,340 m, join the hosted lunches, and use the format for focused networking.

Question 5

What language is SKInnovation held in?

Accepted Answer

The programme language will be confirmed before the next edition. Details are updated here as soon as they are finalised.

Question 6

Is there a SKInnovation Italy Edition?

Accepted Answer

A separate SKInnovation Italy Edition is being prepared. Dates, location and how to attend will be shared here and on our channels as soon as they are confirmed.

Question 7

What ticket categories are there?

Accepted Answer

There are four main categories: Startup, Investor, Corporate and Attendee. The Startup ticket is intentionally the most affordable one so that early-stage founders can join. Detailed pricing per category will be published as soon as it is confirmed.

Question 8

Is a ski ticket included in my ticket?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A 2-day ski ticket for Axamer Lizum is included in every SKInnovation ticket - you don't need to buy a separate lift ticket for the two main conference days. Discounted lift tickets are only available for the community ski day on Saturday. For any other additional day, regular lift tickets can be bought at the base station.

Question 9

What's included in my ticket?

Accepted Answer

Your ticket includes the full conference programme, the 2-day ski ticket for Axamer Lizum, all networking sessions and the 1-on-1 meetings, the Welcome Evening dinner, and drinks at the closing party. Depending on your ticket type there are additional benefits (for example a booth slot at the Startup Fair for startup tickets). Travel, accommodation and equipment rental are not included.

Question 10

Are there scholarships or discounted startup tickets?

Accepted Answer

Yes - we work with scholarship sponsors to offer a limited number of supported startup tickets each edition. The exact application process and available slots are announced here as soon as they are set.

Question 11

Can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Tickets are non-refundable but transferable. If you can't make it, you can pass your ticket on to a colleague - just let us know in advance so we can update the details.

Question 12

What's the best way to travel to Innsbruck?

Accepted Answer

The best way to get to Innsbruck is by train. ÖBB (Austria) and Deutsche Bahn (Germany) both run frequent connections from all over Europe. If you prefer to fly, Innsbruck Airport is the closest option; Munich and Vienna are the main long-haul alternatives, and Memmingen or Verona also work well and are often cheaper. If you come by car, note that parking in Innsbruck is limited and day parking can get expensive - many hotels offer parking, but check in advance. All routes and current tips are on the Plan your trip page.

Question 13

Where should I stay?

Accepted Answer

We recommend staying in Innsbruck - the city is compact, well connected to the ski area and where most of the evening programme happens. We have hotel partnerships that unlock special SKInnovation rates and contingents. These are limited and only bookable until a certain cut-off date, so booking early is the safest option. The full list of partner hotels and current deals lives on the Plan your trip page.

Question 14

When is the check-in open?

Accepted Answer

Check-in opens the evening before the conference and stays open throughout the two main days on the mountain, so you can pick up your badge whenever it fits your schedule. Exact opening times and the precise pick-up point at the base station will be confirmed here before the event.

Question 15

Do I need my own car to get to the ski resort?

Accepted Answer

No. You don't need a car to reach the ski area or take part in the programme. SKInnovation shuttle buses run between Innsbruck and Axamer Lizum. Shuttle seats have to be booked in advance and are part of the ticket flow - you can add a fixed seat directly when you buy your ticket, there's no separate email later on. On top of that, public buses run to Axamer Lizum very frequently. Full timetables and current shuttle info are on the Plan your trip page.

Question 16

Where can I rent ski or snowboard equipment?

Accepted Answer

You can rent skis, snowboards, boots and helmets both in Innsbruck and directly at the base of Axamer Lizum - whichever fits your travel plan better. Any current SKInnovation rental deals are listed on the Plan your trip page.

Question 17

What should I pack and what's the weather like?

Accepted Answer

Expect alpine winter weather on the mountain - layers, warm ski clothing, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen for the day, plus business-casual for the evening and networking programme. A more detailed packing guide will be shared before the event.

Question 18

What's on the program?

Accepted Answer

The core formats are the Ski Lift Pitch, the Startup Fair at around 2,300 m, ski-hut talks and masterclasses, Snow Captains guiding networking groups on the gondola and slopes, 1-on-1 meetings, panel discussions, the Hoadl Sundowner party, the Ski Race, a guided Ski Tour, and yoga at 2,300 m. The full agenda is published closer to the event on the schedule page.

Question 19

What is the Ski Lift Pitch?

Accepted Answer

The Ski Lift Pitch is our signature format: founders pitch to a curated investor inside a chairlift, one-on-one, for about 6 minutes per ride. It's a full pitching slot with no distractions - and no way to escape the conversation until the top station.

Question 20

Is there an event app and networking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All ticket holders get access to our networking and 1-on-1 meetings, so you can plan who to meet and find the right people before you arrive. The exact tools and how to log in will be shared with ticket holders ahead of the event.

Question 21

Who can apply for the Ski Lift Pitch?

Accepted Answer

Any startup with a working product or a strong prototype can apply. We curate a mix of stages and industries to keep the chairlift conversations interesting for founders and investors.

Question 22

How long is each pitch?

Accepted Answer

Exactly one chairlift ride - around 6 minutes, one-on-one with an investor or corporate.

Question 23

Who are the judges?

Accepted Answer

Investors, corporate innovation leads and ecosystem partners attending the conference. The full panel is announced in the weeks leading up to the event.

Question 24

When is the application deadline?

Accepted Answer

Applications close roughly four weeks before the conference. Apply early - slots are limited.

Question 25

How can my company become a partner or sponsor?

Accepted Answer

We offer partner packages at several levels, from ecosystem partnerships to full main sponsorships, always tailored to your goals. The fastest way to explore this is to reach out to Valentin Spörk, Head of Partner & Events, at valentin@skinnovation.at . You can also browse the current setup on the Partner page.

Question 26

How do startups join or apply for the Startup Fair?

Accepted Answer

As a startup you first book your Startup ticket, then optionally add a booth slot at the Startup Fair at around 2,300 m. The exact application and selection process will be confirmed here as soon as it is finalised.

Question 27

How do I apply as a volunteer?

Accepted Answer

We open volunteer applications a few months before the conference. Watch the Jobs page or subscribe to the newsletter to be the first to hear when it opens.

Question 28

What perks do volunteers get?

Accepted Answer

Volunteers get free conference access, meals on shift days, and an unmatched behind-the-scenes view of how SKInnovation is built.

Question 29

How much time do I need to commit?

Accepted Answer

We typically ask for two to three shifts across the conference. Outside your shifts, you're free to enjoy the programme like every other attendee.

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