The torch of Innsbruck 1964 was designed by Ludwig Haselwanter and made in brass by Anton Fritz for a length of 61 cm. The inscription «IX. Olympische Winterspiele 1964» and the Olympic rings are engraved on the upper part of the torch. The handle is conical. For the first time and ever since then, the Flame was lit in Olympia; during its transport the torch was kept safe by two silver safety lamps with a burning time of 22 hours. The Innsbruck Games were threatened by a severe lack of snow. The Austrian army rushed to the rescue, carving out 60.000 blocks of ice from the mountain side and transporting them down to the track for sledding, bobsleigh and Alpine skiing. In Alpine skiing the timing of the hundredth of a second was introduced. Mongolia, India and North Korea made their debut at the Winter Olympic Games. For the first time, a bobsleigh track that used artificial ice was built for the Games and as a result the bobsleigh conditions became more controllable, and the competition lost much of its danger.

Eighteen-year-old Marielle Goitschel of France finished in second place behind her sister Christine Goitschel in the women’s slalom. Two days later, Marielle got her revenge and finished ahead of her big sister in the giant slalom. In the bobsleigh event, Italian Eugenio Monti distinguished himself by helping British duo Tony Nash and Robin Dixon win gold loaning them a replacement axle bolt. The Italian team was awarded with a bronze medal and Monti was awarded the first De Coubertin Medal for sportsmanship. The Opening Ceremony, inaugurated by President Dr. Adolf Schärf, was held at the foot of the Berg Isel, in the ski jump stadium. The Closing Ceremony was held at the Olympia Eisstadion, the rink used for figure skating and ice hockey.