SAM Magazine—Innsbruck, Austria, May 12, 2025—Interalpin returned to Innsbruck, Austria, May 6–9 for its 25th edition, marking 50 years since the alpine technology and cable car trade fair was first held. Hosted every two years, the event brought together industry professionals from across Europe and beyond to discuss infrastructure, innovation, and the future of mountain tourism. Meissl Umbrella Bars team chat with SAM at their booth.This year’s edition featured an added fourth day and several new program elements.

There was ample optimism on the trade show floor coming out of the 2024–25 winter season, with many exhibitors reporting strong performance in the European market. At the same time, some European suppliers expressed concern about entering or expanding in the U.S. market, citing tariffs as a primary challenge.

The Interalpin Inspiration Days, held May 7–8, included sessions on the future of alpine tourism, AI and digitalization, sustainability, and urban transportation. In a future-focused session, representatives from Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, and Andorra presented strategies to manage the perception of over-tourism, expand year-round offerings, and strengthen regional mobility. National and regional tourism experts highlighted the need for strong public-private partnerships and the use of AI tools and data centers to monitor visitor flows, improve infrastructure planning, and assess mountain tourism’s economic impact.

Erik Mogensen, director of Indy Pass, also addressed the audience during the session. He spoke about why more U.S. skiers and riders are opting to take their mountain vacations in Europe. “Indy Pass holders are travel hungry,” said Mogensen, noting that Europe offers strong value for money on tickets, lodging, lessons and travel, as well as cultural experiences, a dynamic dining and après scene, and dramatic vistas. Indy Pass plans to add 50 European resorts to its partner network this year, supported by demand from a largely East Coast customer base.

A new addition to the event, the Inter-Alpine Natural Hazards Conference, ran concurrently to the trade show from May 5–7. It focused on risk management strategies for avalanches, landslides, and other threats to alpine environments and infrastructure, and brought together researchers, government agencies, and business leaders to explore mitigation practices.

The event also included meetings of international organizations, including the Austrian Cable Car Association; the International Organization for Transportation by Rope (OITAF); and the International Biathlon Union (IBU), which, along with its competition-related programs, addressed issues relating to sustainable snow management. 

The Snow Crystal Gala, on the evening of the opening day, marked the 50th anniversary of the event’s founding with an awards presentation and a historical look-back at mountain tourism innovation.