Ischgl (Austria)

Skiing in the Ischgl-Samnaun-Silvretta Arena

With more than 200km of slopes, the Silvretta Arena Ischgl-Samnaun is a well-known name in the winter sports world. Most of the ski area lies between 2000m and 2872m above sea level, providing guaranteed snow from November until early May. The ski area is dotted with mountain restaurants offering the best of Austrian and Swiss cuisine - yes, the Silvretta Arena is located right on the Austrian-Swiss border! A popular way to get to know the ski area is by doing the Smuggler's ski circuit. With three different levels for different skiing abilities, this ski circuit takes you through the various pistes of the Silvretta Arena. A Silvretta ski pass also grants you access to the slopes of Kappl, See im Paznauntal and Galtür, connected by free si bus.

Freeride and freestyle in the Silvretta Arena

Ischgl is well set-up for freestylers. The Jeep Ischgl Snowpark is among the best snow parks in Europe, with more than 30 kickers, jumps and boxes, a quarter pipe and a mega half-pipe. Meanwhile, freeriders will be in paradise at Ischgl. The Pardatschgrat has some beautiful off-piste lines. Since the 2013-14 ski season, Ischgl has designated a 100-hectare area for freeriding. Off-piste enthusiasts can take the Piz Val Gronda gondola to the top of the eponymous mountain, from where you can choose your own route through the powder snow down into the Fimba Valley and the Heidelberg Hütte.

Families and children

Although Ischgl does have several family-friendly hotels and a modest children's ski area, it's not the ideal ski resort for families with young children. For a ski holiday with the kids, we recommend destinations like Fiss or Ehrwald.

Ibiza of the Alps

Ischgl is legendary for its après-ski. Several times a year, Ischgl hosts a "Top of the Mountain" concert at the spectacular open-air Idalp stage, usually with a big-name international musician (past headliners include Lenny Kravitz, Jason Derulo and Alicia Keys). On ordinary days you can party at a variety of après-ski institutions such as the Kuhstall, Schatzi, Niki’s Stadl and the Trofana Alm. In terms of restaurants, you'll never go hungry at Ischgl. The Austrian ski resort has a world-class culinary scene with many Michelin-recommended restaurants.

Alternate activities

The region surrounding Ischgl has around 75km of cross-country trails, although most of these are not in the immediate vicinity of Ischgl. Winter hikers, on the other hand, have countless trails of all difficulties to choose from. Along the way there are 18 mountain huts where you can take a relaxing break. It's possible to hire a guide and undertake a multi-day tour. Other non-skiing activities at Ischgl include horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing, tobogganing (including night tobogganing), outdoor ice-skating and a water park. Adrenaline junkies can try out the Ischgl Skyfly zipline reaches speeds of up to 80km/h. If you prefer to relax, Ischgl is planning to open a wellness centre in the 2022-23 ski season.