The trade fair in the alpine city of Innsbruck – INTERALPIN – developed along with the expansion of alpine technologies, as well as the increasing number of tourists visiting Tirol in winter, to become the world‘s most sought-after meeting place for the industry with an unparalleled global appeal.

A success story

Looking back at the early years shows just how rapidly INTERALPIN’s popularity grew. Within just a few years, what was initially just a small exhibition became the place for the whole industry to meet, attracting attendees from all over the world.

In 1974, a small presentation of products from the ropeway industry took place at the Kurhaus in Igls, which now falls under the CMI in the form of the congresspark Igls, as part of the then “International Ski Congress”.

One year later, then taking place at the Innsbruck Congress Centre, the exhibition was given the name INTERALPIN.

Extension to four days

In 1977, it was held for the first time as an independent event under the tagline “Trade Exhibition for Winter Service Equipment“ with 72 exhibitors and an audience hailing from over 20 nations. In 1978, the number of exhibitors rose again to 84 companies, and in 1980 to 120.

“From this point onwards, INTERALPIN’s success story was unstoppable. When Congressm Innsbruck was bursting at the seams at the beginning of the new millennium, INTERALPIN moved to Messe Innsbruck in 2002, where it is still held today and is continuously being expanded,” says the Project Manager of the trade fair, Stefan Kleinlercher. 

In 2023, INTERALPIN welcomed over 35,000 trade visitors from approximately 130 nations with around 650 exhibitors from over 50 countries.

Due to the high demand, INTERALPIN organiser Congress Messe Innsbruck (CMI) and the key industry players have jointly decided to extend the 25th edition of the trade fair by one day.

The extension to four days will bring additional exchange and content offerings for visitors. Kleinlerchner is convinced that the extension will increase the added value of the trade fair. This provides even more opportunities for intensive discussions and a high-quality trade fair visit.

Preparations for the anniversary edition 2025 are in full swing

On the opening day, the Austrian Ropeway Conference presented by the Austrian Ropeway Association will take place, and will also include the opening ceremony. The first day will conclude with the festive INTERALPIN Snow Crystal Gala.

On day two and three visitors can attend the INTERALPIN Inspiration Days. This part of the program will highlight and discuss current topics in the industry with highcalibre keynote speakers and expert presentations.

The General Assembly and seminar by the International Organization for Transportation by Rope (OITAF) is also a popular fixture. An  INTERALPIN delegation will also be present at this year‘s OITAF International Ropeway Congress from the 17th to the 21st of June in Vancouver (Canada).