The Piz Val Gronda (E5) lift opens up a new sub-area for freeriders in Fimbatal. Although there is a groomed 3km trail in the valley, the lift primarily serves as a link to the untouched powder. Numerous off-piste routes lead from the summit of Piz Val Gronda down into Fimbatal and then on to Gampenalp. That’s some 900 vertical metres of powder action! It goes without saying that here, as in all freeride areas, the “early bird” catches the best lines. Whoever makes it up to the top first can pick their line through the untouched freshies. The cable car offers heated seating for 34 skiers and snowboarders. Eight avalanche towers have also been installed here to counter the avalanche threat.
Two freeride hotspots on Palinkopf (2,864m)
From the mountain station of the Gampenbahn (E4) lift, there are also numerous off-piste lines available down to Gampenalp. The panoramic views across to the Fluchthorn (3,399 m) and Wildspitze, at 3,768m Tyrol’s highest peak, make for a truly authentic freeride experience here.
Ischgl is no longer the best-kept secret for freeriders
Granted, Ischgl is probably first and foremost known for its party. Yet the ski area’s advantages in terms of ski touring and off-piste freeride have also been obvious for some time now. 90% of the runs are higher than 2,000m above sea level, making Ischgl one of the most snow-blessed ski areas in the eastern Alps. As a result, you can take to the untouched sidecountry in many areas next to the groomed slopes. The lines down from Palinkopf have been a well-kept secret among freeriders for some time now. Although 30 years in planning and negotiations, the new cable car up to Piz Val Gronda since 2013 now truly ensures that Ischgl is without doubt one of the top 10 freeride areas in the European Alps.