In the right place at the right time: that's a brief description of how Interalpin came about. The trade fair in the alpine city of Innsbruck 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 look 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”.
A success story
One year later, then taking place at the Innsbruck Congress Centre, the exhibition was given the name Interalpin. 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 Congress 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 Stefan Kleinlercher, Project Manager of the trade fair. In 2023, Interalpin welcomed over 35,000 trade visitors from approx. 130 nations with around 650 exhibitors from over 50 countries.
Preparations for the anniversary edition 2025
From the 6th to the 9th of May 2025, Interalpin will once again provide a platform for the latest innovations and hot topics in the industry. 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. The Interalpin Inspiration Days on days two and three will highlight and discuss current topics in the industry with high-calibre 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 represented at this year's International Organization for Transportation by Rope (OITAF) International Ropeway Congress from the 17th to the 21st of June in Vancouver.
More information about Interalpin can be found at www.interalpin.at
