Question 1

What is SKInnovation?

Accepted Answer

SKInnovation is the startup conference on skis - 2½ days in the Tyrolean Alps where around 950 startups, investors, corporates and ecosystem players trade the conference hall for a gondola at 2,340 m.

Every industry, one setting: pitching, 1-on-1 meetings, masterclasses, ski-hut talks and the kind of networking that actually sticks - because it happens on the slope, in the lift line and at the Sundowner, not across a booth table. Skiing isn't the side event here. It's the format.

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 (primarily pre-seed and seed), investors (business angels, VCs, corporate VCs), corporates and ecosystem players like accelerators, incubators and universities - across every industry. At the 2026 edition, around 950 people joined us: roughly 70% from the DACH region, 30% from the rest of Europe and beyond. What holds it all together is networking. In a world where the first touchpoint is an AI-written message, we build the opposite: three days where you actually meet the people behind the profiles. Real connections, curated but never cringe.

Question 4

Do I need to know how to ski or snowboard?

Accepted Answer

No - skiing or snowboarding is never a requirement. You can reach every venue and follow the full programme without ever clipping into a binding. Honestly, it tends to be the other way round: with keynotes, masterclasses, the Startup Fair, matchmaking and 1-on-1 meetings, ski-hut talks, get-togethers and the evening programme running throughout, you have to actively block time to get some runs in. Non-skiers spend the day around the Hoadlhaus at 2,340 m and use the gondola to move around - same conversations, warmer boots.

Question 5

What language is SKInnovation held in?

Accepted Answer

English. Every talk, every session and all of our communication run in English - no exceptions. SKInnovation is an international conference: around 70% of our participants come from the DACH region and 30% from beyond, so English keeps everyone in the same conversation.

Question 6

Is there a SKInnovation Italy Edition?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SKInnovation Italy returns for its second edition in December 2026 in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy - a smaller, boutique-sized sister edition with its own programme and its own tickets. Everything about it lives on italy-skinnovation.it.

Question 7

What ticket categories are there?

Accepted Answer

There are five categories: Startup, Investor, Corporate, Ecosystem and Attendee. The Startup ticket is deliberately the most affordable one, so early-stage founders can be in the room. On top of that, the COMBI ticket bundles your SKInnovation 2027 pass with a ticket for SKInnovation Italy. All categories and what they include are on our Tickets page - 2027 sales open soon.

Question 8

Is a ski ticket included in my ticket?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A 2-day lift ticket for Axamer Lizum (Thursday and Friday) is included in every SKInnovation ticket, so you don't need a separate lift pass for the two conference days on the mountain. And if you want one more day on the slopes: discounted lift tickets are available for the Community Ski Day on Saturday.

Question 9

What's included in my ticket?

Accepted Answer

Every ticket covers the full conference programme, the 2-day lift ticket for Axamer Lizum and access to the networking app. Travel, accommodation and equipment rental are not included. Beyond that, inclusions differ by ticket category - some sessions and formats are only open to certain categories. You'll find the details per category in the event programme and on our Tickets page. A booth at the Startup Fair is not part of any ticket; it's booked separately as an add-on.

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 can be cancelled - how much comes back depends on when. In short: cancel within 14 days of buying and you get the full price back, up to one month before the event 75%, up to two weeks before 50%, and within the final two weeks 25%. Once the conference has started, tickets are no longer refundable. You can also pass your ticket on to someone else - just check with us first so we can update the details. The binding rules are in our Terms & Conditions.

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 on Wednesday, the opening day, from 15:00 at the Agnes Heller Haus at the University of Innsbruck. On the two conference days you'll find us up in the ski area, at the base station in Axamer Lizum. Pick up your badge whenever it fits your schedule.

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 to take part in the programme. SKInnovation shuttle buses run between Innsbruck and Axamer Lizum, and public buses go there very frequently on top of that. Shuttle seats are booked in advance as part of the ticket flow - you can add a fixed seat directly when you buy your ticket. If you do drive up: parking spaces in Axamer Lizum are limited, so you can reserve a fixed parking spot during checkout as well. 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

Layers, warm ski clothing, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen for the day on the mountain, plus something business-casual for the evening and networking programme. Keep in mind that all of this happens at 2,340 m, where the weather can swing from sunshine and short sleeves to chilly - sometimes within the same day. Pack for both ends and you're set.

Question 18

What's on the program?

Accepted Answer

The core formats are the Ski Lift Pitch, the Startup Fair at 2,340 m, ski-hut talks and masterclasses, Snow Captains guiding networking groups up the gondola and down the slope, 1-on-1 meetings, panel discussions, the Hoadl Sundowner, the Après-Ski Party, the Ski Race, guided ski tours and yoga on the mountain - and plenty more formats on top. The full agenda goes live closer to the event on the Agenda page.

Question 19

What is the Ski Lift Pitch?

Accepted Answer

The Ski Lift Pitch is our signature format: startups pitch to selected investors inside the gondola, on the way from the valley up to 2,340 m. No stage, no side exits - just the ride up. It's a heavily curated format. Who shares a gondola with whom is matched in advance, which makes it a genuinely advanced step in the process rather than a lucky draw.

Question 20

Which pitch formats are there?

Accepted Answer

Every approved Startup ticket entitles you to pitch - in one of two formats. Funding Pitch: the funding-focused format in the gondola, with active investors who are ready to deploy capital. Curated matching, small groups, startups and investors only. Visibility Pitch: takes place in the Olympiabahn, with startups grouped by stage. The focus here is visibility rather than a term sheet - the whole ecosystem is on board, not only investors. Which format fits you is decided during the application, mainly based on your stage and your pitch deck. You can find the details on our Pitching page.

Question 21

Who can apply for the Ski Lift Pitch?

Accepted Answer

Every startup with an approved and purchased Startup ticket can pitch. You apply after buying your ticket, and we match you to the format that fits your stage. Your pitch deck matters most - it should clearly show your stage, traction and growth potential.

Question 22

How long is each pitch?

Accepted Answer

It follows a classic pitch structure: around 3-4 minutes of pitch, then Q&A. There's no to-the-second stopwatch - you're in a gondola, and the ride sets the frame. And it's not a 1:1 either: you pitch to a small group inside the cabin, startups and investors only.

Question 23

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 24

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 in is to reach out to Valentin Spörk, Co-Lead & Head of Partner, at valentin@skinnovation.at. You can also browse the current setup on our Partner page.

Question 25

How do startups join or apply for the Startup Fair?

Accepted Answer

A booth at the Startup Fair is part of the ticket flow: you book your Startup ticket and add a booth during checkout, as long as spots are still available. There are several booth categories - from a standing table up to a full premium stand, plus custom setups - and you can pick Thursday, Friday or both days. All categories and what they include are on our Exhibition page.

Question 26

How do I apply as a volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Volunteer applications open a few months before the conference. Everything we know so far is on our Volunteer page - or join the newsletter and we'll let you know the moment applications go live.

Question 27

What perks do volunteers get?

Accepted Answer

You work a set number of shifts - and get the whole conference in return: full event access, most of the programme as a participant, meals on your shift days, a volunteer certificate, a volunteer shirt, and a spot in the crew that makes one of Europe's biggest startup conferences happen. Plus the behind-the-scenes view nobody else gets. Many of our core team members started exactly here.

Question 28

How much time do I need to commit as a volunteer?

Accepted Answer

We usually ask for two to three shifts across the conference. Outside your shifts, you're free to use the event like every other attendee - sessions, networking, slopes included.

FAQ

All