Ischgl Ski Resort

Ischgl is one of the most popular ski resorts in Austria and world-famous for its Après Ski program! A real highlight are the concerts at the beginning and end of each season where world stars such as Elton John, P!nk, Jon Bon Jovi and Robbie Williams have performed before. The Tyrolean ski resort does not attract so many visitors merely because of its big party atmosphere. For excited skiers and snowboarders, Ischgl has lots to offer too! The 238 kilometers of slopes (148 mi) and 45 lifts of the Silvretta Arena, which lead all the way into Swiss Samnaun, make this ski region a dream come true! The elevation of over 90% of the ski resort is above 2,000 meters (6,561 ft), which gives Ischgl an unusually long season.

From the city center there are three lifts to take skiers and boarders up the mountain to the area called Idalp. This spot is the heart and soul of the ski resort. For beginners you will find easy terrain (slopes number 6,8 and 11), which is perfect for getting back in shape and practicing some more. Other blue marked runs can be found on the Swiss side of the region around Alp Trida mountain hut. Newcomers can reach these slopes by taking the Filmjochbahn chair lift from the Idalp.

The rest of the area is intended for experienced skiers and boarders because a huge part of slopes are marked as red and black pistes. For carving fans, the run through Velilltal valley (number 7) is a true highlight you should definitely not miss. The slope through the winter wonderland is perfect not only for skiing but also to enjoy a truly unique view of the Madlein mountain range. You can reach this slope from Idalp taking the Velillbahn chair lift or Gratbahn chair lift. Other beautiful intermediate descents can be found in the area below the Alp Trida mountain hut or alongside the Gampenbahn chair lift. A definite must is the eleven kilometer (6.8 mi) log run to the valley of Ischgl from the highest point of the ski resort, the Greitspitze at 2,872 meters (9,422.5 ft). Expert skiers have enough advanced terrain with black marked runs to enthusiastically rave out at the areas Pardatschgrat, Greitspitze as well as Palinkopf and Höllspitz, so no one will leave the resort insufficiently challenged.

If you want to see the whole ski resort in just one run you should try the Schmugglerrunde circuit. You will start at Idalp, pass Paznauner Thaya and Höllspitzm, and then reach Gampenalm. From Palinkopf you will take the 8 kilometers (5 mi) long descent into Swiss Samnaun. Here you can even take a quick break and shop duty-free. From there you traverse Greitspitze and Höllboden leading you straight back to Idalp.

Two terrain parks await the many freestyle skiers and boarders at Ischgl. Ischgl Snowpark at the lower Idalp is really long and has three areas for all different skill levels. The Obstacle Park of Samnaun (above Alp Trida) presents even experienced freestyle skiers and boarders with fun and exciting challenges.

If you need a break to sit, relax and get some food you have 14 mountain restaurants to chose from in Ischgl. The largest one is the self-serve restaurant Idalp with 480 seats and a large sun terrace. If you feel like Italian food, check out the self-serve restaurant Schwarzwand where you can choose between delicious pasta and pizza dishes. Traditional cuisine is served at the Vider Alp in a rustic and comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant Sattel uses mainly regional products while Bistro Gampen provides small snacks for the convenient between-the-meal-snack.

The steepest slope in Ischgl is the black marked slope No. 14a with a gradient of up to 70%. The run begins at the chair lift “Lange Wand”(long wall) at the Greitspitze. Ischgl also has the longest descent in the Alps called “Eleven”. From the highest point in the ski resort (9,422.5 ft) the more than 11 kilometers (6.8 mi) long slope leads you all the way back to the city center of Ischgl.

Just one minute from the city center you will find a natural ice rink next to the Silvretta cableway. You can skate or play a bit of hockey here.

The winter scenery in Ischgl can be discovered on many stunning hiking trails. The paths are groomedand marked with signs. The large selection offers tracks with lengths from 5 kilometers (3 mi) up to 11 kilometers (6.8 mi). A very nice tour would be the hike up to the Heidelbergerhütte mountain hut.

Adrenaline junkies can go paragliding or try hang-gliding and discover the ski resort from a new point of view. Every Monday and Thursday there is night sledging. Starting at the Silvretta cableway you have a more than 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) long area covering a vertical drop of about 950 meters (3116.7 ft) where you can sledge your way back to the valley. The track is open and illuminated until midnight. If you want to trade the cold for a nice warm environment you should check out the Adventure Pool at Silvretta Center which includes a wellness area, a bowling alley and a tennis center.

Ischgl and Après Ski – one cannot exist without the other! Après Ski was created here, at least that's what they say. The Après Ski party begins on the slopes at mountain restaurants and umbrella bars. Party people meet up at Paznauner Taja at the top station of the Paznauner Thayabahn chair lift. In the city center the party continues until the early morning hours. Right after the run to the valley you should stop by Trofana Alm or Kuhstall (cowshed). Schloss Lounge (castle lounge) combines modern design with a rustic mountain hut atmosphere. The Après Ski bar Freeride offers live music and even arranges theme parties!

Gourmets will not be disappointed in Ischgl. There are four highly rated restaurants, awarded by Gault-Millau. In the restaurant Stüva the famous Benjamin Parth will be cooking for you, one of the youngest star chefs in Europe! On his menu you will find creative creations as well as traditional dishes. The restaurant Mad offers food inspired by Asian cuisine. A rustic and homey atmosphere awaits you at Schlossherrenhof thanks to an old tiled stove and century old furnishings. The kitchen is famous for its regional and seasonal dishes. Last but not least, Paznauner Stube invites guests to enjoy their diverse menu. These restaurants are all that gourmets need to feel satisfied on their trip to Ischgl.

By car

To get there by car take the Inntalautobahn (A12) and the S16 (Arlberg highway). Take the exit Pians and from there continue on the Silvretta main road (Bundesstraße B188). In about 20 kilometers (12.4 mi) you should reach Ischgl.

By train

Take the train to the station Landeck-Zams. From there you can take the public service bus 4240 to Ischgl. The bus ride should take you about an hour.

By plane

The nearest airport would be Innsbruck. That is about 100 kilometers (62 mi) away from the ski resort (another 90 min. by car).